MC-NRLF 


SB    SMD    5EB 


^ 


d 


56th  Congress,  ) 
1st  Session.      j 


SENATE. 


Document 

No.  221. 


REPORT 


OF   THE 


U.S. 

COMMISSION  APPOINTED  BY  THE  PRESIDENT  TO 


< 


INVESTIGATE  THE  CONDUCT  OF  THE 

WAR  DEPARTMENT  IN  THE 

WAR  WITH  SPAIN. 


MEMBERS  OF  THE  COMMISSION. 


Gen.  Grenville  M.  Dodge,  Iowa,  President. 
Col.  James  A.  Sexton,  Illinois. 
Col.  Charles  Denby,  Indiana. 
Capt.  Evan  P.  Howell,  Georgia. 
Ex-Governor  Urban  A.  "Woodbury,  Vermont. 
Brig.  Gen.  John  M.  Wilson,  Chief  of  Engineers, 
U.  S.  A. 


Gen.  James  A.  Beaver,  Pennsylvania. 

Maj.  Gen.  Alexander  McD.  McCook,  U.  S.  A. 

Dr.  Phineas  S.  Conner,  Ohio. 

Richard  Weightman,  Secretary. 

Lieut.  Col.  F.  B.  Jones,  Chief  Quartermaster  of 

Volunteers,  Disbursing  Officer. 
Maj.  Stephen  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


IN    EIGHT    VOLUMES. 

Vol.  1. 

minutes  of  meetings— report  to  president 
appendices. 


WASHINGTO 


GOVERNMENT     PRINTING     OFFICE. 


I  9OO 


'« 


XKW-VOttK 


&BTTU»^ 


v.  i 


i  • 


.« •   •  •  •  • 


»$F 


CONTENTS-VOLUME   1. 


Page. 

Minutes  of  meetings 3-104 

Report  to  President 107-233 

Appendices: 

A.  Secretary  R.  A.  Alger's  letter  to  President 237 

B.  President  William  McKinley's  letter  to  Commission 237 

C.  D,  E,  F.     Extracts  from  minutes  of  Commission 238 

G.     Letter  to  Secretary  of  War ..  239-244 

H.    Reply  of  the  Secretary  of  War . 244-249 

I.     Reply  of  the  Adjutant-General 253-266 

I3.     Statistical  matter  from  the  office  of  the  Inspector-General 269-424 

1 3.     Explaining  recent  changes  in  the  inspection  system  of  the  Army  _  427-432 

K.     Reply  of  the  Quartermaster-General . .  435-542 

L.     Reply  of  the  Commissary-General _  _ .  545-567 

M.     Reply  of  the  Surgeon-General . 571-734 


s 


m 


M102S93 


PROCEEDINGS. 


FIRST  DAY. 


War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  (7.,  September  24,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  in  accordance  with  the  request  of  the  President 
of  the  United  States  at  12  o'clock  noon. 

Present:  Gen.  Grenville  M.  Dodge,  of  Iowa;  Gol.  James  A.  Sexton, 
of  Illinois;  Col.  Charles  Denby,  of  Indiana;  Capt.  Evan  P.  Howell,  of 
Georgia;  Governor  Urban  A.  Woodbury,  of  Vermont;  Brig.  Gen.  John 
M.  Wilson,  Chief  of  Engineers,  United  States  Army;  Gen.  James  A. 
Beaver,  of  Pennsylvania;  Maj.  Gen.  A.  McD.  McCook,  United  States 
Army;  Maj.  S.  C.  Mills,  Inspector-General,  United  States  Army, 
recorder. 

Absent:  Dr.  Phineas  S.  Conner,  of  Ohio. 

The  Commission  having  met  for  the  purpose  of  organization,  Gen. 
Grenville  M.  Dodge  was  nominated  for  president  of  the  Commission, 
and  unanimously  elected.  General  Dodge  then  took  his  seat  as 
president. 

The  Commission  appointed  Mr.  Richard  Weightman,  of  Washington, 
D.  C,  secretary  of  the  Commission,  and  the  recorder  was  instructed  to 
call  upon  Mr.  Weightman  and  inform  him  of  his  appointment. 

It  was  resolved  that  for  the  present  the  deliberations  of  the  Commis- 
sion be  private,  and  that  no  information  as  to  the  proceedings  of  the 
Commission  be  given  out  save  by  the  president  of  the  Commission. 

The  president  of  the  Commission  was  authorized  to  employ  the  neces- 
sary clerical  force  and  procure  the  necessary  stationery  and  material 
for  the  use  of  the  Commission. 

Gen.  J.  A.  Beaver  was  appointed  the  examiner  of  the  Commission. 

The  recorder  was  directed  to  request  of  the  Secretary  of  War  the 
detail  of  a  captain  and  quartermaster  of  the  U  nited  States  Army  to  act 
as  disbursing  officer  for  the  Commission. 

The  recorder  was  instructed  to  obtain  from  the  President  of  the  United 
States  the  letter  from  the  Secretary  of  War  asking  for  an  investigation 
of  the  War  Department,  the  order  from  the  President  for  the  Commis- 
sion to  assemble,  and  the  address  by  the  President  to  the  Commission. 

It  was  resolved  that  the  hours  of  session  of  the  Commission  be  from 
10  a.  m.  till  12.30  p.  in.,  and  from  2  p.  m.  till  4  p.  m. 

The  Commission,  at  1  o'clock  p.  in.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock 
a.  m.  Monday,  the  26th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 
3 


4  INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

SECOND  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  September  26,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 

Present:  Gtea.:Greiiv{lle  M.  Dodge,  of  Iowa;  Col.  Charles  Denby,  of 
Indiana:  (iciii  A.  MclX  McCook,  United  States  Army;  Gen.  John  M. 
Wilson.  r;ilt<<I  s  at.s  Army;  Gen.  James  A.  Beaver,  of  Pennsylva- 
nia'; Governor  Drb&n  A.  Woodbury,  of  Vermont;  Dr.  Phineas  S.  Con- 
ner, of  Ohio;  Capt.  Evan  P.  Howell,  of  Georgia;  Col.  James  A.  Sexton, 
of  Illinois;  Mr.  Richard  Weightman,  of  Washington,  D.  C,  secretary; 
Maj.  S.  C.  Mills,  United  States  Army,  recorder. 

The  proceedings  of  the  previous  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 

Colonel  Denby  read  a  paper  setting  forth  his  views  as  to  the  proper 
course  of  investigation  to  be  pursued  by  the  Commission. 

Governor  Woodbury  said  that  the  question  was  how  to  begin  the 
investigation,  and,  as  indicated  at  the  last  meeting,  it  was  deemed 
proper  to  call  on  the  Secretary  of  War  for  all  the  information  he  can 
give  on  the  subjects  mentioned  by  Colonel  Denby  in  his  paper,  and  with 
a  view  of  going  to  work  on  this  line  of  investigation  he  had  drafted  a 
letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  which  he  offered  for  such  amendments 
as  might  be  thought  necessary.    The  letter  was  read  by  the  secretary. 

On  motion  it  was  ordered  that  a  typewritten  copy  of  the  letter  be 
prepared  for  each  member  of  the  Commission,  that  it  may  be  considered, 
and  such  amendments  as  are  desirable. 

General  McCook  inquired  if  a  copy  of  the  papers  from  the  President 
to  the  Commission  had  been  received. 

The  recorder  stated  that  a  request  had  been  made  for  the  papers,  but 
they  had  not  yet  been  received. 

General  Wilson  read  a  paper  giving  in  detail  the  information  desired 
of  the  various  branches  of  the  War  Department,  and,  after  discussion, 
it  was  ordered  that  it  be  included  in  the  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War 
as  a  memorandum  of  the  specific  information  desired,  and  that  a  type- 
written copy  of  the  same  be  furnished  to  the  members  of  the  Commis- 
sion. 

The  chairman  read  a  letter  received  from  E.  T.  Parker,  of  Washing- 
ton, making  charges  against  the  War  Department;  one  from  a  gentle- 
man from  Massachusetts  in  regard  to  the  mail  service,  and  one  from 
W.  Clark  Marshall  in  regard  to  corned  beef.  Also  a  statement  taken 
from  the  Washington  Post,  giving  charges  purporting  to  have  been 
made  by  the  chaplain  of  the  First  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  of  the  bad 
treatment  of  soldiers  at  Chickamauga. 

The  disposition  of  communications  received  was  discussed,  and  a 
form  of  letter  acknowledging  their  receipt  was  adopted;  also  a  form  of 
letter  calling  for  specific  information  in  cases  which  would  seem  to 
require  such  action. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  5 

Dr.  Conner  was  granted  leave  of  absence  for  forty- eight  hours. 

On  motion  it  was  ordered  that  the  afternoon  session  of  this  day  be 
devoted  to  a  visit  to  Fort  Myer. 

On  motion  it  was  ordered  that  the  president  of  the  Commission  be. 
authorized  to  give  to  the  press  such  information  as  to  the  proceedings 
of  the  Commission  as  he  may  in  his  discretion  think  best,  and  that  at 
the  proper  time  a  copy  of  the  letter  of  iaquiry  to  the  Secretary  of  War 
be  given  to  the  press. 

The  Commission,  at  12  o'clock,  adjourned  to  meet  to-morrow,  the 

27th  instant,  at  10  a.  m. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


THIED  DAT. 


War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  (7.,  September  27, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  with  all  the  members  present 
excepting  Dr.  Phineas  S.  Conner.  The  secretary  and  recorder  were 
also  present. 

The  minutes  of  the  preceding  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 

The  president  of  the  Commission  submitted  a  communication  from  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  giving  (1)  the  names  of  the  commis- 
sioners as  follows:  Maj.  Gen.  Grenville  M.  Dodge,  Iowa;  Col.  James 
A.  Sexton,  Illinois;  Col.  Charles  Denby,  Indiana;  Capt.  Evan  P. 
Howell,  Georgia;  Governor  Urban  A.  Woodbury,  Vermont;  Brig. 
Gen.  John  M.  Wilson,  U.  S.  A.;  General  James  A.  Beaver,  Penn- 
sylvania; Maj.  Gen.  Alexander  McD.  McCook,  U.  S.  A.;  Dr.  Phineas 
S.  Conner,  Ohio;  Maj.  Stephen  C.  Mills,  recorder;  (2)  the  following 

letter  from  the  Secretary  of  War : 

War  Department, 

Washington,  September  8, 1898. 
To  the  President: 

I  have  the  honor  to  ask  that  a  board,  consisting  of  from  five  to  seven  members  of 
the  most  distinguished  soldiers  and  civilians  that  can  be  selected,  be  appointed  by 
you,  with  full  power  to  investigate  thoroughly  every  bureau  of  the  War  Department 
in  connection  with  the  mustering,  clothing,  supplying,  and  arming  of  troops,  trans- 
portation, the  letting  of  contracts  and  chartering  of  vessels,  and  all  expenditures  of 
every  kind,  as  well  as  of  orders  issued  by  this  Department;  indeed,  that  everything 
connected  with  the  Army  be  thoroughly  investigated  for  your  information. 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 

and  (3)  an  address  by  the  President  to  the  Commission,  as  follows: 

To  the  Commission  Appointed  by  the  President  to  Investigate  the  Conduct  of  the  War 

Department  in  the  War  with  Spain. 

Gentlemen  :  Before  suggesting  the  matters  which  shall  come  before  you  for  inves- 
tigation I  desire  to  express  my  appreciation  to  each  of  you  for  your  willingness  to 
accept  the  patriotic  service  to  which  you  have  been  invited.  You  are  to  perform 
one  of  the  highest  public  duties  that  can  fall  to  a  citizen,  and  your  unselfishness  in 
undertaking  it  makes  me  profoundly  grateful. 


6  IN  nO»    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

There  has  been  in  many  quarters  severe  criticism  of  the  conduct  of  the  war  with 
Spain.  Charge*  of  criminal  neglect  of  the  soldiers  in  camp  and  Reld  and  hospital 
and  in  transpoi  ts  li;i  istent  that,  whether  true  or  false,  they  have  made 

a  deep  impression  upon  tin-  country,  It  is  my  earnest  desire  that  you  shall  thor- 
oughly Investigate  these  ohargot  and  make  the  fullest  examination  of  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  War  Department  in  all  of  its  branches  with  the  view  to  establishing 
tin*  truth  OX  falsity  of  these  accusations.  I  put  upon  you  no  limit  to  the  scope  of 
your  investigation.  Of  all  departments  connected  with  the  Army  I  invite  the  closest 
scrutiny  and  examination,  and  shall  afford  every  facility  for  the  most  searching 
Inquiry.  The  records  of  the  War  Department  and  the  assistance  of  its  officers  shall 
be  subject  to  your  call. 

I  can  not  impress  upon  you  too  strongly  my  wish  that  your  investigation  shall  he 
so  thorough  and  complete  that  your  report,  when  made,  will  fix  the  responsibility 
for  any  failure  or  fault,  by  reason  of  neglect,  incompetency,  or  maladministration, 
upon  the  officers  and  bureaus  responsible  therefor,  if  it  be  found  that  the  evils  com- 
plained of  have  existed. 

The  people  of  the  couutry  are  entitled  to  know  whether  or  not  the  citizens  who  so 
promptly  responded  to  the  call  of  duty  have  been  neglected  or  misused  or  maltreated 
by  the  Government  to  which  they  so  willingly  gave  their  services.  If  there  have 
been  wrongs  committed,  the  wrongdoers  must  not  escape  conviction  and  punishment. 

The  president  ordered  to  be  spread  upon  the  records  of  the  minutes 
that  the  Commission,  after  adjourning  yesterday,  met  at  Fort  Myer 
and  examined  the  hospital  there. 

The  president  announced  the  receipt  of  a  communication  from  W. 
W.  Howard,  of  1007  West  Ashland  street,  Los  Angeles,  Cal.,  inclos- 
ing two  clippings  from  a  Rochester  paper,  entitled  "An  attack  on  Camp 
Merritt — Its  location."  The  secretary  was  directed  to  make  the  usual 
ack  no  wled  gmen  t. 

The  secretary  read  to  the  Commission  the  letter  to  the  Secretary  of 
War,  as  follows : 

Washington,  D.  C,  September  26,  1S98. 
The  Secretary  op  War. 

Sir  :  Pursuant  to  authority  conferred  upon  us  by  the  President,  we  have  the  honor 
to  request  that  yon  direct  the  Adjutant- General,  the  Quartermaster-General,  the 
Commissary-General,  the  Surgeon-General,  the  Chief  of  Ordnance,  and  the  Chief  of 
Engineers  to  furnish  us  as  soon  as  practicable  information  as  to  the  condition  of  their 
several  departments  at  the  time  of  the  declaration  of  war  with  Spain  and  the  opera- 
tions of  those  departments  from  that  time  until  the  present.  We  desire  the  infor- 
mation to  include  the  following,  viz : 

(1)  The  times  and  places  of  the  mobilization  of  the  regular  and  volunteer  troops. 

(2)  The  organization  of  these  troops  into  the  various  subdivisions  of  the  Army, 
the  personnel  of  the  brigade,  division,  corps,  and  army  commanders,  and  of  their 
starts,  whether  appointed  from  the  permanent  establishment,  from  the  National 
Guard,  or  from  civil  life. 

(3)  The  amount  and  kind  of  camp  and  garrison  equipage  and  other  supplies  that 
were  on  hand  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  the  amount  subsequently  purchased,  when 
and  where  purchased,  when  and  where  delivered  to  your  Department,  and  when  and 
where  actually  issued  to  the  troops. 

(4)  Similar  information  in  regard  to  furnishing  the  troops  with  arms  and 
accouterments. 

(5)  Which  of  the  volunteers  were  armed  and  equipped  in  the  various  State  campsr 
and  which  in  the  general  camp. 

(6)  Upon  whose  recommendation  or  judgment  the  various  general  rendezvous 
were  selected,  and  the  reasons  for  such  selection. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  7 

(7)  Full  particulars  relative  to  the  transportation  of  troops  by  sea,  giving  an 
account  of  the  provisions  made  for  the  accommodation  and  care  of  the  sick  and 
wounded. 

(8)  An  account  of  the  quantity,  quality,  and  kind  of  food  furnished  the  troops; 
and  in  case  that  any  of  them  failed  of  being  plentifully  and  seasonably  supplied, 
state  the  reasons  therefor. 

(9)  As  to  the  proper  tentage,  beds,  linen,  medicines,  food,  and  all  other  necessary 
equipment  and  supplies  for  the  use  of  the  Hospital  Corps  of  the  Army.  If  there  was 
any  lack  of  these  things  at  any  time,  state  the  reasons  therefor. 

(10)  Whether  the  medical  staff  was  efficient  and  sufficient  at  all  times  for  the 
proper  care  of  the  sick  and  wounded ;  and  if  not,  state  the  reasons  therefor. 

(11)  Such  information  relative  to  the  conditions  and  operations  of  the  Ordnance 
and  Engineering  departments  as  will  be  of  value  to  us  in  our  investigation. 

We  have  outlined  briefly  a  portion  only  of  the  information  that  we  trust  you  will 
be  able  to  give  us.  It  will  be  satisfactory  to  have  it  communicated  to  us  in  writing, 
or  by  the  chiefs  of  the  several  bureaus  in  person,  with  the  submission  of  such 
records  confirming  their  statements  as  they  may  be  pleased  to  hand  us. 

To  aid  you  in  complying  with  this  request  there  is  submitted  herewith  a  list  of 
special  questions,  to  which,  so  far  as  is  possible,  answers  are  desired. 
Very  respectfully, 

Grenville  M.  Dodge,  President. 

INFORMATION  DESIRED  FROM   SECRETARY  OF   WAR. 

1.  Plan  of  campaign  proposed  immediately  after  the  declaration  of  war;  was  it 
intended  to  move  at  once  on  Havana,  or  that  the  campaign  should  be  postponed 
until  the  autumn? 

2.  When  was  the  Santiago  campaign  determined  upon? 

3.  Why  was  Tampa  selected  as  the  base  of  operations? 

4.  Why  were  summer  camps  organized  at  Fernandina,  Jacksonville,  and  Tampa? 

5.  When  was  the  Porto  Rico  campaign  determined  upon? 

6.  Why  were  the  troops  held  on  transports  after  embarkation  at  Tampa  and  not 
permitted  to  sail  for  several  days  ? 

INFORMATION  DESIRED  FROM   ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 

1.  Number  of  troops  available  for  duty  just  before  war  was  declared. 

2.  Number  of  men  enlisted  in  Regular  Army  under  authority  of  the  law  authorizing 
placing  it  upon  a  war  footing. 

3.  Number  of  volunteer  regiments  mustered  in,  number  of  officers  appointed,  and 
number  of  men  enlisted  under  the  first  call  of  the  President. 

4.  Number  of  volunteer  regiments  mustered  in,  number  of  officers  appointed,  and 
number  of  men  enlisted  under  the  second  call  of  the  President. 

5.  Maximum  number  of  officers  and  enlisted  men  in  the  regular  and  volunteer 
forces  during  the  war. 

6.  Number  of  officers  appointed  in  the  volunteer  service  in  each  staff  department 
during  the  war. 

7.  Number  of  regiments  of  regulars  and  of  volunteers  with  maximum  number  of 
troops  operating  in  Cuba  in  the  Santiago  campaign  with  the  organization  of  the 
command,  its  commanding  general,  corps,  division  and  brigade  commanders,  the 
number  of  officers  and  enlisted  men  killed  and  wounded,  and  the  number  who  have 
died  from  wounds  or  disease. 

8.  Number  of  regiments  of  regulars  and  of  volunteers  with  maximum  number  of 
troops  operating  in  Porto  Rico,  with  the  organization  of  the  command,  its  com- 
manding general,  corps,  division  and  brigade  commanders,  the  number, of  officers 
and  enlisted  men  killed  and  wounded,  and  the  number  who  have  died  from  wounds 
or  disease. 


8  11^  !l<)X    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

i  regulars  and  of  voluuteers  with  niaxinnun  number  of 
troops  operating  in  the  Philippine  Islands  with  the  organization  of  the  command, 
its  commanding  general,  corps,  division  and  brigade  commanders,  the  number  of 
officers  and  enlisted  men  killed  and  wounded,  and  the  number  who  have  died  from 
wounds  or  disease. 

10.  Location  of  camps  in  the  United  States,  by  whom  selected,  nnmber  of  regi- 
ini  nts  and  number  of  officers  and  enlisted  men  of  regulars  and  of  volunteers  at  each 
<  amp.  otgaail -ation  of  tamps,  names  of  commanding  generals,  together  with  names 
of  division  and  brigade  commanders,  length  of  time  each  camp  was  maintained,  and 
number  of  deaths  by  disease  at  each  camp. 

11.  Finally,  all  reports  of  officers  in  the  Inspector-Generals  Department. 

INFORMATION  DESIRED  FROM  QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 

1.  Upon  the  declaration  of  war,  was  the  organization  and  were  the  regulations  of 
the  Department  of  such  a  character  as  to  admit  of  the  prompt  equipment  and  move- 
ment of  troops? 

2.  How  many  officers  belonged  to  the  Department  when  war  was  declared,  and 
how  many  (with  their  rank)  have  been  appointed  in  the  volunteer  service  since  that 
timet 

3.  For  an  army  of  what  size  was  the  Department  prepared  to  folly  supply  all 
necessary  clothing,  camp  and  garrison  equipage  on  April  1,  1898. 

4.  Was  the  clothing  on  hand  and  ready  for  issue  to  troops,  and  that  previously 
issued,  of  a  character  suitable  for  use  in  a  tropical  climate? 

5.  What  amount  of  tentage  was  available,  and  were  the  troops  sent  from  garrison 
life  to  the  field  at  once  furnished  with  necessary  tentage  and  other  quartermaster 
supplies  necessary  for  use  in  camp  life  ? 

6.  What  steps  were  taken  for  fully  supplying  an  army  of  250,000  men  with  suitable 
clothing,  camp  and  garrison  equipage,  and  what  amount  of  material  of  each  kind 
had  been  obtained  and  what  amount  issued  up  to  August  31,  1898? 

7.  How  many  public  animals  and  how  many  wagons  with  harness  were  available 
April  1,  1898? 

8.  What  steps  were  taken  for  obtaining  animals,  wagons,  and  harness;  how  were 
they  obtained,  and  what  number  had  been  purchased  and  issued  by  August  31,  1898  ? 

9.  What  arrangements  had  been  made  previous  to  April  1, 1898,  for  the  rapid  move- 
ment of  troops  by  land  and  by  water? 

10.  What  arrangements  were  made  and  how  many  troops  were  actually  moved  by 
railroad  and  by  vessel  between  April  1  and  August  31,  1898? 

11.  Were  full  and  complete  arrangements  made  for  supplying  the  troops  operating 
in  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  and  the  Philippines  with  suitable  clothing  and  with  camp  and 
garrison  equipage  and  quartermasters'  stores  for  armies  operating  in  the  field? 

12.  How  many  and  what  vessels  were  purchased  or  chartered  for  transportation  of 
troops?  What  was  the  capacity  of  each  vessel?  Was  it  properly  arranged  for  the 
comfort  of  the  troops,  so  far  as  was  possible?  Was  there  a  full  supply  of  water  for 
use  of  troops  arranged  in  every  case,  and  was  each  and  every  vessel  carefully 
inspected  by  an  officer  or  agent  of  the  Department  and  pronounced  satisfactory 
before  troops  were  permitted  to  embark  ? 

13.  What  arrangements  were  made  for  the  disembarkation  of  troops,  when  there 
was  a  possibility  of  it  being  done  outside  of  a  harbor? 

14.  When  so-called  permanent  camps  were  located  for  a  large  force,  what  arrange- 
ments were  made  for  a  full  and  complete  supply  of  potable  water  for  use  of  troops? 
Were  tent  doors  furnished  in  any  cases  other  than  for  hospitals?  If  so,  where  and 
to  whom? 

15.  When  troops  were  moved  by  rail  for  long  distances,  were  there  any  arrange- 
ments made  for  a  supply  of  water?    Were  there  any  unnecessary  delays  in  the 

ments  of  troops  from  the  camps  established  on  the  return  of  the  Ajmy  from 
Cuba? 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  9 

16.  What,  if  any,  complaints  in  writing  have  been  received  by  the  Quartermaster- 
General  in  reference  to  the  prompt  compliance  with  proper  requisitions  or  complaints 
of  any  character  in  reference  to  the  operations  of  the  Department  in  connection 
with  the  movement  of  troopa.  the  issuing  of  proper  and  necessary  supplies,  or  the 
performance  of  any  duty  appertaining  to  the  Quartermasters  Department? 

17.  What  funds  were  at  the  command  of  the  Department  April  1,  1898,  and  what 
additional  funds  were  available  by  August  31,  1898,  under  general  or  special  legis- 
lation? 

INFORMATION  DESIRED  FROM  ORDNANCE  DEPARTMENT. 

1.  What  was  the  organization  of  the  Department  on  April  1,  1898? 

2.  How  many  arsenals  were  there  where  ordnance  materials  were  being  manufac- 
tured and  what  was  their  daily  capacity? 

3.  On  April  1,  1898,  what  were  the  conditions  in  reference  to  the  following : 

How  many  modern,  high-power,  heavy,  breech-loading  rifle  guns  were  available 
and  what  were  their  calibers? 

How  many  gun  carriages  of  each  class  were  available? 

How  many  12-iuch  B.  L.  rifled  mortars  were  available? 

How  many  12-inch  B.  L.  rifled  mortar  carriages  were  available? 

How  many  rapid-fire  guns  and  of  what  caliber,  together  with  their  mounts,  were 
available  ? 

How  much  black  powder  for  heavy  and  rapid-fire  guns  was  available? 

How  much  smokeless  powder  for  heavy  and  rapid-fire  guns  was  available? 

How  many  projectiles  for  each  class  of  high-power  guns,  rifled  mortars,  and  rapid- 
fire  guns  were  available? 

How  many  rifled  siege  guns,  howitzers,  and  mortars,  and  of  what  caliber,  with 
their  carriages,  were  available,  and  what  ammunition  was  ready  for  them?  Was 
the  powder  black  or  smokeless? 

How  many  rifled  field  guns  and  of  what  caliber,  with  their  carriages,  necessary 
harness,  etc.,  were  available,  and  what  ammunition  was  ready  for  them?  Was  the 
powder  black  or  smokeless? 

How  many  machine  guns,  with  their  mounts,  were  available,  and  what  ammunition 
was  ready  for  them?    Was  the  powder  black  or  smokeless? 

How  many  rifles  and  of  what  caliber  were  ready  for  issue  to  troops,  and  what 
amount  of  ammunition  was  ready?    Was  the  powder  black  or  smokeless? 

How  many  carbines,  how  many  pistols,  and  how  many  sabers,  with  belts,  etc., 
were  ready  for  issue,  and  what  amount  of  ammunition  for  the  carbines  and  pistols 
was  ready?    Was  the  powder  black  or  smokeless? 

How  many  sets  of  horse  equipments  for  cavalry  and  light  artillery  were  ready? 

How  many  knapsacks,  haversacks,  meat  cans,  tin  cups,  knives,  forks,  and  spoons 
were  ready  ? 

An  army  of  what  size  was  the  Ordnance  Department  prepared  to  completely  equip 
in  every  respect  ready  for  field  service,  with  necessary  artillery,  small  arms,  ammu- 
nition, and  all  articles  furnished  by  that  Department,  on  April.  1,  1898? 

4.  By  August  31  what  of  the  articles  mentioned,  in  addition  to  those  on  hand  April 
1,  had  been  obtained,  how  obtained,  and  how  much  had  been  issued? 

5.  What,  if  any,  complaints  in  writing  have  been  received  by  the  Chief  of  Ord- 
nance in  reference  to  the  prompt  compliance  with  proper  requisitions,  or  complaints 
of  any  character  in  reference  to  the  operations  of  the  Ordnance  Department  in  con- 
nection with  furnishing  necessary  armament  for  permanent  defenses  or  siege  and  field 
artillery,  rifles,  equipments  for  infantry,  artillery,  and  cavalry,  and  ammunition  of 
all  kinds? 

6.  What  funds  were  under  the  control  of  the  Department  April  1,  1898,  and  what 
additional  funds  were  available  by  August  31  under  general  or  special  legislation  ? 


10  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

INFORMATION    DESIRED    FROM   SUBSISTENCE    DEPARTMENT. 

1.  What  was  the  organization  oT  the  Subsistence  Department  April  1,  1898,  the 
number  and  rank  of  officers,  and  number  of  commissary  sergeants? 

2.  What  additions  in  number  and  rank  of  regular  officers,  and  what  number  of 
volunteer  officers  were  appointed  in  the  Subsistence  Department  between  April  1 
and  August  31 ? 

3.  On  April  1,  1898,  an  army  of  what  size  was  the  Subsistence  Department  pre- 
pared to  fully  supply  with  officers  and  the  necessary  field  rations,  and  of  what  does 
that  ration  consist? 

4.  Between  April  1  and  August  31,  1898,  what  arrangements  were  made  for  fully 
supplying  with  food  an  army  of  250,000  men  serving  in  the  field  and  in  camp?  What 
was  the  field  ration  and  what  was  the  ration  in  camp  ? 

5.  What  arrangements  were  made  for  supplying  the  army  in  Cuba,  the  army  in 
Porto  Rico,  and  the  army  in  the  Philippines,  and  of  what  did  the  ration  actually 
consist  in  each  case? 

6.  Were  the  troops  in  the  field  and  those  in  camps  fully  supplied  at  all  times  with 
proper  food?    If  not,  why  not? 

7.  What,  if  any,  complaints  in  writing  have  been  received  by  the  Commissary- 
General  in  reference  to  the  prompt  compliance  with  requisitions,  the  lack  of  food, 
poor  character  of  food,  or  complaints  of  any  character  whatever  in  reference  to  fur- 
nishing supplies,  or  the  performance  of  any  duty  appertaining  to  the  Subsistence 
Department? 

8.  What  funds  were  under  the  command  of  the  Department  on  April  1  and  what 
additional  funds  were  available  by  August  31,  under  general  or  special  legislation? 

INFORMATION  DESIRED   FROM   MEDICAL  DEPARTMENT. 

1.  What  was  the  organization  of  the  Medical  Department  on  April  1,  1898?  How 
many  officers,  with  their  rank;  how  many  hospital  stewards,  and  what  was  the  size 
of  the  Hospital  Corps? 

2.  How  many  ambulances  and  litters  were  available? 

3.  An  army  of  what  size  was  the  Department  able  to  completely  fit  out  with  medi- 
cal officers,  stewards,  and  hospital  corps,  and  necessary  surgical  instruments  and 
supplies  of  every  character? 

4.  Between  April  1  and  August  31,  1898,  what  steps  were  taken  for  fully  supply- 
ing an  army  of  250,000  men  with  all  necessary  surgeons,  stewards,  hospital  corps, 
ambulances,  litters,  surgical  instruments,  and  medical  supplies  of  all  and  every 
character? 

5.  How  many  general  hospitals  were  organized,  where  located,  how  equipped  and 
managed,  number  of  patients  and  number  of  deaths  in  each  case,  between  April  1 
and  August  31,  1898? 

6.  How  many  hospitals  were  established  at  various  camps ;  what  were  the  arrange- 
ments for  the  care  and  comfort  of  the  sick  and  wounded;  how  many  sick  were  cared 
for  at  each  camp  hospital,  and  how  many  deaths  occurred? 

7.  What,  if  any,  railroad  ambulance  trains  were  established;  where  were  they 
located  and  used? 

8.  How  many  hospital  ships  were  obtained ;  how  were  they  equipped,  how  managed, 
and  what  work  did  they  perform?  What  arrangements  wore  made  and  how  were 
the  armies  operating  in  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  and  the  Philippines  supplied  with  medi- 
cal officers,  medical  supplies,  and  food  for  the  sick  and  wounded? 

9.  What  number  of  surgeons  of  volunteers,  hospital  stewards,  nurses,  attendants, 
etc.,  were  employed  between  April  1  and  August  31  in  addition  to  those  in  the 
service  of  the  I  nited  States  on  April  1,  1898? 

10.  Were  all  vessels  used  in  transporting  sick  and  wounded  thoroughly  inspected 
by  a  medical  officer  before  troops  were  permitted  to  embark,  and  were  they  fully 
supplied  with  surgeons,  surgical  instruments,  medical  supples  of  every  character, 
potable  water,  und  proper  food  for  sick  and  convalescents? 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  11 

11.  Were  the  armies  operating  in  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  and  the  Philippines  fully  sup- 
plied with  efficient  surgeons,  stewards,  and  hospital  corps,  and  with  ambulances, 
litters,  surgical  instruments,  medical  supplies  of  all  kinds,  and  proper  food  for  the 
sick  and  wounded? 

12.  Were  the  chief  surgeons  in  the  various  camps  instructed  to  carefully  watch 
their  sanitary  condition,  to  look  after  their  cleanliness,  to  demand  the  proper 
supply  of  water,  to  test  the  water  as  to  its  character,  to  look  into  the  cooking 
arrangements,  to  locate  the  sinks  and  to  see  to  their  proper  care? 

13.  Why  were  regimental  hospitals  in  camps  abolished  and  division  hospitals  sub- 
stituted?   Were  the  results  satisfactory? 

14.  How  were  the  surgeons  employed  in  the  field,  in  camps,  and  in  general  hos- 
pitals selected?  Was  there  any  regular  examination  required,  and  as  a  rule  have 
they  proved  efficient  and  faithful? 

15.  How  were  the  hospital  stewards,  nurses,  and  attendants  selected? 

16.  What,  if  any,  complaints  in  writing  have  been  received  by  the  Surgeon- 
General  in  reference  to  the  prompt  compliance  with  requisitions,  the  lack  of  proper 
medical  attendance,  the  lack  of  surgical  instruments,  the  lack  of  proper  care,  food, 
and  water  for  the  sick  and  wounded  with  armies  in  the  field  or  with  troops  in  camp 
or  men  in  general  hospitals  and  field  hospitals  or  on  railroad  trains  or  transports  at 
sea;  in  fact,  what,  if  any,  complaints  have  been  made  in  writing  in  reference  to 
the  issuing  of  proper  supplies  or  the  performance  of  any  duty  appertaining  to  the 
Medical  Department  of  the  Army  ? 

17.  What  funds  were  at  the  command  of  the  Department  on  April  1,  and  what 
additional  funds  were  available  by  August  31  under  general  or  special  legislation? 

It  was  moved  and  carried  that  the  president  sign  and  send  the  fore- 
going letter,  and  that  a  copy  of  same  be  given  to  the  press. 

The  president  notified  the  Commission  that  he  would  be  absent  on 
Wednesday  and  Thursday  of  this  week,  and  General  Beaver  then 
moved  that,  in  the  absence  of  the  president,  Colonel  Denby  should  act 
as  president,  which,  upon  being  duly  seconded,  was  carried. 

The  president  stated  that  if  there  was  no  objection  Colonel  Denby 
should  be  given  the  title  of  vice-president,  and,  hearing  no  objection, 
the  president  so  announced  that  title. 

Upon  motion  of  Governor  Woodbury,  duly  seconded,  it  was  deter- 
mined to  allow  one  representative  of  each  of  the  press  associations  to 
be  present  during  the  examination  of  witnesses  by  this  Commission. 

It  was  ordered  by  the  Commission  that  the  stenographer  should  not 
record  all  the  remarks  made  by  members  of  the  Commission,  but  that 
the  regular  routine  work  of  the  proceedings  should  be  recorded. 

The  following  resolution  was  moved: 

Resolved,  First,  that  the  Secretary  of  War,  the  Adjutant-General,  the  Quarter- 
master-General, the  Commissary-General,  and  the  Surgeon-General  be  requested  to 
transmit  to  this  Commission  all  complaints  that  have  been  received  by  them  since 
April  1,  1898,  touching  the  conduct  of  the  war. 

Resolved,  Second,  that  this  Commission  invites  and  is  ready  and  willing  to  receive 
and  consider  any  complaints  about  the  management  of  any  of  the  various  branches 
of  the  War  Department  from  any  person  or  persons ;  that  we  respectfully  request 
that  such  complaints  be  made  in  writing,  stating  facts  that  the  party  may  know  of 
his  own  knowledge  plainly  and  in  detail,  giving  names  of  any  officers  or  enlisted 
men  who  may  be  charged  with  misconduct  or  incompetency,  addressed  to  the  secre- 
tary of  the  Commission  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


12  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

Upon  being  duly  seconded,  this  motion  was  carried. 

The  president  read  a  letter  from  William  N.  Hill,  M.  D.,  of  Balti 
more.  M<1..  stating  that  he  offered  last  spring  to  construct  portable 
buildings,  etc.,  which,  if  followed  out,  would  have  made  conditions 
better.  The  president  ordered  that  a  communication  be  sent  to  him 
acknowledging  the  receipt  of  the  letter  and  informing  him  that  the 
same  would  receive  proper  attention. 

Upon  motion,  duly  seconded,  it  was  resolved  to  make  the  salary  of 
the  secretary  of  the  Commission  $10  per  day,  and  his  expenses  while 
out  of  the  city  of  Washington,  D.  0. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 
to-morrow,  the  28th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


FOUKTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  September  28,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 

Present:  Col.  Charles  Denby,  vice-president ;  Gen.  John  M.  Wilson, 
United  States  Armyj  Governor  Urban  A.  Woodbury;  Capt.  Evan  P. 
Howell. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  proceedings  of  the  previous  meeting  were  read,  amended,  and 
approved. 

The  following  letters  were  read,  and  it  was  directed  that  they  be 
answered  on  the  proper  form,  1  or  2,  and  filed : 

W.  S.  Witham,  Swainsboro,  Ga.,  September  20. 

John  H.  McWilliams,  Celina,  Tenn.,  September  17. 

J.  S.  Bourdon,  Augusta,  Me.,  September  26. 

H.  Gottschalk,  Chicago,  111.,  September  24,  relative  to  Private  Peter 
Kramer,  Seventh  Illinois  Volunteers,  stated  to  have  been  sent  to 
Chicago  from  hospital  at  Montauk  Point  in  a  terrible  condition.  It 
was  directed  that  a  copy  of  this  letter  be  sent  to  the  commanding 
officer  at  Camp  Wikoff  with  a  request  for  report. 

General  Wilson  read  a  letter  from  Theodore  W.  Noyes,  editor  of  the 
Washington  Evening  Star,  asking  for  certain  facilities  for  obtaining 
the  news  from  the  Commission.  It  was  directed  that  it  be  filed,  to  be 
considered  by  the  full  Commission.  General  Wilson  stated  that  he 
would  advise  the  writer  of  the  action  taken. 

The  report  of  Brig.  Gen.  John  M.  Wilson,  Chief  of  Engineers,  United 
States  Army,  was  received,  read,  and  placed  on  file. 

The  Commission,  at  11.40  a.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  13 

AFTERNOON   SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

The  vice-president  called  attention  to  a  telegram  from  Major-General 
Wheeler,  asking  if  he  would  be  needed  to  appear  before  the  Commis- 
sion before  Saturday,  to  which  a  reply  was  ordered  sent  stating  he 
would  not  be  needed  before  Tuesday  of  next  week. 

The  vice-president  read  articles  from  several  newspapers,  which  were 
handed  to  the  recorder  to  be  properly  filed. 

The  Commission,  at  2.45  p.  in.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 
to-morrow,  the  29th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


FIFTH  DAY. 


War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  September  £j,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 

Present:  Col.  Charles  Denby,  Gen.  John  M.  Wilson,  U.  S.  A.;  Gov- 
ernor Urban  A.  Woodbury,  Capt.  Evan  P.  Howell. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  proceedings  of  the  previous  meeting  were  read,  amended,  and 
approved. 

The  chairman  read  the  following  communications,  referred  to  the 
Commission  in  letter  of  J.  A.  Porter,  secretary  to  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  dated  September  28,  1898: 

Margaret  H.  Garrard,  Billport,  Long  Island,  September  25.  Answer 
by  Form  2. 

Mrs.  E.  C.  Allis,  29  East  Twenty-first  street,  New  York,  September 
26.     Answer  by  Form  2. 

Jesse  M.  Holland,  Camp  Wikoff,  New  York,  September  26.  Special 
answer. 

Also  the  following,  received  in  letter  from  the  secretary  to  the  Presi- 
dent, dated  September  28,  and  marked  "  Important :" 

Dr.  Robert  MacLean  Taft,  371  West  End  avenue,  New  York,  Septem- 
ber 13.  Important,  and  to  have  special  answer,  the  writer  to  be 
requested  to  forward  the  affidavits  to  which  he  refers,  and  such  addi- 
tional evidence  as  he  has,  and  to  be  informed  that  the  affiants  men- 
tioned will  have  the  immunity  from  court-martial  proceedings  desired. 

Letters  were  read  and  disposed  of  as  follows: 

A  committee  of  citizens,  by  Augustus  Peters,  chairman,  and  Robert 
B.  Roosevelt,  secretary.     Special  answer. 

George  E.  Fox,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  August  28.  Usual  acknowledg- 
ment. 

George  J.  Thompson,  Anderson,  W.  Va.,  September  16.  Usual 
acknowledgment. 


14  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

Mrs.  B.  F.  Sower,  Thomas,  W.  Va.,  September  26.  Usual  acknowl- 
edgment. 

Benjamin  F.  Jennings,  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  September  23.    File. 

H.  Blanchard  Dominick,  14  West  Forty-ninth  street,  New  York. 
Usual  acknowledgment. 

John  H.  Mills,  285  Bedford  avenue,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  August  24. 
Usual  acknowledgment. 

Mrs.  Mary  P.  Merritt,  87  St.  James  street,  Kingston,  N.  Y.,  Septem- 
ber 14.     Usual  acknowledgment. 

Oliver  0.  Sabin,  Washington,  D.  0.,  September  10.  Important; 
special. 

R.  Stansbury  Sutton,  major  and  brigade  surgeon,  Pittsburg,  Pa., 
September  14.    Usual  acknowledgment. 

Edward  T.  Howard,  room  127,  Dreibund  Building,  New  York,  Sep- 
tember 26.    Usual  acknowledgment. 

George  P.  Holmes,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  September  15.    File. 

A.  D.  Ferren,  867  Jackson  Boulevard,  Chicago,  September  15.    File. 

Rev.  S.  Leroy  Blake,  New  London,  Conn.,  August  21.    File. 

S.  S.  Carlton,  Webb,  Me.,  August  31.    File. 

J.  H.  Ladeu,  154  East  Houston  street,  New  York,  August  30.  Usual 
acknowledgment. 

G.  W.  F.  Graff,  Kinersville,  Pa.,  September  13.  Usual  acknowledg- 
ment. 

S.  W.  Armingtou,  Holden,  Mass.,  August  22.    File. 
Walter  W.  Concklin,  Englewood,  N.  J.,  September  7.    Special. 

Z.  Haeberlin,  Terre  Haute,  Ind.,  September  17.     File. 

Mrs.  William  B.  Hanna,  110  South  Thirty-eighth  street,  Philadelphia, 
Pa.,  September  23.     Usual  acknowledgment. 

Francis  Lowell  Hills,  chairman  relief  committee,  Wilmington,  Del., 
September  23.     Usual  acknowledgment. 

M.  J.  Spaulding,  secretary  Seventy-first  Regiment  Aid  Society, 
Borough  of  the  Bronx,  New  York,  August  31.     Special. 

R.  Brinkerhoff,  Mansfield,  Ohio,  September  10.  Inclosing  letter  of 
Dr.  P.  D.  Sims. 

General  Wilson  read  two  letters  received  by  him  from  Col.  John  S. 
Saunders,  No.  1  Rial  to  Building,  Baltimore,  Md.,  and  asked  that  they 
be  acknowledged.    So  ordered. 

General  Wilson  read  a  letter  sent  by  him  to  officers  of  the  Engineer- 
ing Department  five  days  before  the  one  already  given  in  his  report, 
and  asked  that  it  be  filed  with  said  report,  and  it  was  so  ordered. 

Governor  Woodbury  was  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  and  sub- 
mit letters  to  Generals  Merritt,  Merriam,  and  Otis,  and  to  the  chief 
quartermaster  at  San  Francisco,  Gal.,  asking  for  certain  information. 

At  12.^0  p.  m.  the  Commission  took  a  recess  until  2.30  p.  m. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  15 

AFTERNOON   SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2.30  o'clock  p.  m. 

Governor  Woodbury  submitted  to  the  Commission  a  letter  which  he 
had  framed,  and  the  same  was  ordered  sent  to  Maj.  Gen.  E.  S.  Otis  and 
Maj.  Gen.  H.  C.  Merriam,  which  is  as  follows: 

Sir:  We  have  the  honor  to  request  you  to  furnish  us  as  early  as  possible  with 
such  information  as  you  may  possess  as  to  the  adequacy  or  inadequacy  of  the  quar- 
termaster, commissary,  and  medical  supplies,  and  medical  staff  of  the  troops  under 
your  command  while  in  this  country,  while  en  route  to  and  at  your  present  station, 
and  whether  or  not  such  supplies  were  promptly  and  sufficiently  issued  to  the 
troops.  Also  as  to  the  proper  or  improper  preparation  of  the  transports  for  the 
transportation  of  your  troops  to  your  present  station.  We  would  also  be  pleased  to 
be  informed  as  to  the  ration  issued  to  the  troops. 
Very  respectfully, 

Charles  Denby,  Vice-President. 

A  like  letter  was  ordered  sent  to  Maj.  Gen.  Wesley  Merritt,  modified 
to  read  "and  while  in  command  at  Manila"  in  lieu  of  the  expression 
"  while  at  your  present  station." 

The  following  letters  were  received  by  the  Commission  and  disposi- 
tion thereof  made  as  herein  noted : 

Mr.  F.  J.  Pflueger,  Station  A,  Newport,  Ky.,  September  27,  1898. 
Form  2. 

Mrs.  Catharine  White,  care  Chicago  Kecord,  Chicago,  111.,  September 
27,  1898.     Form  1. 

Mr.  Edward  C.  Ellis,  Boston,  September  28,  1898.    Form  1. 

Mr.  F.  W.  Taylor,  767  Van  Buren  street,  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  Septem- 
ber 25,  1898.  The  secretary  was  directed  to  send  to  the  commanding 
officer,  Fort  Monroe,  for  a  report  on  the  matter. 

Mrs.  F.  M.  Armstrong  and  Miss  F.  M.  Walcott  (joint  letter),  Waiala, 
Hampton,  Va.,  September  27,  1898.    Special. 

The  Commission,  at  3.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 
to-morrow,  the  30th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SIXTH   DAY. 

War  Department 


Washington,  I).  (7.,  September  30,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 

Present:  Col.  Charles  Denby,  Gen.  John  M.  Wilson,  Governor  Urban 
A.  Woodbury,  Capt.  Evan  P.  Howell. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  proceedings  of  the  previous  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 

The  following  letters  were  read  by  the  vice  president  and  disposition 
thereof  directed  as  herein  noted : 

R.  H.  Newton,  All  Saints'  Church,  New  York  City,  September  28. 
Special. 


16  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    -TAIN. 

John  Liggins,  Cape  May,  N.  .1.,  September  30.     Form  1. 

Thoa.  S.  Morgan,  Boston,  Haas.,  September  27.    Form  L 

.1.  Moii is  Keen,  New  York  City,  September  28.     Form  2. 

EL  O.  Ladd,  president  Jamaica  Hospital  Relief  Society,  Jamaica, 
borough  of  QaeeOS,  N.  Y..  September  26.      Special. 

Win.  F.  Mannix,  tirst  lientenaiit  Company  I,  Third  Pennsylvania, 
417  South  Ninth  street.  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  September  29.     Special. 

.Mrs.  Samuel  S.  Ferris,  Sound  r.eaeh,  Conn.,  September  28.    Special. 

K.  1*.  Wormley,  Jackson,  N.  H.,  September  27.     Special. 

J.  W.  Browu,  Chicago,  ill.,  September  27.    Form  i. 

Dr.  W.  Oilman  Thompson,  New  York  City,  September  28.    Special. 

O.  W.  Bennett,  Drexel  Building,  Philadelphia,  September  2!).    Form  L. 

The  recorder  was  directed  to  obtain  a  Borapbook,  in  which  clippings 
should  be  placed  and  grouped  under  regular  departments  and  to  show 
which  belong  to  the  different  camps. 

The  Commission,  at  11.30,  adjourned  until  2.30  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  following  letters  were  read  by  the  vice-president  and  disposition 
thereof  directed  as  herein  noted: 

E.  G.  Norton,  Delphine,  Ala.,  September  27.    Form  2. 

J.  M.  Blodgett,  Chicago,  September  26,  inclosing  newspaper  clipping 
signed  Edward  J.  Hamilton.    Form  2. 

The  Commission,  at  3.20  p.  in.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  to- 
morrow, October  1. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SEVENTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  J).  O.,  October  2,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 

Present:  Col.  Charles  Denby,  Gen.  A.  Mel).  McCook,  Gen.  John 
M.  Wilson,  Governor  Urban  A.  Woodbury,  Capt.  Evan  P.  Howell. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  proceedings  of  the  previous  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 

The  following  letters  were  read  by  the  vice-president  and  disposition 
thereof  directed  as  herein  noted : 

Mr.  H.  G.  Day,  editor  Standard  Printing  Company,  Albert  Lea, 
Minn.,  inclosing  dipping  on  interview  with  J.  A.  Caswell,  editor  Anoka 
Herald  |  Anaka,  Minn.).     Form  1,  to  1 1.  (J.  Day:   Form  2,tO  J.  A.Caswell. 

Special  Orders,  No.  229,  Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Adjutant  (Jen 
eral's  Office,  Washington,  1).  O,  September  28,  ordering  Francis  B. 
.bmes,  chief  quartermaster,  United  States  Volunteers,  as  disbursing 
officer  of  the  Commission.    File. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    COMMISSION.  17 

Mr.  Frank  Jones,  New  York,  September  29.  Form  2.  (Befers  to 
purchase  of  Merrimac.)     (Better  to  Navy,  later  on.) 

Mr.  A.  E.  Welch,  Independence,  Mo.,  September  28.  Form  1,  and 
return  fnclofed  letter* 

Mr.  K.  G.  Garter,  first  lieutenant,  brevet  captain,  retired,  Washing- 
ton, September  29.     Form  1. 

Miss  Cora  T.  Brady,  secretary,  Philadelphia,  September  30.  File. 
Special. 

Nelson  Hersh,  representing  the  New  York  World,  care  Hotel  Raleigh, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  October  1. 

The  following  letter  was  directed  sent  in  answer  by  the  secretary: 

The  Commission  has  the  honor  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  your  letter  of  this  date, 
trunfwiitting  certain  statements  in  connection  with  the  conditions  at  Camp  Wikoflf, 
toother  with  a  list  of  witnesses  who  can  be  called  before  the  Commission.  The 
tottei  and  statements  have  been  read  by  the  Commission,  and  I  am  instructed  to  say 
will  receive  careful  consideration. 

F.  Dorsey,  Baltimore,  containing  clipping.    Form  2. 

James  B.  Pitman,  New  York,  September  22.  Form  2,  also  to  be 
referred  to  General  Lee. 

John  Moran,  Philadelphia,  September  29.    Form  2. 

A.  Ghurchell,  M.  D.,  Nevada,  Mo.,  September  28.    Form  1. 

S.  S.  Culbertsou,  640  Third  street,  Steubenville,  Ohio.    Form  2. 

M.  E.  Leverson,  M.  D.,  Fort  Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  September  30.    Form  1. 

Upon  motion  of  Governor  Woodbury,  duly  seconded,  it  was  decided 
Mi  fit  in  signing  all  letters  the  secretary  shall  precede  his  signature  by 
the,  following  words:  "By  direction  of  the  Commission." 

The  Commission,  at  12  o'clock,  adjourned  to  meet  on  Monday  next 
October  3,  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


EIGHTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  (7.,  October  3,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  all 
being  present  excepting  General  Beaver. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  proceedings  of  the  meeting  of  Saturday  last  were  read  and 
approved. 

( i  eneral  McCook  read  a  letter  he  had  received  from  Secretary  Weight- 
man,  inclosing  one  from  J.  L.  Patterson,  dated  Washington,  D.  C, 
October  1,  1898,  in  the  case  of  Dan  Dodge,  a  private,  who  died  at 
Arroyo,  August  10,  1898,  unattended,  it  is  said,  and  his  body  lying 
unattended  for  several  hours  between  two  patients,  and  that  soldiers 
who  wrote  about  this  were  reduced  and  forced  to  retract,  and  inquiring 
if  protection  will  be  given  to  witnesses  to  these  facts )  to  which 
7833— vol.  1 2 


18  INVESTIGATION    OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

General  McCook  said  he  had  replied  that  there  would  be  no  danger  to 
any  person  so  far  as  the  Commission  has  power  for  any  affidavit  that 
may  be  furnished,  or  any  testimony  that  may  be  ottered,  but  full  im- 
munity would  be  granted  to  all  who  may  testify,  and  persecution  will 
not  be  tolerated. 

On  motion  of  General  Wilson,  the  action  of  General  McCook  in  his 
letter  to  Mr.  Weightman  was  approved. 

The  following  resolution  was  adopted: 

Whereas  a  large  number  of  unsigned  communications  have  been  received  by 
members  of  this  Commission  making  complaints  and  suggestions:  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  such  anonymous  communications  will  receive  no  attention  from  this 
Commission. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted : 

Sarah  F.  Hallowell  (without  date),  Philadelphia,  Pa.    Form  2. 

C.  S.  Wilson,  St.  Paul,  Minn.,  September  28.     Form  1. 

Surgeon-General  United  States  Army,  October  2,  transmitting  copy 
of  communication  from  R.  Stansbury  Sutton.    Form  1. 

Surgeon-General  United  States  Army,  October  2,  to  be  given  to  the 
press.    Form  1. 

It  was  directed  that  Gen.  H.  V.  Boynton,  United  States  Volunteers, 
who  will  be  in  the  city  this  week,  be  called  before  the  Commission  in 
reference  to  Camp  Thomas,  Chickamauga. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session,  during  which  the  fol- 
lowing was  passed : 

Voted,  That  each  member  of  this  Commission  shall  be  allowed  and  paid  his 
expenses  incurred  in  traveling  from  his  place  of  residence  to  Washington,  and  a  like 
sum  to  pay  his  expenses  from  Washington  to  his  home,  in  addition  to  a  compensation 
to  be  hereafter  fixed.  Each  member  shall  be  allowed  and  paid  the  sum  of  $10  per 
day  to  pay  his  current  expenses  while  a  member  of  this  Commission,  or  from  the 
time  he  has  been  in  Washington  at  the  request  of  the  President.  And  in  addition 
thereto  the  president  of  this  Commission  shall  be  allowed  and  paid  the  sum  of  $10 
per  day,  for  such  time  as  he  deems  it  expedient,  to  rent  a  parlor  at  the  hotel  for  a 
consultation  room.  Each  stenographer  employed  by  this  Commission  shall  be 
allowed  and  paid  $125  per  month,  and  expenses  while  doing  duty  outside  of 
Washington. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted: 

George  Eowland,  M.  D.,  Covington,  Ind.,  September  28.  Form  1, 
and  name  to  be  taken  as  witness. 

H.  W.  Perkins,  South  Bend,  Ind.,  September  27.  Form  2,  and  name 
as  witness. 

J.  D.  Holmes,  New  York  City,  September  30.  Form  1,  and  name  as 
witness. 

A.  L.  Braden,  New  York  City,  October  1.  Form  2,  and  special 
answer. 

William  Jenning  Powell,  Elizabeth,  N.  J.,  September  30.     Form  1. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  19 

It  was  directed  that  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  requested 
to  appoint  as  notaries  public  two  stenographers  of  the  Commission. 
The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  in.,  took  a  recess  until  2  o'clock. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted: 

Dr.  C.  B.  Hutchins,  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  September  26.    Form  1. 

Dr.  H.  A.  Dobson  and  Josie  M.  Dobson,  Washington,  D.  C,  Octo- 
ber 1.     Form  1. 

I.  W.  Stevens,  sheriff,  Bandera,  Tex.,  September  28.  Form  1.  Befer 
to  Adjutant-General. 

Dr.  D.  Simmons,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  September  29.     Form  2. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Maj.  Gen.  Fitzhugh  Lee,  stating  that  he 
would  meet  the  Commission  on  Wednesday,  October  5.    File. 

A  communication  was  read  from  the  press,  requesting  permission 
to  allow  stenographers  admission  before  the  Commission  when  taking 
testimony. 

It  was  thereupon  moved,  seconded,  and  carried,  that  the  press  be 
allowed  to  have  present  at  the  sittings  of  the  Commission  during  the 
examination  of  witnesses  three  stenographers;  two  being  representa- 
tives of  out-of-town  papers,  and  one  representing  the  city  papers. 

The  Commission,  at  3.15  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 

to-morrow,  the  4th  instant. 

S.  0.  Mills,  Recorder. 


NINTH  DAT. 


War  Department, 
Washington,  J).  C,  October  4,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m., 
with  all  the  members  of  the  Commission  present,  together  with  the 
secretary  and  recorder. 

The  proceedings  of  the  preceding  day  were  read  and  approved. 

It  was  decided  that  the  Commission  would  adhere  to  its  resolution  of 
yesterday  in  regard  to  the  admission  of  stenographers  and  newspaper 
men. 

General  McCook  gave  the  following  names  to  be  placed  on  the  wit- 
ness list,  to  be  called  when  visiting  New  York :  Dr.  Louis  J.  Stimson, 
Dr.  Frank  Delafield,  Dr.  Kinnicutt. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted : 

J.  O.  Parmlee,  Warren,  Pa.,  September  28.  Form  1,  and  name  on 
witness  list. 


20  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Col.  Kobert  B.  Beath,  September  27.    Form  1. 

The  following  names  were  ordered  to  be  placed  on  the  witness  list: 

Spencer  Baldwin,  jr.,  Fall  liiver,  Mass.  (Case  of  Bobert  Wremm,  of 
the  Rough  Riders.) 

Dr.  Cleeman ;  same  case. 

A.  H.  Buckner,  Areturus,  Fairfax  County,  Va.,  October  1.  Refer  to 
Adjutant-General. 

Thomas  F.  Riley,  sergeant,  Second  Few  York  Volunteers,  Company 
C;  Troy,  N.  Y.    Form  1,  and  name  on  witness  list. 

Maj.  Gen.  Joseph  Wheeler,  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and 
having  no  objection  was  duly  sworn,  and  his  testimony  taken.  (See 
transcript  of  same.) 

The  following  resolution  was  offered  and  adopted : 

JRe8olved  by  the  Commission  appointed  by  the  President  to  investigate  the  conduct  of  the 
War  Department  in  the  war  with  Spain,  That  the  disbursing  officer  of  this  Commission 
is  authorized  to  make  requisitions,  when  approved  by  the  presiding  officer  of  this 
Commission,  upon  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  for  so  much  of  the  funds  allotted 
by  the  President  of  the  United  States  from  the  appropriation  for  national  defense 
as  may  be  necessary  to  defray  the  expenses  of  this  Commission. 

Further,  That  said  disbursing  officer  is  authorized  to  pay  upon  proper  vouchers, 
when  approved  by  the  presiding  officer  of  the  Commission,  for  all  purchases  of  sup- 
plies, hire  of  transportation,  including  special  sleeping  and  dining  cars,  hire  of 
employees  and  offices,  and  compensation  of  a  secretary  for  this  Commission  at  the 
rate  of  $10  per  day;  also  $10  per  day  for  expenses  to  each  of  the  nine  members  of 
this  Commission;  the  compensation  of  the  secretary,  and  the  per  diem  of  the  mem- 
bers to  include  Sundays  and  the  days  of  travel  to  and  from  their  homes;  the  recorder 
and  the  disbursing  officer  being  commissioned  officers,  each  are  to  be  paid  from 
these  funds  at  the  rate  of  7  cents  per  mile,  when  traveling  with  or  on  account  of 
this  Commission.  Also  the  necessary  traveling  expenses  and  meals  of  the  employees, 
including  the  secretary,  when  traveling  with  or  on  account  of  this  Commission. 
And  for  any  further  expenses  not  heretofore  enumerated  which  the  Commission 
may  deem  necessary  for  the  proper  transaction  of  the  business  required  of  this 
Commission. 

Provided,  The  disbursing  officer  is  not  authorized  to  pay  any  compensation  for 
services  to  the  nine  members,  recorder,  and  disbursing  officer  of  this  Commission. 

Further,  That,  as  suggested  by  the  Comptroller  of  the  United  States  Treasury,  this 
resolution  be  submitted  for  the  approval  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  who  is 
authorized  by  the  President  to  have  this  allotment  disbursed ;  also  that  it  then  be 
submitted  to  the  President  of  the  United  States  for  his  approval  in  accordance  with 
the  act  of  Congress  in  regard  to  the  expenditure  of  said  appropriation  for  national 
defense. 

The  Commission,  at  12.45  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted : 

W.  E.  Seball,  Manhattan  Club,  New  York  City,  October  2.  Form  1, 
and  name  as  witness. 

Margaret  H.  Garrard,  Bellport,  Long  Island,  October  2.  Form  1, 
and  name  as  witness. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  21 

A.  H.  Conkey,  Erie,  Pa.,  inclosing  letter  from  his  son,  Frank  Conkey, 
September  26,  Camp  Meade.    Form  1. 

J.  G.  Faxon,  Boston,  Mass.,  September  2.    Form  2. 

H.  N.  Barrett,  New  York,  September  28,  inclosing  statement  from 
Oapt.  Charles  H.  Jones,  chaplain  Second  New  York  Volunteers.  Form 
1  to  Barrett.    Form  2  to  Jones. 

Senator  James  H.  Kyle,  Cleveland,  Ohio.    Special  answer. 

John  W.  Hill,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  September  10.     Form  2. 

John  E.  Hutchings,  Danville,  Va.,  September  26.     Form  2. 

The  testimony  of  Major-General  Wheeler  was  continued. 

The  Commission,  at  4  o'clock  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock 
a.  m.  to-morrow,  the  5th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


TENTH  DAY. 


War  Department, 
Washington,  1).  0.,  October  5,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  all 
the  members  being  present,  together  with  the  secretary  and  recorder. 

The  proceedings  of  the  preceding  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 

General  Wilson  announced  that  Gen.  F.  V.  Greene,  United  States 
Volunteers,  was  in  the  city,  and  a  request  was  made  upon  the  Adjutant- 
General  for  his  appearance  before  the  Commission.  General  Dodge 
also  called  attention  to  the  fact  that  Colonel  Lee  and  Colonel  Wheeler, 
Quartermaster's  Department,  and  Major  Gallagher,  Subsistence  Depart- 
ment, were  passing  through  the  city,  and  suggested  that  they  be  called 
before  the  Commission,  and  a  request  was  made  of  the  Adjutant-Gen- 
eral accordingly. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted : 

Surgeon-General,  regarding  Lieut.  Col.  L.  M.  Maus.  The  Adjutant- 
General  was  asked  to  order  him  before  the  Commission. 

David  Clarke,  Springfield,  Mass.  Eefer  to  Treasury  Department. 
Acknowledged  receipt. 

Keene  Ryan,  Danville,  Ky.,  October  1.    Form  2. 

Ira  J.  Haynes,  Chickamauga,  Ga.,  October  2.  Form  2,  and  say  he 
will  be  protected. 

Cassius  C.  Brannan,  band  Fourth  United  States  Cavalry.  Eefer  to 
Adjutant  General  United  States  Army. 

James  M.  Sullivan,  Cohocton,  N.  Y.,  October  1.  Form  2,  and  ask 
for  names  of  officers. 

B.  Y.  Austin,  725  North  Thirty-eighth  street,  Philadelphia,  Septem- 
ber 26.     Eefer  back  to  Secretary  of  War  with  contents  noted. 

The  testimony  of  Major-General  Wheeler  was  then  concluded. 

The  Commission,  at  1  o'clock,  took  a  recess  until  2  o'clock. 


22  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

AFTERNOON   SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled.at  2  o'clock. 

Brig.  Gen.  H.  V.  Boy n ton,  United  States  Volunteers,  appearing 
before  the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and 
his  testimony  taken.    ^See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  4.15  p.  in.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 
to-morrow,  the  6th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


ELEVENTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  October  6,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  all 
the  members  being  present,  together  with  the  secretary  and  recorder. 

The  proceedings  of  the  preceding  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted: 

Dr.  E.  A.  Cushing,  Sanborn,  Iowa,  October  3.  Form  2,  and  name 
taken  as  witness. 

Q.  N.  Funk,  New  York,  October  1.    Form  2. 

Surgeon- General  United  States  Army,  October  5.  In  reply  to  commu- 
nication from  the  Commission  of  October  4,  in  relation  to  the  Fifteenth 
Minnesota  Volunteers,  and  inclosing  report  of  H.  R.  Tilton,  lieutenant- 
colonel  and  deputy  surgeon,  United  States  Army.  Copy  of  the  report 
to  be  taken  and  the  original  to  be  returned  to  the  Surgeon- General. 

The  testimony  of  General  Boynton  was  then  continued. 

At  the  conclusion  of  General  Boyn ton's  testimony  the  following  let- 
ters were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as  herein  noted : 

Samuel  L.  Parish,  Southampton,  Long  Island,  October  5.  Form  2, 
and  name  as  a  witness. 

William  R.  Stewart,  Delphi,  Ind.,  October  3.    Form  2. 

Max  Cohen,  Washington,  October  5.    Form  1. 

William  W.  Walker,  M.  D.,  Fort  Sam  Houston,  October  2.  Form  1, 
and  copy  for  the  press. 

Julian  Hawthorne,  for  the  New  York  Journal.    Special  answer. 

The  New  York  World,  October  5.    Form  1,  and  laid  upon  the  table. 

George  G.  Gross,  U.  S.  S.  Ponce,  Philadelphia,  September  24.    Form  2. 

Julia  Sands  Wayne,  Norwich,  N.  H.,  October  4.    Form  1. 

George  Bettesworth,  Omaha,  Nebr.,  September  28.    Form  1. 

Edward  A.  Oldham,  Washington,  October  4.  Form  2.  Refer  to  the 
Adjutant-General,  with  request  that  he  refer  it  to  the  proper  officer 
for  report. 

W.  J.  Carpenter,  Orlando,  Fla.,  October  3.  Form  2,  and  extract  to 
be  furnished  the  commanding  officers  of  the  Third  and  Sixth  Cavalry 
for  report. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  23 

B.  W.  King,  Huntsville,  Ala.    Special  answer. 

Holland  Ad  el  Sperger,  Camp  Wikoff,  October  4.     Form  2. 

General  Wilson  read  an  article  from  the  Washington  Post  of  Sep- 
tember 19, 1898,  giving  a  statement  made  by  Eev.  Dr.  Hamlin  in  a 
sermon.  It  was  directed  that  Dr.  Hamlin  be  notified  that  he  would  be 
called  before  the  Commission. 

W.  M.  Tunno,  Bayview,  Fla.,  September  28.    Form  1. 

Wm.  F.  Mannix,  first  lieutenant,  Third  Pennsylvania,  Philadelphia, 
September  28. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  o'clock. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

Maj.  Gen.  Fitzhugh  Lee  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.  (See  transcript 
of  same.) 

The  following  letters  were  read,  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted : 

John  Elliott  Ellenwood,  Lexington,  Ky.,  October  5.  Form  2,  and 
name  as  witness  for  this  hospital.    (Special.) 

F.  H.  Stannard,  Adams,  Nebr.,  September  24.  Eeferred  to  com- 
manding officer  of  Second  Corps,  Camp  Meade,  Pa.,  with  a  request  that 
it  be  investigated  and  reported  upon. 

J.  K.  Eeed,  Oregon,  111.,  September  29.  Eeferred  to  commanding 
officer  of  the  First  Corps,  with  request  to  investigate  and  report. 

A.  B.  Deming,  Washington,  D.  C,  October  6.    Form  2. 

It  was  directed  that  complaints  coming  from  regiments  in  service  be 
referred  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the  corps,  and  he  be  asked  to 
investigate  and  report  thereon. 

An  extract  was  read  from  the  Leader-Democrat,  Springfield,  Mo., 
September  30.    Form  2  was  directed  to  be  sent  in  care  of  the  editor. 

A  clipping  was  noted  in  regard  to  Oorpl.  Will  F.  Irish,  of  the  Sixth 
Massachusetts.  Sent  to  Col.  E.  Eice,  commanding  Sixth  Massachu- 
setts Infantry,  for  investigation.     Form  2. 

The  Commission,  at  4  p.  m.,  adjourned  until  10  o'clock  to-morrow,  the 

7  th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


TWELFTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  October  7,  1898. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m., 
with  all  the  members  present,  together  with  the  secretary  and  recorder. 
The  proceedings  of  the  preceding  day  were  read  and  approved. 


24  INVESTIGATION    OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

The  president  submitted  a  communication  from  Surgeon-Geneial 
Sternberg,  inclosing  private  letters  received  by  him.  Ordered  that 
names  of  witnesses  be  filed,  extracts  of  letters  made,  and  the  orignals 
returned  to  the  Surgeon-General. 

Tin*  president  submitted  another  communication  from  the  Surgeon- 
General,  containing  memorandum  of  list  of  medical  officers.  Ordered 
to  be  filed  and  a  copy  given  to  the  press. 

The  president  also  submitted  a  letter,  addressed  to  the  Secretary  of 
War,  from  Brig.  Gen.  G.  S.  Carpenter,  United  States  Volunteers, 
regarding  the  Lafferty  case.    Extract  of  same  ordered  made. 

Maj.  Gen.  Francis  V.  Greene,  United  States  Volunteers,  appearing 
before  the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and 
his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

Maj.  Henry  B.  Ilersey,  First  United  States  Volunteer  Cavalry, 
appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection,  was  duly 
sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.45  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

A  letter  was  read  from  William  Warner,  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  Octo- 
ber fi.     Form  1  was  directed  to  be  sent,  and  name  taken  as  a  witness. 

The  testimony  of  Major  Hersey  was  then  continued  and  concluded. 

Col.  J.  G.  0.  Lee,  assistant  quartermaster  general,  United  States 
Army,  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection,  was 
duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  4.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 
to-morrow,  the  8th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


THIRTEENTH  DAY. 

War  Department 


Washington,  D.  C7.,  October  8,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  all 
members  excepting  General  Beaver  being  present.  The  secretary  and 
recorder  were  also  present. 

The  proceedings  of  the  previous  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted: 

Rev.  T.  S.  Hamlin,  Washington,  stating  that  he  had  no  personal 
knowledge  upon  which  his  sermon  was  preached.    File. 

II.  C.  Whittemore,  Sycamore,  111.,  October  5,  inclosing  clipping. 
File,  Porto  Rico.     (Special.) 

R.  Heber  Newton,  Easthampton,  Long  Island,  in  which  he  sustains 
his  statement  and  names  witnesses  who  will  testify.  Form  2  to  all 
parties  named. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  25 

Miss  Julia  Ohadwick,  Easthampton,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Thomas  L.  Manson,  jr.,  Easthampton,  E".  Y. 

Miss  D.  Viola  Graves,  366  Lexington  avenue,  New  York  City.  (Head 
nurse  Ward  K,  general  hospital.) 

W.  Meyer,  naval  station,  Key  West,  Fla.,  October  3.  Eefer  to  Sec- 
retary of  Navy. 

On  motion  of  Governor  Woodbury,  voted  that  the  Commission  start 
for  Camp  Meade  on  the  evening  of  the  16th  instant,  arriving  there 
Monday  morning,  unless  the  president  receives  information  which  justi- 
fies a  change  of  plan. 

Communication  from  Surgeon-General  was  received  in  regard  to 
Camp  Wikoff.    File  with  Camp  Wikoff  papers. 

Eev.  Helen  Stuart  Richings,  Ashley,  Ohio,  October  4.  Form  2,  and 
take  names  as  witnesses  at  Camp  Thomas. 

Maj.  R.  Emmett  Giffin,  Medical  Department,  appearing  before  the 
Commission,  and  having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testi- 
mony taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  following  letters  were  then  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed 
as  herein  noted : 

W.  T.  Brown,  New  York,  October  1.  Form  2,  and  return  letters  of 
recommendation. 

A.  C.  Ladd,  Walhemba,  Mo.,  Company  B,  Third  Missouri,  October  2. 
Refer  to  Adjutant-General  for  investigation  and  report. 

Charles  O.  Newman,  Homer,  N.  Y.,  September  30.    File. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  o'clock. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

Capt.  James  0.  Baldridge,  Subsistence  Department,  appearing  before 
the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn,  and  his  tes- 
timony taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

Dr.  Conner  made  the  following  motion,  which  was  duly  seconded  and 
carried : 

Whenever  we  summon  any  witnesses  we  shall  pay  them  $1.50  per  day  and  mileage 
in  accordance  with  Army  Regulations,  paragraph  963 :  Provided,  This  rule  will  not 
apply  to  persons  appearing  voluntarily  before  the  Commission. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted: 

Maj.  Henry  Eomeyn,  United  States  Army  (retired),  Central  Valley, 
Orange  County,  N.  Y.    Form  2. 

Frauk  G-.  Coburn,  Mills  Hotel,  New  York  City.     Form  2. 

J.  M.  Blodgett,  Chicago,  111.     Form  1. 

J.  N".  Ohlivine,  secretary  Thirtieth  Indiana  Veteran  Association, 
Cromwell,  Ind.    Form  1. 

The  Commission,  at  4  o'clock  p.  in.,  adjourned  until  10  o'clock  a.  m. 
Monday,  October  10. 

S.  O.  Mills,  Recorder. 


26  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

FOURTEENTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  October  10,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m., 
all  the  members  being  present,  together  with  the  secretary  and  re- 
corder. 

The  proceedings  of  the  preceding  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted: 

Mrs.  Hugo  Lange,  655  Bedford  avenue,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  October  6. 
Form  1,  and  copy  of  extract  for  the  press. 

General  Greeley,  New  York  Infirmary,  October  8.  Report  of  seven 
cases  treated  at  the  infirmary  during  September,  1898.  Form  1,  and 
file  with  Camp  Wikoff  and  Seventh  Infantry  papers. 

Clipping  from  New  York  Times.  Form  2,  and  referred  to  H.  B. 
Bryan. 

Letter  in  regard  to  Dr.  Taber.    File. 

T.  S.  Newton,  Munhall,  Pa.,  October  7.     Form  1. 

J.  L.  Davis,  48  M  street  NW.,  Washington,  D.  C,  October  8.  Form 
1,  and  inform  him  that  he  will  be  called  as  a  witness.  Put  name  on 
list. 

Edwin  S.  Wheeler,  69  Richmond  street,  Station  K,  Boston,  Mass., 
October  8.     Form  1,  and  copy  to  the  press. 

R.  B.  Leach,  M.  D.,  9  Germania  Bank  Building,  St.  Paul,  Minn., 
October  7.    Form  1. 

Louis  A.  Stimson,  34  East  Thirty-third  street,  New  York  City, 
October  7.    Form  1,  and  name  as  witness. 

W.  I.  Squire,  Toledo,  Ohio,  October  7.  Send  half  dozen  of  Form  2, 
and  ask  him  to  distribute  them,  and  say  that  when  the  Commission  is 
in  Toledo  he  may  be  called. 

Ausburn  Birdsall,  Pleasantville,  N.  Y.,  October  5.    Filed. 

Surgeon-General.    Index,  and  refer  to  Dr.  Conner  to  read. 

Clippings  sent  by  the  Surgeon-General.  File,  and  to  be  taken  with 
Commission  on  the  trip. 

Capt.  J.  H.  Culver,  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having  no 
objection,  was  duly  sworn,  and  his  testimony  taken.  (See  transcript  of 
same.) 

Maj.  J.  H.  Hysell,  Medical  Department,  appearing  before  the  Com- 
mission, and  having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn,  and  his  testimony 
taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  following  letters  were  read,  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted : 

H.  Gottschalk,  182  Wabash  avenue,  Chicago,  111.,  October  8.  File 
for  investigation  at  Chicago,  also  with  Seventh  Infantry  papers. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  27 

R.  J.  Brown,  Shannon  City,  Iowa,  September  25.  Refer  to  Adjutant- 
General  for  investigation. 

H.  W.  Perkins.  South  Bend,  Ind.,  October  5.  Refer  to  Adjutant- 
General,  to  be  referred  to  colonel  and  surgeon  of  the  One  hundred  and 
fifty-seventh  Indiana  for  report. 

Francis  Newton,  Easthampton,  Long  Island,  October  3.  Form  1. 
File  with  Montauk  evidence,  and  take  names  of  witnesses. 

Henry  B.  Patee,  M.  D.,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  October  5.    Form  1. 

S.  H.  Stout,  M.  D.,  189  Washington  avenue,  Dallas,  Tex.,  October  1. 
Form  1. 

Edward  0.  Towne  (without  date  or  address).    Form  1. 

Surgeon-General,  October  10.    File,  and  take  name  of  witness. 

Albert  H.  Oaine,  942  Summit  avenue,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  October  5. 
Form  2. 

A.  L.  Braden,  301  Madison  avenue,  New  York,  October  5.  Form  1, 
and  refer  to  Chicago  for  investigation. 

W.  Gilman  Thompson,  M.  D.,  34  East  Thirty-first  street,  New  York. 
Form  1,  and  say  that  lie  may  be  called  upon  by  the  Commission  when 
in  New  York. 

J.  Hiestand,  Mount  Morris,  111.,  October  3.    File. 

Charlotte  A.  Aikens,  supervising  nurse,  Sibley  Memorial  Hospital, 
Washington,  D.  C,  October  9.  Form  1,  and  state  will  be  called  before 
the  Commission,  and  take  name  as  witness. 

Nelson  Hersh,  New  York  World,  October  6.    File. 

J.  I.  C.  Clarke,  editor  Criterion,  New  York,  October  8.  Answer, 
requesting  that  the  copies  be  sent. 

The  Commission,  at  1  o'clock  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  o'clock. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m.,  all  the  members 
being  present,  together  with  the  secretary  and  recorder. 

Maj.  Hugh  J.  Gallagher,  commissary  subsistence  of  volunteers, 
appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection,  was  duly 
sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

General  Beaver  oifered  the  following  resolution,  which  was  duly 
seconded  and  carried : 

Whereas  the  testimony  elicited  by  the  Commission  appointed  by  the  President  to 
investigate  the  conduct  of  the  War  Department  in  the  war  with  Spain  seems  to 
indicate  that  the  army  ration  for  troops  in  garrison  serving  in  tropical  climates  can 
be  materially  improved  in  the  way  of  varieties  and  the  substitution  of  fruit  for  the 
carbon-producing  portions  of  the  present  ration;  and 

Whereas  the  expected  transfer  of  large  bodies  of  troops  to  such  climates  in  the 
near  future  rendered  the  investigation  of  this  subject  of  immediate  and  pressing 
importance:  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  President  be  respectfully  requested  to  take  such  measures  as 
in  his  judgment  may  be  desirable  in  the  premises. 


28  INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  president  submitted  a  letter,  with  inclosures,  from  Mrs.  Louise  E. 
Hogan,  of  Amagausett,  Long  Island,  post-office  box  185.  File  name 
on  witness  list 

The  Commission,   at  4  o'clock,   adjourned  until   10  o'clock  a.  m. 

to-morrow,  the  11th  instant. 

S.  0.  Mills,  Recorder. 


FIFTEENTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  J).  C,  October  11,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  all 
the  members  being  present,  together  with  the  secretary  and  recorder. 

The  proceedings  of  the  preceding  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted: 

Dr.  Alexander  Taylor  Mitchell,  Vicksburg,  Miss.  Form  2,  and  name 
as  witness. 

Article  from  a  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  newspaper,  apparently  the  Buffalo 
Express,  being  an  interview  by  Maj.  Ira  C.  Brown.     File. 

J.  B.  Kenner,  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  October  9.     Special  answer. 

Report  from  Surgeon -General  United  States  Army,  dated  October 
10,  is  put  in  evidence  and  marked.     File  with  Surgeon-General  papers. 

Harlam  Life,  October,  1898,  containing  letter  from  Chaplain  Van 
de  Water.    File  for  New  York. 

Lieut.  W.  S.  Coleman,  Houston,  Tex.,  October  6,  with  attached  news- 
paper clipping.    Form  2. 

James  Morrissey,  615  East  Fifth  street,  Kansas  City,  Mo.  Form  1, 
and  name  and  address. 

The  Commission  then  proceeded  with  examination  of  report  from  Sec- 
retary of  War  and  other  Department  papers. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

The  following  letter  was  read  and  action  taken  as  noted : 

Mrs.  Alice  Lederer,  83  High  street,  Newark,  Ohio,  October  16. 
Referred  to  Adjutant  General,  with  request  that  he  iurnish  the  infor- 
mation called  for  and  write  the  lady  that  the  letter  has  been  put  in 
the  proper  channel. 

The  Commission  then  proceeded  to  the  examination  of  papers  sub 
mitted  by  the  War  Department. 

Maj.  Gen.  Wm.  M.  Graham,  appearing  as  a  wituess  before  the  Com- 
mission, and  having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony 
taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  4.15  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 
to  morrow,  the  12th  instant. 

S.  O.  Mills,  Recorder. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  29 

SIXTEENTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  October  12,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  all 
the  members  being  present,  together  with  the  secretary  and  recorder. 

The  proceedings  of  the  preceding  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted : 

Mrs.  Henry  M.  Thompson,  298  Pawtucket  street,  Lowell,  Mass. 
File;  answered  by  Governor  Woodbury. 

Margaret  H.  Garrard,  Belleport,  Long  Island,  October  9.    Form  2. 

Edgar  P.  Morehouse,  Williamstown,  Mass.,  October  10,  with  news- 
paper clipping.    Form  1. 

Rev.  0.  T.  Brady,  Twelfth  and  Walnut  streets,  Philadelphia,  Octo- 
ber 11.  Form  1,  and  say  he  will  be  called  as  a  witness ;  ask  for  names 
of  such  surgeons  and  others  as  would  be  of  service  to  the  Commission; 
file  with  a  reference  to  Major  Hy sell's  testimony. 

J.  A.  Munay,  Malone,  N.  Y.,  October  6.  Referred  to  Adjutant-Gen- 
eral United  States  Army,  asking  him  to  refer  it  for  investigation. 

The  testimony  of  General  Graham  was  then  continued. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

The  taking  of  the  testimony  of  General  Graham  was  resumed  and 
concluded. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted : 

W.  Clark  Marshall,  6653  Harvard  avenue,  Chicago,  October  4. 
Form  2. 

Report  from  the  Surgeon- General's  Office  containing  letters  from 
Mrs.  M.  L.  Tanner,  with  other  letters.    Special  answer. 

Report  from  the  Surgeon- General's  Office  on  letter  of  Maj.  Charles 
Gandy,  together  with  other  papers.  Special  answer,  and  put  name  of 
Francis  L.  Oswell  on  witness  list. 

Surgeon- General,  October  11  (inclosing  communications).    File. 

George  W.  Allen,  Freeport,  Long  Island,  October  10.    Form  1. 

Charles  B.  Welles,  16  Gram  mercy  Park,  New  York,  October  10, 
Special  answer. 

John  Sweet,  Owosso,  Mich.,  October  10.  Form  1,  and  refer  to 
Adjutant- General. 

The  Commission,  at  4  o'clock  p.  m.,  adjourned  until  10  o'clock  a.  m. 
to  morrow,  the  13th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


30  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

SEVENTEENTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  October  13,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  all 
the  members  being  present  except  Geueral  Wilson.  The  secretary  and 
recorder  were  also  present. 

The  proceedings  of  the  previous  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted: 

Luie  Burtis  (sworn  statement).  Eeferred  to  Adjutant- General  United 
States  Army. 

R.  B.  Roosevelt,  October  12.    Special  answer. 

Surgeon-General,  October  13.    Filed. 

Rev.  George  Zurcher,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  October  12.    Form  1. 

Letters  were  received  in  answer  to  Form  2  from  the  following  parties: 

Wilson  A.  Sawyer,  Saratoga  Springs,  N.  Y.,  October  10. 

Charles  H.  Jones,  Bayonne,  N.  J.,  October  11. 

On  motion  of  Governor  Woodbury  it  was  voted  that  the  president  of 
the  Commission  be  authorized  to  give  out  for  publication  such  portion 
of  the  Adjutant-General's  reports  as  he  considered  should  be  published. 

Lieut.  Col.  John  Van  R.  Hoff,  Medical  Department,  appearing  before 
the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and  his  tes- 
timony taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted : 

Edward  Atkinson,  Boston,  Mass.,  October  12.  Special  answer  by 
General  Dodge. 

Surgeon-General  United  States  Army,  October  13.    Filed. 

The  Commission,  at  4  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 
to-morrow,  the  14th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


EIGHTEENTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  October  14,  1898. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  with 
all  the  members  present  with  the  exception  of  General  Wilson.    The 
secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 
The  proceedings  of  the  previous  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  31 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted : 

0.  E.  Buth,  major  and  brigade  surgeon,  Keokuk,  Iowa,  October  11. 
Form  1,  and  special. 

Surgeon-General  United  States  Army,  inclosing  letter  from  Col. 
Charles  H.  Alden,  containing  answers  to  interrogatories  propounded  to 
him,  October  13.    File. 

Kussell  A.  Alger,  October  13,  inclosing  answers  to  interrogatories 
propounded  to  the  Adjutant  General  of  the  Army.    File. 

Adjt.  Gen.  H.  C.  Corbin,  October  13,  inclosing  list  of  quartermas- 
ters and  commissaries.    File. 

Francis  L.  Hill,  chairman  relief  committee  New  York  Society  of  the 
Order  of  Founders  and  Patriots  of  America,  Wilmington,  Del.  (two  let- 
ters), October  12.  (a)  Keferring  to  sickness  of  troops  at  Jacksonville. 
File  for  Jacksonville,     (b)  Keply  to  letter  of  September  23.    File. 

A.  Hartsuff,  deputy  surgeon -general,  United  States  Army,  Chicago, 
111.,  October  12.     Special. 

J.  Foster  Stanton,  Salem,  Mass.,  October  8.    Form  1,  and  file. 

Howard  L.  Pyles,  Wilmington,  Del.,  October  13.  Form  1,  and  refer 
to  Adjutant-General. 

John  D.  Long,  Secretary  of  Navy,  October  13.  Form  1,  and  special 
answer. 

Maj.  Louis  Livingston  Seaman,  surgeon,  First  United  States  Volun- 
teer Engineers,  appearing  as  a  witness  before  the  Commission,  he  was 
asked  whether  he  had  objection  to  being  sworn.  He  requested  to  be 
affirmed,  and  accordingly  made  the  affirmation.  The  witness  requested 
permission  to  have  a  personal  friend  present  during  the  examination 
on  account  of  ill  condition  of  witness.  The  Commission,  after  going 
into  executive  session  to  consider  the  question,  decided  that  the  request 
of  the  witness  be  granted.  Major  Seaman's  testimony  was  then  taken, 
but  not  concluded.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.30,  took  a  recess  until  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted : 

George  Ashbridge,  709  Walnut  street,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  October  13. 
Acknowledged,  saying  statement  received  and  the  Adjutant- General 
has  been  asked  to  have  an  investigation  made;  then  refer  to  Adjutant- 
General  for  investigation.    Name  as  witness,  and  also  Dr.  Wales. 

Surgeon-General,  October  14.    File. 

The  Commission  then  continued  taking  the  testimony  of  Major  Sea 
man,  which  was  concluded. 

Lieut.  F.  K.  Hill,  United  States  Navy,  appearing  as  a  witness,  and 
having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.  (See 
transcript  of  same.) 


32  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT   OP    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  following  letters  were  then  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed 
as  herein  noted: 

S.  A.  Davenport,  Erie,  Pa.,  September  26.    File. 

Gen.  Charles  P.  Eagan,  October  14.     File. 

Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Sawyer,  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  October  8.    Form  1,  and 
file  with  Camp  Cuba  Libre  papers. 

Robert  B.  Hunt,  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  October  10.    Form  1,  and  file 
with  Camp  Thomas  papers. 

Lieut.  Col.  A.  D.  Reeves,  Epsom  Springs,  Tenn.,  October  6.    Form  1. 

Jesse  H.  Jones,   Halifax,   Plymouth  County,    Mass.,   October  12. 
Form  1. 

Mrs.  Margaret  H.  Garrard,  Belleport,  Long  Island,  October  13.    Form 
1,  and  tile  with  Camp  Wikoff  papers. 

Gen.  H.  C.  Corbin,  in  re  General  Arnold,  October  13.    File. 

Secretary  of  the  Navy,  October  14.    File. 

The  Commission  adjourned  to  meet  Sunday  afternoon  on  board  train, 
unless  sooner  called  together  by  the  president. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


NINETEENTH  DAY. 

On  Train  en  route  to  Jacksonville,  Fla., 

October  17,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  at  9  o'clock  a.  m.  on  the  train  en  route  to  Jack- 
sonville, Fla.,  all  the  members  and  the  recorder  being  present. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  as 
herein  noted: 

Maj.  Gen.  H.  0.  Merriam,  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  October  6,  in  answer 
to  letter  of  Colonel  Denby,  vice-president,  of  September  29.  File,  and 
refer  to  Manila. 

Mahlon  Pitney,  M.  C,  October  10,  in  re  Miss  M.  H.  Garrard,  inclosing 
letter  from  her.    File  for  Camp  Wikoff. 

A.  D.  Maxwell,  Montezuma,  Ga.,  October  13.  Refer  to  Tampa  sub- 
committee. 

It  was  moved  and  carried  that  the  president  of  the  Commission  ap- 
point two  committees,  of  two  members  each,  one  to  visit  Tampa,  Fla., 
and  one  to  visit  Fernandina,  Fla. 

The  president  appointed  the  following  subcommittees  to  visit  the 
brigades  of  the  respective  divisions  at  Camp  Cuba  Libre: 

First  Brigade:  Colonel  Denby,  Dr.  Conner,  Colonel  Sexton. 

Second  Brigade:  General  McCook,  Governor  Woodbury,  Captain 
Howell. 

Third  Brigade:  General  Wilson,  General  Beaver,  General  Dodge. 

The  Commission  arrived  at  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  at  12.30  p.  in.,  and 
devoted  the  afternoon  to  inspecting  Camp  Cuba  Libre. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  33 

TWENTIETH  DAY. 

Jacksonville,  Fla.,  October  18, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  at  9  o'clock  a.  m. 

Present,  all  members  except  General  Wilson  and  Captain  Howell, 
who  were  absent  on  duty  as  a  subcommittee  visiting  Fernandina,  Fla. 
The  recorder  was  also  present. 

Lieut.  Col.  L.  M.  Maus,  chief  surgeon  Seventh  Army  Corps,  appearing 
before  the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and 
his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

At  the  conclusion  of  Colonel  Maus's  testimony  the  Commission  took  a 
recess  until  1.30  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  1.30  p.  m. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  hav- 
ing no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  trans- 
cripts of  same) :  Lieut.  Col.  O.  B.  Wood,  chief  commissary  Seventh  Army 
Corps;  Oapt.  C.  B.  Baker,  Acting  Quartermaster  Volunteers;  Lieut. 
Col.  Curtis  Guild,  inspector- general  Seventh  Army  Corps. 

The  Commission  took  a  recess  until  8  p.  m. 

EVENING  SESSION. 

At  8  o'clock  p.  m.  the  Commission  reassembled,  all  the  members  being 
present,  General  Wilson  and  Captain  Howell  having  returned  from 
Fernandina  at  5.30  o'clock. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objections,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
scripts of  same):  Col.  Wiley  Jones,  Second  South  Carolina  Infantry  j 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Thompson,  Second  South  Carolina  Infantry;  Lieu- 
tenant Davis,  Second  South  Carolina  Infantry;  Lieutenant  Tompkins, 
Second  South  Carolina  Infantry;  Captain  Herbert,  Second  South  Caro- 
lina Infantry;  Sergeant  McEwan,  Company  B,  Second  South  Carolina 
Infantry;  Sergeant  Mooney,  Company  H,  Second  South  Carolina  Infan- 
try; Private  Brodie,  Company  A,  Second  South  Carolina  Infantry. 

The  Commission,  at  10.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 
to-morrow,  the  19th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


TWENTT-F1EST  DAT. 

Jacksonville,  Fla.,  October  19, 1898. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  all 
the  members  being  present  except  General  McCook  and  Colonel  Sexton, 
who  were  absent  on  duty  as  a  subcommittee  visiting  Tampa,  Fla.    The 
recorder  was  also  present. 
7833— vol.  1 -3 


34  INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

It  was  moved  and  carried  that— 

Whereas  it  is  expedient  that  one  commissioner  should  be  in  Washington  to  attend 
to  the  business  of  the  board:  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  president  of  this  board  be  requested  to  detail  one  commissioner 
for  the  above  purpose. 

The  president  announced  that,  in  accordance  with  the  resolution,  he 
would  detail  Colonel  Denby  as  the  commissioner  to  proceed  to  Washing- 
ton. 

Geueral  Wilson  submitted  the  report  of  the  subcommittee,  consisting 
of  himself  and  Captain  Howell,  which  visited  Fernandina.  The  report 
was  accompanied  by  certificate  of  county  clerk  as  to  ownership  of  land 
used  as  camp  site  and  map  showing  location  of  camps. 

The  following  is  the  report : 

Jacksonville,  Fla.,  October  19, 1898, 
Hon.  G.  M.  Dodge, 

President  Commission  to  Investigate  the  Conduct  of  the 

War  Department  during  the  War  with  Spain. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  the  instructions  of  the  Commission,  we  have  the  honorto 
report  that  we  visited  Fernandina,  Fla.,  on  the  18th  instant,  and  made  a  careful  and 
critical  inspection  of  the  site  occupied  as  a  camp  by  the  troops  lately  stationed  at 
that  town,  and  found  the  conditions  to  be  as  follows : 

The  Florida  Central  and  Peninsular  Railroad,  leading  into  Fernandina,  is  a  well- 
equipped  one-track  road,  with  sidings  at  the  town,  amounting  in  all  to  about  2 
miles.     Its  facilities  for  receiving  and  delivering  troops  appeared  to  be  very  good. 

The  facilities  for  embarking  and  disembarking  troops  by  water  are  also  very  good, 
there  being  a  dock  front  over  a  half  mile  long,  with  a  minimum  low-water  depth 
over  the  bar  at  the  mouth  of  the  harbor  of  not  less  than  17  feet  and  a  rise  of  tide  of 
6  feet. 

The  location  of  the  camp  is  excellent,  probably  quite  equal  to  any  site  for  the 
purpose  that  could  have  been  selected  on  the  Florida  coast;  the  ground  is  rolling, 
its  maximum  elevation  about  60  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  with  no  swamp 
except  a  tidal  salt  marsh  beyond  the  highest  ground ;  the  sea  bathing  facilities  are 
excellent. 

We  visited  and  walked  over  a  large  portion  of  the  area  occupied  by  the  troops, 
and  although  there  had  been  a  severe  storm  the  night  before  our  arrival,  the  ground 
was  practically  dry. 

We  carefully  examined  the  site  of  the  camp  of  the  Third  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
which  it  has  been  reported  was  a  tropical  jungle,  worthless  land  until  cleared,  and 
upon  which  it  has  been  said  the  troops  worked  like  slaves  to  clear  it  until  it  was  fit 
for  camping.  While  your  committee  can  not  state  the  condition  of  this  land  when 
the  troops  arrived,  it  found  no  appearance  of  a  tropical  jungle  here  or  in  the  vicinity. 
There  were  no  evidences  of  there  having  been  serious  work  in  preparing  the  camps, 
although,  as  is  usual,  there  were  small  bushes,  vines,  low  palms,  etc.,  scattered  here 
and  there  over  the  camp  site  and  the  adjacent  land.  Altogether,  the  committee  was 
most  favorably  impressed  with  the  character  of  the  site  selected. 

We  were  informed  that  it  had  been  occupied  by  about  16,000  troops. 

We  visited  and  obtained  from  the  county  clerk  of  Nassau  County,  Fla.,  Mr.  George 
E.  Wolff,  a  map  showing  the  land  occupied  by  the  troops  and  his  official  certificate 
as  to  the  ownership  of  the  land.  This  certificate  states  that  the  greater  part  of  the 
lands  occupied  reverted  to  the  State  of  Florida  in  June,  1897,  by  reason  of  unpaid 
taxes,  and  that  no  one  by  the  name  of  Alger  ever  controlled  any  lands  in  the  county 
of  Nassau,  as  shown  by  the  records,  and  that  the  land  occupied  by  the  Third  Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers  at  Fernandina  as  a  camp  was  at  the  time  the  property  of  the 
State  of  Florida. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  35 

The  distance  of  the  site  of  the  camp  from  town  is  from  1  to  1|  miles.  The  water 
was  piped,  without  expenditure  to  the  camp,  from  Fornandina,  being  from  an 
artesian  well  about  600  feet  deep;  the  supply  was  unlimited.  The  water  had  a 
slight  sulphur  taste,  which,  it  is  said,  some  of  the  troops  disliked,  and  consequently 
occasionally  used  surface  water. 

The  locations  of  the  hospitals,  as  pointed  out  to  us,  were  on  high  ground,  well 
drained,  and  apparently  well  selected. 

The  time  the  site  was  occupied  by  troops  was  from  July  21  to  August  15 ;  in  all, 
about  three  weeks. 

The  mayor  of  Fernandina  informed  us  that  Major  Hendley,  the  surgeon  in  charge 
of  the  camp,  had  stated  to  him  just  before  the  troops  left  that  the  number  of  sick 
was  540.  Your  committee  therefore  has  the  honor  to  report  that,  in  its  opinion,  the 
camp  was  well  selected;  that  probably  the  site  was  equal  in  all  respects  to  any 
other  that  could  have  been  found  on  the  Florida  coast ;  that  from  the  information 
they  obtained  and  what  they  saw  it  was  far  from  being  a  tropical  jungle,  and 
that  the  certificate  of  the  county  clerk  indicates  that  no  Government  official  was 
interested  in  the  land,  and  that  the  amount  of  work  done  in  clearing  the  under- 
brush was  no  greater  than  might  have  been  expected  at  almost  any  locality  in  the 
South  selected  for  camping  purposes;  that  the  site  was  well  drained,  the  water 
for  drinking  and  cooking  purposes  good,  and  the  bathing  facilities  at  the  sea  beach 
excellent. 

Very  respectfully,  John  M.  Wilson, 

Brig.  Gen.f  Chief  of  Engineers,  TJ.  S.  A. 
Evan  P.  Howell. 
State  of  Florida,  County  of  Nassau : 

I,  George  E.  Wolff,  clerk  circuit  court  and  custodian  of  public  records  in  and  for 
Nassau  County,  Fla.,  hereby  certify  that  I  have  carefully  searched  the  public  records 
of  said  county,  and  find  that  R.  A.  Alger  does  not  own  or  control,  directly  or  indi- 
rectly, any  land  on  the  island  of  Amelia,  Nassau  County,  Fla. 

I  further  certify  that  the  records  show  that  fee-simple  title  to  the  lands  lately 
occupied  by  the  military  camps  at  Fernandina,  as  indicated  by  map  hereto  attached 
and  made  a  part  of  this  certificate  (red  lines  of  said  map  indicating  water  pipes  of 
said  camp),  are  vested  in  the  several  persons  and  corporations  as  follows:  Fernan- 
dina Development  Company,  Florida  Town  Improvement  Company,  S.  A.  Swann, 
S.  D.  Swann,  Fred.  W.Haward,  A.  T.  Williams,  W.C.Yulee,  P.  Edwards,  M.  B.  Self, 
W.  H.  Hendricks,  Mrs.  D.  M.  Hammond.  That  I  further  certify  that  the  greater 
part  of  said  lands,  as  indicated  by  green  coloring  on  said  map,  reverted  to  the  State 
of  Florida  June,  1897,  by  reason  of  unpaid  State  and  county  taxes  for  the  years  1895, 
1896. 

I  further  certify  that  no  one  by  the  nam©  of  Alger  ever  owned  or  controlled  any 
lands  in  said  county  of  Nassau,  as  shown  by  the  records ;  and,  further,  that  the  lands 
occupied  by  the  Third  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Regiment  at  Fernandina  as  camp 
was  at  the  time  property  of  the  State  of  Florida,  having  reverted  to  the  State  for 
unpaid  taxes  previous  to  its  occupation  as  such  camp. 

Witness  my  hand  and  official  seal  this  18th  day  of  October,  1898. 

George  E.  Wolff, 

Cleric  Circuit  Court,  Nassau  County,  Fla. 
A  true  copy: 
S.  C.  Mills, 

Major,  Inspector-General,  United  States  Army, 

State  of  Florida,  Nassau  County: 

I,  L.  Beugnet,  clerk  of  the  county  judge's  court  in  and  for  the  county  aforesaid, 
certify  that  I  have  examined  the  death  record  of  the  city  of  Fernandina,  Fla.,  and 
that  during  the  month  of  July,  1898  (the  month  of  the  arrival  of  the  United  States 
troops),  I  find  only  two  deaths  of  record  in  said  city  among  the  residents  thereof, 
to  wit:  Henry  H.  Linville  (white),  age  67  years,  and  Charley  Brown  (colored),  age 


36  INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

13  years.    The  first  named  died  of  sunstroke  and  the  last  named  of  pulmonary 
tuberculosis,  according  to  said  records. 

Witness  my  hand  and  seal  at  Fernandina,  Fla.,  this  20th  day  of  October,  A.  D. 
1898. 

[seal.]  L.  Beugnet, 

Clerk  of  the  County  Judge's  Court  in  and  for  the  County  of  Nassau,  Fla. 

Fernandina,  Fla.,  October  19, 1898. 

I,  Samuel  A.  8wann,  as  owner  and  as  agent  for  the  Fernandina  Development  Com- 
pany and  for  sundry  individual  owners  of  property  covering  the  entire  grounds 
upon  which  the  troops  of  the  United  States  have  recently  been  encamped  near  the 
city  of  Fernandina,  do  hereby  certify  that  the  title  in  and  to  about  two-thirds  of 
all  said  lands  was  in  said  development  company  until  recently  acquired  by  the  State 
under  tax  certificates,  and  that  remainder  of  said  lands  are  now  owned  by  me  or 
by  parties  for  whom  I  am  agent;  and  I  further  certify  that  no  part  or  interest  in 
any  of  the  grounds  covered  by  the  military  encampment,  or  outside  of  same,  on 
Amelia  Wand,  was  ever  bargained,  sold,  or  leased  to Alger  (son  of  the  Sec- 
retary of  War),  or  to  anyone  in  his  interest;  and  that  no  consideration  whatever 
was  charged  to  the  Government,  or  received  by  any  owner,  for  the  use  of  the  prop- 
erty, or  was  the  property  in  any  way  benefited  by  the  cutting  away  of  the  growth 
found  necessary  for  the  comfort  and  health  of  the  troops,  but  rather  the  destruction 
of  all  young  trees  does  prejudicially  affect  the  sale  of  the  suburban  lots  which  have 
been  denuded  of  all  shade  trees  and  other  growth. 

I  further  certify  that  the  parties  I  represent  would  be  glad  to  interest  Mr.  Alger 

or  anyone  else  in  the  development  of  the  grounds  in  question,  and  would  thank  the 

Herald's  brilliant  correspondent  to  interest  some  such  parties  in  the  purchase  of  a 

part  or  the  whole  of  it. 

Saml.  A.  Swann, 

For  Self,  and  as  Agent  for  the  Fernandina  Development  Company,  and  Others. 

It  was  moved  and  carried  that  a  copy  of  the  report  of  the  committee 
be  furnished  to  the  mayor  of  Fernandina,  to  Mrs.  S.  O.  F.  Hallo  well, 
Philadelphia,  Pa.,  and  to  the  press,  and  that  the  disbursing  officer 
repay  to  the  members  of  the  committee  the  expenditures  incurred  by 
them  in  procuring  the  maps  and  the  certificate. 

The  Commission  then  began  taking  testimony. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same) :  Maj.  Noble  H.  Creager,  quartermaster,  United  States  Volun- 
teers; Col.  James  R.  Campbell,  Ninth  Illinois  Infantry;  Lieut.  Simeon 
Mowre,  Ninth  Illinois  Infantry;  Lieut.  John  H.  Tolliver,  Ninth  Illinois 
Infantry;  Sergt.  John  L.  Lay,  Ninth  Illinois  Infantry;  Maj.  Eoyce  D. 
Fry,  Medical  Department. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m.,  when  the  following 
witnesses  appeared,  and  having  no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and 
their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Col.  William  G.  Dowes. 
Forty-ninth  Kegiment  Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry;  Gen.  Edward  B.  Wil- 
liston,  United  States  Volunteers;  Lieut.  Edward  A.Millar,  Sixth  Artil- 
lery, aide  to  General  Willistonj  Lieut.   Charles  T.  Menoher,  Sixth 


MINUTES   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  37 

Artillery,  aide  to  General  Williston;  Lieut.  A.  U.  Machemer,  Forty- 
ninth  Iowa  Volunteers;  Private  Thorpe,  Company  B,  Forty-ninth  Iowa 
Volunteers;  Sergt.  A.  S.  Hartell,  quartermaster  sergeant  Company  H, 
Second  Louisiana;  Private  H.  G.  Meyer,  Company  H,  Second  Louisiana 
Volunteers. 
The  Commission  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.  to-morrow,  the 

20th  iustant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— GENERAL  M'OOOK  AND  COLONEL  SEXTON. 

Tampa,  Fla.,  October  19, 1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  committee,  and  having 
no  objections  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same) :  Capt.  R.  L.  Brown,  George  W.  Few,  Capt.  C.  C.  McCullock,  jr., 

Col.  J.  B.  Anderson. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


TWENTY-SECOND  DAT. 

Jacksonville,  Fla.,  October  20, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  all 
members  being  present,  save  Colonel  Denby,  who  had  departed  for 
Washington  in  accordance  with  the  resolution  of  yesterday.  The 
recorder  was  also  present. 

General  McCook  and  Colonel  Sexton  returned  from  Tampa  at  7  a.  m. 

The  proceedings  of  the  last  three  days  were  read,  amended,  and 
approved  as  amended. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Miss  Annie  Bobbins,  head  nurse,  First  Division  hospital; 
Miss  Mary  E.  Walker,  nurse,  First  Division  hospital;  Miss  Mattie  E. 
Hibbard,  head  nurse,  Second  Division  hospital;  Miss  Florence  M. 
Maurice,  ward  nurse,  Second  Division  hospital ;  Miss  Edna  Oopeland, 
head  nurse,  Third  Division  hospital;  Miss  Isabella  G.  Waters,  ward 
nurse,  Third  Division  hospital;  Maj.  James  E.  Pilcher,  surgeon,  United 
States  Army;  Capt.  J.  W.  Swatek,  Second  Illinois  Infantry;  Sergt. 
A.  F.  Lorenzen,  Company  L,  Second  Illinois  Infantry. 

The  Commission,  at  1  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

Col.  G.  W.  Taylor,  Fourth  Virginia  Infantry,  and  Lieut.  H.  M.  Mor- 
row, Third  Nebraska,  appearing  as  witnesses,  and  having  no  objection, 
were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

Col.  William  J.  Bryan,  Third  Nebraska,  appeared  before  the  Com- 


38  INVESTIGATION    OP    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

mission  at  the  request  of  the  Commission.  The  president  stated  he 
would  read  the  scope  of  the  inquiry.  Here  Colonel  Bryan  made  a 
request  that,  for  reasons  which  could  be  understood,  he  would  prefer 
that  the  testimony  for  his  regiment  should  be  given  by  the  lieutenant- 
colonel  of  the  regiment.  The  Commission  acceded  to  his  request,  and 
Colonel  Bryan  withdrew. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Col. 
Winfield  T.  Durbin,  One  hundred  and  sixty  first  Indiana  Infantry; 
Lieutf.  E.  W.  Jones,  Fourth  Virginia  Infantry;  Private  Allen  O.  White, 
Fourth  Virginia  Infantry;  Col.  Letcher  Hardeman,  Sixth  Missouri 
Infantry;  Dr.  Alexander  Kent,  Washington,  D.  C,  agent  for  Red 
Cross;  Private  W.  W.  Kirksey,  First  Division  hospital  corps;  Pri- 
vate Samuel  C.  Thompson,  Company  B,  Third  Nebraska  Infantry; 
Lieut.  Anson  G.  Freeman,  One  hundred  and  sixty-first  Indiana  Infan- 
try; Private  Abraham  T.  Marks,  One  hundred  and  sixty  first  Indiana 
Infantry,  Company  F;  Lieut.  James  R.  Paurie,  Sixth  Missouri  Infan- 
try; Private  James  T.  James,  Company  B,  Sixth  Missouri  Infantry; 
Lieut.  Col.  Victor  Vifquain,  Third  Nebraska  Infantry. 

The  Commission  adjourned  until  evening. 

EVENING  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  8  o'clock  p.  m. 

Mrs.  E.  E.  Marshall,  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  appeared  as  a  witness,  and 
having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and  her  testimony  taken.  (See 
transcript  of  same.) 

Mrs.  Ellen  Lawson  Babb  attended  as  a  friend  of  Mrs.  Marshall,  and 
being  asked  by  the  Commission  a  few  questions,  made  a  short  state- 
ment, not  under  oath.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  9  o'clock  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  Atlanta 
to-morrow,  the  21st  instant,  leaving  Jacksonville  at  10  p.  m. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder, 


TWENTY-THIRD  DAT. 

Atlanta,  Ga.,  October  21, 1898. 

The  Commission  arrived  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  at  10  a.  m.,  and  at  11  a.  m. 
proceeded  to  Fort  McPherson,  Ga.,  where  the  Commission  inspected 
the  general  hospital  at  that  post.  The  Commission,  for  the  purpose  of 
inspection,  was  divided  into  three  subcommittees. 

The  Commission  met  on  board  the  train  at  2  o'clock  p.  m.,  all  mem- 
bers being  present  save  Colonel  Denby  and  Captain  Howell.  The 
recorder  was  also  present. 

The  proceedings  of  the  previous  day  were  read  and  approved. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  39 

Maj.  Blair  D.  Taylor,  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  and  Chaplain 
O.  J.  Nave,  United  States  Army,  appearing  as  witnesses,  and  having 
no  objections,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken.  (See  trans- 
script  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  4.20  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  to-morrow,  the  22d 
instant,  at  Anniston,  Ala. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


TWENTY-FOURTH  DAY. 

Anniston,  Ala.,  October  22,  1898. 

The  Commission  arrived  in  Anniston,  Ala.,  the  night  of  the  21st 
instant  and  devoted  the  morDingof  the22d  to  inspecting  the  camp  and 
the  hospitals,  being  divided  for  this  purpose  into  subcommittees. 

The  Commission  met  at  2  o'clock  p.  m.,  all  members  being  present 
except  Colonel  Denby  and  Captain  Howell.  The  recorder  was  also 
present. 

It  was  moved  and  carried  that  the  hours  of  meeting  of  the  Commis- 
sion while  on  the  trip  shall  be  from  9  a.  m.  to  12.30  p.  m.,  and  from  2 
p.  m.  to  5  p.  m. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  hav- 
ing no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same) :  Brig.  Gen.  Royal  T.  Frank,  United  States  Volunteers ; 
Maj.  H.  F.  Hoyt,  surgeon,  United  States  Volunteers. 

The  Commission,  at  5.15  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  Monday  morning, 
the  24th  instant,  at  9  o'clock  a.  m. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


TWENTY-FIFTH  DAY. 

Anniston,  Ala.,  October  24, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  at  9  o'clock  a.  m.,  all  members  being  present 
save  Colonel  Denby  and  Captain  Howell.  The  recorder  was  also  pres- 
ent. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  hav- 
ing no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see 
transcript  of  same) :  Maj.  O.  H.  Falk,  quartermaster,  United  States 
Volunteers,  Third  Army  Corps;  Maj.  C.  M.  Drake,  surgeon,  United 
States  Volunteers;  Maj.  J.  H.  Heatwole,  commissary,  United  States 
Volunteers;  Maj.  David  Vickers,  inspector-general,  United  States  Vol- 
unteers. 

A  letter  from  Major  Seaman,  surgeon,  First  United  States  Volun- 
teer Engineers,  was  read  and  ordered  filed. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.m. 


40  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR    WITH   SPAIN. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  hav- 
ing no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see 
transcript  of  same):  Lieut.  Col.  Wm.  H.  Bisbee,  First  United  States 
Infantry:  Mai.  Chas.  A.  Dempsey,  Second  United  States  Infantry; 
Capt.  John  K.  Waring,  Second  United  States  Infantry;  Lieut.  William 
J.  I  ait/.  Second  United  States  Infantry;  J.  H.  A.  Feltus,  quartermas- 
ter sergeant,  First  United  States  Infantry;  Sergt.  Otto  Katz,  First 
United  States  Infantry;  Joseph  Stahl,  quartermaster  sergeant,  Second 
United  States  Infantry;  Private  Crockett  Hounshell,  Company  D, 
Second  United  States  Infantry;  Col.  Eobert  L.  Bullard,  Third  Ala- 
bama Volunteer  Infantry;  Col.  H.  M.  Seaman,  Fourth  Wisconsin  Vol- 
unteer Infantry;  Col.  J.  P.  Fyflfe,  Third  Tennessee  Volunteer  Infantry. 

The  Commission,  at  5.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  9  a.  m.  to-morrow, 
the  25th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


TWENTY-SIXTH  DAY. 

Anniston,  Ala.,  October  25,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  9  o'clock  a.  m.,  all 
the  members  being  present  save  Colonel  Denby  and  Captain  Howell. 
The  recorder  was  also  present. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  hav- 
ing no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see 
transcript  of  same):  E.  D.  Boss,  acting  assistant  surgeon;  Lieut.  F. 
Ellis  Reed,  Fourth  Wisconsin  Volunteers;  Colonel  Fyflfe,  Third  Ten- 
nessee Volunteers,  (additional  testimony);  Lieut.  Wm.  T.  West,  Third 
Alabama  Volunteers;  Lieut.  George  J.  Haley,  Third  Tennessee  Volun- 
teers; Private  Fountain  Ragland,  Third  Alabama  Volunteers;  Private 
Edward  Simmons,  Third  Alabama  Volunteers;  Private  H.  C.  Lemke, 
Fourth  Wisconsin  Volunteers;  Major  Heatwole,  chief  commissary 
(recalled);  Col.  David  G.  Colson,  Fourth  Kentucky  Volunteers;  Lieut. 
Col.  DeRosey  C.  Cabell,  Second  Arkansas  Volunteers ;  Capt.  Samuel  S. 
Sample,  United  States  Signal  Corps;  Private  Perry  W.  Williams, 
Fourth  Wisconsin  Volunteers;  Sergt.  Robert  S.  Hilton,  Second  Ten 
uessee  Volunteers;  W.  Nathan  Langston,  private,  Third  Tennessee 
Volunteers. 

At  12.30  p.  m.  the  Commission  went  into  executive  session.  It  was 
moved  and  carried  that  so  far  as  the  character  of  an  officer  is  con- 
cerned the  Commission  confine  itself  to  the  personal  knowledge  of  the 
facts  coming  within  the  witness's  observation 

The  Commission  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  41 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  p.  m. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  hav- 
ing no  objection,  were"  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see 
transcript  of  same) :  George  A.  Lee,  quartermaster- sergeant,  Second 
Arkansas  Volunteers;  Private  David  Bottoms,  Company  H,  Second 
Arkansas  Volunteers;  Samuel  H.  Hurst,  quartermaster-sergeant, 
Fourth  Kentucky  Volunteers;  Private  Jordan  B.  Gross,  Company  H, 
Fourth  Kentucky  Volunteers;  Maj.  F.  B.  Kenyon,  surgeon  Fourth 
Kentucky  Volunteers;  Maj.  Charles  F.  King,  Fourth  Wisconsin  Vol- 
unteers; Henry  H.  Lee,  surgeon  First  Vermont  Volunteers;  Lieut. 
Col.  Frank  M.  Caldwell,  Fourth  Wisconsin  Volunteers;  General  Frank 
(recalled);  Maj.  Harry  C.  Benson,  inspector-general  of  Volunteers; 
Maj.  Charles  L.Woodbury,  United  States  Volunteer  Engineers;  Major 
Benson  (recalled);  Capt.  Francis  P.  Fremont,  Second  United  States 
Infantry. 

The  Commission  adjourned  to  meet  at  Huntsville,  Ala.,  to-morrow, 
the  26th  instant. 

S.  0.  Mills,  Recorder. 


TWENTY  SEVENTH  DAT. 

Huntsville,  Ala.,  October  26, 1898. 

The  Commission  arrived  at  Huntsville,  Ala.,  at  6.30  a.  m.,  and  met 
at  10  a.  m.  with  all  members  present  on  the  trip.  The  recorder  was 
also  present. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  hav- 
ing no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same) :  Gen.  Louis  H.  Carpenter,  United  States  Volunteers ; 
Maj.  Charles  M.  Gandy,  brigade  surgeon;  Gen.  G.  S. Carpenter,  United 
States  Volunteers. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m.  The  recorder  was 
absent  by  authority  of  the  Commission. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn,  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Lieut. 
Col.  C.  H.  Grierson,  chief  commissary,  United  States  Volunteers;  Capt. 
R.  W.  Thompson,  commissary  subsistence,  United  States  Volunteers; 
Capt.  G.  S.  Cartwright,  assistant  quartermaster,  United  States  Volun- 
teers; Dr.  John  H.  Stone,  first  lieutenant,  assistant  surgeon,  Sixteenth 
Infantry;  Lieut.  C.  L.  Farns worth,  Seventh  United  States  Infantry; 


42  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

Maj.  H.  S.  T.  Harris,  chief  surgeon,  United  States  Volunteers;  Maj. 
H.  D.  Thomason,  surgeon  Thirty-third  Michigan  Volunteers. 

The  Commission,  at  5  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  9  a.  m.  Thursday, 
day,  the  27th  instant. 

S.  0.  Mills,  Recorder. 


TWENTY-EIGHTH  DAY. 

Huntsville,  Ala.,  October  27,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  9  a.  m.,  all  members 
on  the  trip  being  present.  The  recorder,  Major  Mills,  was  absent, 
sick  en  route  to  Washington  by  authority  of  the  Commission. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Capt.  Charles  M.  Augur,  assistant  quartermaster,  United 
States  Volunteers;  Capt.  Gilbert  I.  Cullen,  assistant  surgeon,  First 
Ohio. Volunteers;  Col.  Edward  Duffy,  Sixty-ninth  New  York  Volun- 
teers; Capt.  Charles  D.  Parkhurst,  Second  United  States  Artillery; 
Lieut.  John  Conklin,  Second  United  States  Artillery;  Maj.  Thomas  C. 
Lebo,  Sixth  United  States  Cavalry;  Capt.  John  F.  Stretch,  Tenth 
United  States  Infantry ;  Q.  M.  Sergt.  Daniel  J.  Kevins,  Company  A, 
Sixty-ninth  New  York  Volunteers;  Private  Patrick  J.  Finan,  Com- 
pany B,  Sixty-ninth  New  York  Volunteers. 

The  Commission  took  a  recess  at  12.30  p.  m.  until  8  p.  m.  The  after- 
noon was  spent  inspecting  the  camps  and  hospitals, 

EVENING  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  8  o'clock  p.  m. 

Charles  M.  Lee,  surgeon,  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection  was  duly  sworn,  and  his  testimony  taken.  (See  transcript 
of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  9.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  Friday  morning  for 
inspection  of  Camp  Thomas  and  hospitals. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


TWENTY-NINTH  DAY. 

Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  October  28,  1898. 

The  Commission  arrived  at  Chattanooga  at  5  a.  in.,  and  left  at  8.30 
a.  m.  for  Chickamauga  Park,  where  the  day  was  spent  in  inspecting  the 
camp  and  hospitals. 

The  Commission  met  at  5  p.  m.  and  resumed  taking  testimony. 

Maj.  B.  E.  Giffin,  surgeon,  Sternberg  Hospital  (recalled),  and  Charles 
F.  Craig,  acting  assistant  surgeon,  Sternberg  Hospital,  appearing  as 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  43 

witnesses,  and  having  no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testi- 
mony taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  6.15  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  9  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning,  Saturday,  the  29th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


THIRTIETH  DAT. 

Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  October  29, 1898. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  9  o'clock  a.  m.,  all 
the  members  being  present  except  Colonel  Denby  and  Captain  Howell. 
Governor  Woodbury  made  the  following  motion: 

That  after  the  business  is  transacted  here  at  Chattanooga,  the  president,  General 
Dodge,  and  Commissioners  Conner  and  Sexton,  proceed  to  Lexingtou,  Ky.,  Cincin- 
nati, Chicago,  and  such  other  points  as  they  may  deem  best,  for  the  purpose  of 
examination  of  camps  and  taking  testimony,  and  when  they  have  completed  the 
work  to  proceed  to  Washington. 

The  motion  was  duly  seconded  and  carried. 
Dr.  Conner  made  the  following  motion : 

That  Governor  Woodbury  be  instructed  to  proceed  to  Burlington,  Vt.,  and  such 
other  places  en  route  as  may  be  necessary  to  visit,  and  make  such  examinations  as 
are  required. 

Motion  was  duly  seconded  and  carried. 

General  Wilson  moved  that  during  the  absence  of  General  Dodge, 
General  McCook  act  as  temporary  chairman ;  this  motion  was  duly 
seconded  and  carried. 

General  Wilson  then  moved  that  Colonel  Jones  act  in  the  place  of 
Major  Mills  until  the  Commission  returned  to  Washington;  this  motion 
was  duly  seconded  and  carried. 

Governor  Woodbury  moved  that  the  representatives  of  the  daily  press 
of  Chattanooga  be  admitted  during  the  taking  of  testimony  j  and  the 
same  being  approved,  it  was  so  ordered. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Maj.  Edward  T.  Comegys,  surgeon  and  medical  purveyor; 
Lieut.  James  M.  Arrasmith,  Second  United  States  Infantry;  Dr.  A.  W. 
Boyd;  Dr.  G.  A.  Baxter;  J.  C.  Howell,  station  master,  Central  Station, 
Chattanooga;  Capt.  D.  E.  McCarthy,  assistant  quartermaster,  United 
States  Army;  Edward  E.  Betts,  engineer,  Chickamauga  Park. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session,  and  President  Dodge 
read  a  letter  from  Dr.  Taber,  of  New  Orleans,  and  stated  to  the  Com- 
mission that  he  would  write  to  Dr.  Taber,  inviting  him  to  Washington, 
where  his  testimony  would  be  taken. 

The  Commission  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 


44  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OP    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Ira  J. 
Uains,  hospital  nurse;  Capt.  M.  G.  Zalinski,  assistant  quartermaster, 
United  States  Army;  Dr.  F.  B.  Stapp;  Lieutenant  Arrasmith  (recalled). 

The  Commission,  at  4.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  8  p.  m.  As  no 
witnesses  appeared  at  that  time,  no  testimony  was  taken. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 

Colonel  Denby,  sitting  as  a  subcommittee  in  Washington,  D.  0.,  took 
the  testimony  of  Maj.  Gen.  A.  R.Chaffee,  United  States  Volunteers,  on 
the  29th  day  of  October,  1898. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder, 


THIRTY-FIRST  DAY. 

Knoxville.  Tenn.,  October  31,  1898. 

The  Commission  arrived  at  Knoxville  Sunday  morning,  the  30th 
instant.  Monday  morning  the  Commission  divided  into  subcommittees 
and  inspected  Camp  Poland  and  the  hospitals.  At  1.30  p.  m.  the  Com- 
mission met  and  resumed  the  taking  of  testimony,  all  members  on  the 
trip  being  present.    The  acting  recorder  was  also  present. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  hav- 
ing no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see 
transcript  of  same):  Maj.  C.  F.  Martin,  chief  surgeon  First  Brigade, 
Second  Division,  First  Army  Corps;  Maj.  Park  L.  Myers,  surgeon 
Sixth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry;  F.  K.  Huger,  superintendent  Southern 
Railway,  Knoxville  Division;  Capt.  Eldridge  W.  White,  Thirty-first 
Michigan  Volunteers;  Col.  Fred  Shubel,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Thirty- 
first  Michigan  Volunteers;  Col.  Geo.  Le  R.  Brown,  Fourth  Tennessee 
Volunteers;  Lieut.  Col.  Richard  C.  Croxton,  Sixth  Virginia  Volunteers. 

The  Commission,  at  5.30  p.  m.,  adjourned,  and  left  for  Washington 
at  6  p.  m. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 

Colonel  Denby,  sitting  as  a  subcommittee  in  Washington,  D.  C,  took 
the  testimony  of  Maj.  Gen.  H.  W.  Lawton,  United  States  Volunteers, 
on  the  31st  day  of  October,  1898. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— GENERAL  DODGE,  COLONEL  SEXTON,  AND  DR.  CONNER. 

Lexington,  Ky.,  October  31, 1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  committee,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 


MINUTES   OP   THE    COMMISSION.  45 

of  same) :  Maj.  Gen.  James  H.  Wilson,  United  States  Volunteers;  Capt. 
Charles  E.  Golding,  Col.  F.  D.  Baldwin,  Benjamin  Johnson,  Col.  T.  W. 
Jones,  Lieut.  Col.  J.  M.  Marshall,  Gen.  J.  C.  Bates,  Maj.  E.  A.  Mearns, 
Col.  William  A.  Pew,  jr.,  Col.  B.  W.  Leonard,  Col.  w!  K.  Caffie,  Col. 
Thomas  J.  Smith,  Col.  D.  Mitchell,  Lieut.  Col.  B.  W.  Banks. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


Lexington,  Ky.,  November  1, 1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  committee,  and  having 
no  objection  they  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same):  Maj.  John  J.  Bachman,  One  hundred  and  sixtieth 
Indiana  Volunteer  Infantry;  Maj.  J.  D.  Glennan,  brigade  surgeon;  Maj. 
William  Coggswell,  surgeon,  Eighth  Massachusetts  Volunteers;  Capt. 
G.  B.  Duncan,  assistant  adjutant  general;  Capt.  T.  C.  Chalmers,  acting 
surgeon,  Twelfth  New  York  Volunteers;  Lieut.  Col.  James  Parker, 
Twelfth  New  York  Volunteers;  Lieut.  Frank  L.  Strange,  Third  Ken- 
tucky Volunteers;  Lieut.  Charles  F.  Wonson,  quartermaster,  Eighth 
Massachusetts  Volunteers;  Keene  Byan,  private,  Signal  Corps;  David 
F.  Magner,  quartermaster  sergeant,  Eighth  Massachusetts  Volunteers; 
John  Hoag,  sergeant,  Twelfth  New  York  Volunteers;  William  F.  Logan, 
sergeant,  Second  Missouri  Volunteers;  W.  F.  Hunter,  private,  Twelfth 
New  York  Volunteers;  George  G.  Cook,  private,  Second  Missouri  Vol- 
unteers; William  K.  Twohig,  private,  Company  C,  Third  Kentucky 
Volunteers;  John   L.  Linguist,  private,   Eighth  Massachusetts   Vol- 


unteers. 


F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


THIRTY  SECOND  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  November  4?,  1898. 

The  Commission  arrived  in  Washington,  D.  0.,  Tuesday  morning, 
November  1,  at  10  a.  m.,  having  left  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  at  6  p.  m.  Mon- 
day, October  31. 

The  Commission  met  at  10  a.  m.  November  2.  Present,  General 
McCook,  acting  chairman;  General  Wilson,  General  Beaver,  Colonel 
Denby,  and  Captain  Howell. 

The  secretary  and  acting  recorder  were  also  present. 

Captain  Howell  moved  that  a  subcommittee  of  three  be  appointed  to 
visit  Camp  Meade  for  the  purpose  of  inspecting  the  camp  and  hospitals 
and  to  secure  such  testimony  as  might  be  available;  motion  duly  sec- 
onded and  carried,  and  General  Wilson,  General  Beaver,  and  Captain 
Howell  were  appointed  as  such  committee. 


46  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  following  letters  were  read  and  disposition  thereof  directed  (see 
file):  Mrs.  Ella  Anderson,  126  East  Twelfth  street,  New  York  City; 
Elizabeth  Roland,  Baltimore,  Md.;  N.  B.  Myers,  Huutsville,  Ala.;  0. 
Reynolds,  147  Ellison  street,  Paterson,  N.  J. 

Maj.  Henry  Romeyn,  United  States  Army  (retired),  correspondent, 
appeared  before  the  Commission  as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection 
he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  adjourned,  to  meet  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, the  3d  instant,  at  10  o'clock. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— GENERAL  DODGE,  COLONEL  SEXTON,  DR.  CONNER. 

Lexington,  Ky.,  November  2, 1898. 
The  following  wituesses  appearing  before  the  committee,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Brig.  Gen.  J.  P.  Sanger,  United  States  Volunteers;  Col.  E. 
A.  Godwin,  Seventh  United  States  Volunteers;  Maj.  Thomas  Cruse, 
quartermaster,  United  States  Volunteers. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


THIRTY-THIRD  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  November  3, 1898. 
Colonel  Denby  held  a  session  at  10.30  a.  m.,  General  McCook  being 
absent  owing  to  illness. 
The  secretary  and  the  acting  recorder  were  present. 
Lieut.  Col.  Albert  J.  Hartsutf,  deputy  surgeon- general  United  States 
Army,  appearing  as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn 
and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 
A  recess  was  then  taken  until  3  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  hearing  of  testimony  was  resumed  at  3  p.  m.  by  Colonel  Denby. 

Col.  Myron  H.  McCord,  First  Territorial  United  States  Volunteer 
Infantry,  appearing  as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection,  was  duly 
sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

Colonel  McCord  also  submitted  a  letter  addressed  to  the  War  Investi- 
gation Commission,  which  was  filed  with  and  made  a  part  of  his 
testimony. 

The  Commission  adjourned  until  10  a.  m.  Friday  the  4th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  47 

WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— GENERAL  DODGE,  COLONEL  SEXTON,  DR.  CONNER. 

Cincinnati,  Ohio,  November  3>  1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  committee,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimeny  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Maj.  E.  S.  Helburn,  Second  Kentucky  Volunteers;  Lucius  M. 
Drewry,  Capt.  Charles  H.  Price,  Second  Kentucky  Volunteers. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder, 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— GENERAL  WILSON,  GENERAL  BEAVER,  CAPTAIN 

HOWELL. 

Harrisburg,  Pa.,  November  3, 1898. 
Capt.  Frank  N.  Moore,  Ninth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  appeared 
before  the  committee,  and  having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and 
his  testimony  taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


THIRTY-FOUBTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  (7.,  November  4, 1898. 
Colonel  Denby  held  a  session  of  the  Commission  at  10  o'clock  a.  m. 
No  witnesses  being  present,  the  official  mail  and  papers  were  attended  to. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder, 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE-GOVERNOR  WOODBURY. 

Burlington,  Vt.,  November  4,  1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  Governor  Woodbury,  sitting 
as  a  subcommittee,  and  having  no  objection  they  were  duly  sworn  and 
their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Lieut.  Francis  J.  Koes- 
ter,  Third  United  States  Cavalry;  Capt.  Henry  L.  Eipley,  Third  United 
States  Cavalry;  Capt.  George  K.  Hunter,  Third  United  States  Cavalry; 
Hermann  E.  Ensslin,  quartermaster-sergeant,  Troop  F,  Third  United 
States  Cavalry;  Graham  Wilson,  sergeant,  Troop  G,  Third  United 
States  Cavalry;  James  T.  Murphy,  first  sergeant,  Troop  C,  Third  United 
States  Cavalry;  Frank  Caine,  first  sergeant,  Troop  G,  Third  United 
States  Cavalry;  Henry  Koch,  first  sergeant,  Troop  K,  Third  United 
States  Cavalry;  Bartholomew  Mulhern,  color-sergeant,  Third  United 
States  Cavalry;  John  Oullette,  first  sergeant,  Troop  I,  Third  United 
States  Cavalry. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


48  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

WORK    OF    SUBCOMMITTEE— GENERAL    WILSON,     GENERAL     BEAVER,     OAPTAIN 

HOWELL. 

Harrisbtjrg,  Pa.,  November  4, 1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  committee,  and  having 
no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Capt.  Guy  Howard,  Quartermaster's  Department,  major, 
United  States  Volunteers;  Maj.  James  1$.  Allison,  commissary,  lieuten- 
ant-colonel, Volunteers;  Maj.  Alfred  0.  Girard,  lieutenant-colonel  and 
chief  surgeon,  Volunteers;  Lieut.  Carl  Reichinann,  assistant  adjutant, 
United  States  Volunteers;  Capt.  William  P.  Duvall,  United  States 
Artillery;  Brig.  Gen.  George  W.  Davis,  United  States  Volunteers; 
Lieut.  Col.  E.  B.  Watts,  United  States  Volunteers;  W.  H.  Bachler, 
quartermaster-sergeant,  Forty-ninth  Iowa  Volunteers. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— GENERAL  DODGE,  COLONEL  SEXTON,  DR.  CONNER. 

Cincinnati,  Ohio,  November  4, 1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  committee,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  H.  E.  Menage,  surgeon,  Sixth  United  States  Infantry;  Lieut. 
Saml.  J.  B.  Schindel,  Thirteenth  United  States  Infantry;  Lieut.  Col. 
Charles  W.  Miner,  Sixth  United  States  Infantry;  Col.  C.  B.  Hunt, 
First  Ohio  Volunteers;  William  H.  Davis,  Avondale,  Ohio;  Gen.  H. 
Clay  Egbert,  United  States  Volunteers;  Fred.  J.  Pfleuger,  Newport, 
Ky.;  Maj.  J.  D.  Griffith,  chief  surgeon,  Third  Division,  First  Corps; 
Rnter  W.  Springer,  chaplain,  United  States  Army;  E.  J.  Button,  chap- 
lain, United  States  Army, 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


THIRTY  FIFTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington.  D.  C,  November  5,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  Colonel  Denby,  General 
Wilson,  and  Captain  Howell  being  present.  The  secretary  and  the 
acting  recorder  were  also  present. 

General  McCook,  and  the  recorder,  Major  Mills,  absent  owing  to  ill- 
ness. The  other  members  of  the  Commission  still  absent  on  the  duties 
assigned  them. 

The  Commission  ordered  that  the  disbursing  officer  of  this  Commis- 
sion be  requested  to  submit,  through  the  usual  channels,  to  the  Public 
Pi  inter,  a  request  for  the  immediate  printing  of  the  testimony  so  far  as 
it  is  prepared,  and  to  continue  this  printing  as  rapidly  as  the  testimony 
is  ready  for  the  printer. 


MINUTES    OP    THE    COMMISSION.  49 

That  the  Public  Printer  be  informed  that  this  whole  testimony  will 
eventually  be  printed  as  an  appendix  to  the  report  of  the  ■Commission, 
and  it  is  suggested  that  it  will  be  well  to  electrotype  the  matter  as  fast 
as  it  is  set  up. 

That  50  copies  be  obtained,  so  that  each  member  of  the  Commission, 
its  executive  officers,  and  secretary  may  each  be  furnished  with  2  cop- 
ies, and  the  remainder  held  with  the  records  of  the  Commission. 

The  Commission,  at  11  a.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Monday, 
the  7th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— GENERAL  DODGE,  COLONEL  SEXTON,  DR.  CONNER. 

Cincinnati,  Ohio,  November  5, 1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  committee,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Dr.  Chas.  L.  Bonitield,  Cincinnati,  Ohio;  Maj.  Frank  W. 
Hendley,  medical  department,  First  Ohio ;  Dr.  Otis  L.  Cameron,  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio;  James  T.  Weaver,  private,  First  Ohio;  W.  H.  Sloan,  jr., 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  First  Ohio  Cavalry;  Charles  W.  Zell,  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
passenger  agent;  Thomas  Beed,  Covington,  Ky.;  E.  T.  Landy,  Cincin- 
nati, Ohio,  and  Mrs.  Joseph  J.  Gest,  Cincinnati,  Ohio  (Newport,  Ky.). 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder, 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— GOVERNOR  WOODBURY. 

Burlington,  Vt.,  November  5, 1898. 
Maj.  James  M.  Jenne,  chief  surgeon,  volunteers,  appeared  as  a  wit- 
ness, and  having  no  objection  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony 
taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


THIRTY-SIXTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  November  7, 1898. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 
Present:  Colonel  Denby  and  General  Wilson. 
The  secretary  and  the  acting  recorder  were  also  present. 
The  other  members  of  the  Commission  still  absent  on  the  duties 
assigned  them. 

The  official  mail  was  attended  to,  and  there  being  no  witnesses  present, 
the  Commission  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.,  Tuesday,  the  8th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 
7833— vol.. 1 4 


50  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— GENERAL  DODOE,  OOLONEL  SEXTON,  DR.  CONNER. 

Chicago,  III.,  November  7,  1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  committee,  and  having 
no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Maj.  Lewis  Schooler,  medical  department;  Virginia  T.  Betts, 
Chicago,  111.?  Maj.  Milo  B.  Ward,  medical  department;  Maj.  William 
Cuthbertson,  surgeon,  First  Illinois  Cavalry;  Col.  Henry  L.  Turner, 
First  Illinois  Volunteers;  Dr.  S.  Y.  McCormick,  Chicago,  111.;  Col. 
Nicholas  Senn,  chief  surgeon,  United  States  Volunteers;  Lieut.  Ben- 
jamin J.  Moore,  Company  K,  First  Illinois  Volunteers. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


THIRTY  SEVENTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  November  #,  1898, 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 
Present:  Colonel  Denby  and  General  Wilson. 
The  secretary  and  the  acting  recorder  were  also  present. 
The  other  members  of  the  Commission  were  still  absent  on  the  duties 
assigned  them. 

The  official  mail  was  attended  to.  There  being  no  witnesses  present, 
the  Commission  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.,  Wednesday,  the  9th 
instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— GOVERNOR  WOODBURY. 

Burlington,  Vt.,  November  8, 1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same): 
Capt.  Charles  A.  Williams,  Twenty -first  Infantry,  United  States 
Army;  Capt.  John  S.  Parke,  Twenty-first  Infantry,  United  States 
Army;  Capt.  Frederick  H.  Ebstein,  Twenty-first  Infantry,  United 
States  Army;  Jesse  Ramsburgh,  surgeon,  Twenty-first  Infantry;  Pri- 
vate Luther  N.  Fennell,  Company  M,  First  Vermont  Volunteers;  Sergt. 
Joseph  Hanson,  Company  C,  Twenty-first  United  States  Infantry; 
Corpl.  James  O'Shea,  Company  B,  Twenty-first  Infantry;  Ernest  F. 
Jurgensen,  quartermaster- sergeant,  Company  M,  Twenty-first  United 
States  Infantry;  Corpl.  William  H.  Burt,  Company  M,  First  Vermont 
Volunteers. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorders 


MINUTES   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  51 

WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE-GENERAL  DODGE,  COLONEL  SEXTON,  DR.  CONNER. 

Chicago,  III.,  November  8, 1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  committee,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same):  Maj.  George  A.  Smith,  surgeon,  Second  Division, 
Third  Army  Corps;  Charles  S.  Bullock,  chaplain  First  Illinois  Cavalry; 
Mrs.  Trumbull  White,  Chicago,  111. ;  Col.  O.  M.  Smith,  commissary, 
United  States  Army;  William  T.  P.  Wardrop,  Chicago,  111.;  Dr.  W.  S. 
Devoe,  Chicago,  111.;  George  K.  Hoover,  Chicago,  111.;  Lieut.  Charles 
McQuiston,  Fourth  United  States  Infantry;  Col.  E.  C.  Young,  First 
Illinois  Cavalry;  Col.  Marcus  Cavanaugh,  Seventh  Illinois  Infantry; 
Fred.  H.  Wines,  Springfield,  111.;  Maj.  Lawrence  M.  Ennis,  Seventh 
Illinois  Infantry;  Francis  H.  Buzzacott,  Chicago,  111. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


THIRTY-EIGHTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  JD.  C,  November  9, 1898. 
The  Commission  met  at  10  a.  m. 
Present,  Colonel  Denby  and  General  Wilson. 
The  secretary  and  the  acting  recorder  were  also  present. 
The  other  members  of  the  Commission  were  still  absent  on  the  duties 
assigned  them. 

The  official  mail  was  attended  to.  There  being  no  witnesses  present, 
the  Commission  then  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.,  Thursday,  the  10th 
instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— GOVERNOR  WOODBURY. 

Burlington,  Vt.,  November  9, 1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  William 
E.  Willard,  quartermaster-sergeant,  Company  M,  First  Vermont  Vol- 
unteers; Frank  A.  Bailey,  Montpelier,  Vt.;  Luther  J.  Bailey,  private, 
Company  E,  First  Vermont  Volunteers;  Maj.  C.  M.  Bonette,  First  Ver- 
mont Volunteers;  Harris  H.  Walker,  hospital  corps,  First  Vermont 
Volunteers. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


52  INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE—  OENE HAL  DODGE,  COLONEL  SEXTON,  DR.  CONNER. 

Chicago,  III.,  November  9,  1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  committee,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Private  Frank  B.  Reynolds,  First  Illinois  Infantry,  Maj. 
Stephen  Baker,  Fourth  United  States  Infantry;  Col.  A.  H.  Bainbridge, 
Fourth  United  States  Infantry;  George  Chipman,  Chicago,  111.;  Pri- 
vate Edward  G.  Stanton,  Second  Volunteer  Engineers;  Private 
William  G.  Dolan,  Second  Volunteer  Engineers. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


THIRTY -NINTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  November  10, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present,  Colonel  Denby,  General  Wilson,  and  Captain  Howell. 

The  secretary  and  the  acting  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  other  members  of  the  Commission  were  still  absent  on  the  duties 
assigned  them. 

The  official  mail  was  attended  to.  Letter  received  from  General 
Dodge,  and  answered  to  the  effect  that  testimony  was  being  printed, 
and  that  it  would  be  briefed  after  the  printing. 

Report  of  the  subcommittee  which  went  to  Camp  Meade  ordered  filed. 

Letter  from  Executive  Mansion  covering  letter  from  F.  A.  Muench 
and  inclosures  ordered  to  be  sent  to  Adjutant  General,  with  the  state- 
ment that  these  letters  do  not  refer  to  any  matter  of  which  we  have 
cognizance. 

Letter  from  Mr.  Dowell  and  inclosures  ordered  filed. 

There  being  no  witnesses  present,  the  Commission  adjourned  to  meet 
at  10  a.  m.,  Friday,  the  11th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


REPORT  OF  TEE   COMMITTEE   APPOINTED  BY  THE  WAR  COMMISSION  TO   VISIT 
AND  INSPECT  CAMP  MEADE,  PA. 

Washington,  D.  C,  November  5,  1898. 
Maj.  Gen.  G.  M.  Dodge, 

President  of  Commission  to  Investigate  the  Conduct  of  the 

War  Department  during  the  War  with  Spain. 
General:  The  committee,  consisting  of  Gen.  James  A.  Beaver,  Capt. 
Evan  P.  Howell,  and  myself,  in  accordance  with  instructions,  proceeded 
to  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  and  thence  to  Camp  Meade,  Pa.,  where  we  arrived 
at  noon  on  Thursday,  November  3.  Walking  from  the  station  to  corps 
headquarters,  we  presented  ourselves  to  Maj.  Gen.  S.  B.  M.  Young, 
United  States  Volunteers,  commanding  the  Second  Army  Corps,  and 


MINUTES   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  53 

shortly  afterwards,  escorted  by  Brig.  Gen.  George  W.  Davis,  United 
States  Volunteers,  we  visited  the  camps  of  every  regiment  of  the  corps, 
except  the  Two  hundred  and  third  New  York  Volunteer  Infantry,  which 
was  located  several  miles  from  the  main  body  of  the  troops. 

We  found  the  camps  well  located,  the  sanitary  arrangements  in  good 
condition,  and  the  water  supply  excellent. 

Interviews  with  the  commanding  officers  of  the  various  regiments, 
with  the  majority  of  whom  we  conversed,  failed  to  bring  out  complaints 
except  of  minor  character,  and  the  reports  indicated  that  the  supply 
departments  were  in  good  condition;  that  requisitions  upon  the  staff 
departments  were,  as  a  rule,  promptly  filled;  that  the  discipline  was 
good,  and  the  troops,  numbering  about  22,500  men,  were  ready  to  take 
the  field  at  any  time. 

We  completed  our  visit  through  the  camps  about  6  p.  m.  and  returned 
to  Harrisburg. 

At  8  p.  m.  the  committee  again  met  at  Lochiel  Hotel  and  called  before 
it  Gapt.  Frank  N.  Moore,  Company  M,  Ninth  Regiment  Pennsylvania 
Volunteer  Infantry.  Captain  Moore  was  before  the  committee  until 
about  10.30  p.  m.  His  testimony  will  be  found  in  the  report  of  the 
stenographer  herewith. 

The  committee  again  met  at  the  Lochiel  House  at  9  a.  m.  Friday, 
November  4,  1898.  It  called  before  it  during  the  day  and  heard  the 
testimony  of  the  following-named  officers:  Lieut.  Col.  Guy  Howard, 
United  States  Volunteers,  chief  quartermaster  Second  Army  Corps; 
Lieut.  Col.  James  M.  Allison,  United  States  Volunteers,  chief  commis- 
sary Second  Army  Corps ;  Brig.  Gen.  George  W.  Davis,  United  States 
Volunteers,  commanding  First  Division,  Second  Corps;  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Watts,  Eighth  Regiment  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry; 
Lieut.  Col.  Alf.  C.  Girard,  United  States  Volunteers,  chief  surgeon 
Second  Corps;  Capt.  Carl  Reichmann,  United  States  Volunteers,  assist- 
ant adjutant- general,  Second  Corps ;  Lieut.  Col.  W.  P.  Duvall,  United 
States  Volunteers,  chief  ordnance  officer  Second  Corps. 

The  committee  adjourned  at  2  p.  m.  and  returned  to  Washington, 
reaching  there  on  the  evening  of  the  4th  instant. 

The  testimony  of  the  officers  who  were  heard  will  be  found  in  the 
record  of  the  stenographer  herewith. 

Very  respectfully,  John  M.  Wilson, 

Brigadier  General,  Chief  of  Engineers,  U.  S.  A. 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— GOVERNOR  WOODBURY. 

Burlington,  Vt.,  November  10, 1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appeared,  and  having  no  objection  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Capt. 
George  A.  Dodd,  Third  United  States  Cavalry;  Cornelius  M.  Brownell, 
Burlington,  Vt. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


54  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— GENERAL  DODGE,  OOLONEL  SEXTON,  DR.  CONNER. 

Detroit,  Mich.,  November  10, 1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  committee,  and  having 
no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Maj.  A.  W.  Corliss,  Seventh  United  States  Infantry;  Lieut. 
O.  B.  Eosenbaum,  quartermaster  Seventh  United  States  Infantry; 
Capt.  Charles  A.  Booth,  Seventh  United  States  Infantry;  Maj.  Charles 
B.  Nancrede,  division  surgeon;  Theodore  W.  Whittier,  private,  Seventh 
United  States  Infantry;  Maj.  Lawrence  D.  Knowles,  surgeon,  Thirty- 
second  Michigan ;  Captain  Booth  (recalled),  Mrs.  Lucy  Weldon,  Detroit, 
Mich. ;  Helen  Stuart  Bichings,  Capt.  George  S.  Young,  Seventh  United 
States  Infantry;  Maj.  William  G.  Latimer,  Thirty-fourth  Michigan 
Volunteers;  O.  B.  Weed,  Thirty-second  Michigan  Volunteers;  Maj. 
Thomas  H.  Reynolds,  Thirty-second  Michigan  Volunteers;  Capt.  F.  W. 
Crowley,  Thirty-third  Michigan  Volunteers. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


FORTIETH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  November  11, 1898, 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 
Present:  Colonel  Denby,  General  Wilson,  and  Captain  Howell. 
The  secretary  and  the  acting  recorder  were  also  present. 
The  other  members  of  the  Commission  were  still  absent  on  the  duties 
assigned  them. 

The  official  mail  was  attended  to.  There  being  no  witnesses  present, 
the  Commission  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Saturday,  the  12th 
instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder, 


FORTY  FIRST  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  November  12,  1898. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  with  all 
the  members  present  excepting  Governor  Woodbury,  who  was  still 
absent  on  the  duties  assigned  him. 
The  acting  recorder  and  secretary  were  also  present. 
Colonel  Denby  submitted  to  the  Commission  a  written   report  in 
regard  to  business  transacted  in  Washington  during  the  absence  of  the 
Commission,  which  was  read  and  hied. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  55 

The  several  members  of  the  subcommittee  which  proceeded  to  the 
West,  composed  of  General  Dodge,  Colonel  Sexton,  and  Dr.  Conner, 
made  an  informal  verbal  report  of  their  work,  a  fuller  report  of  which 
will  appear  by  reference  to  transcript  of  testimony  taken  by  them. 

Dr.  Conner  submitted  a  communication  received  from  the  Chicago 
College  of  Pharmacy  (connected  with  the  University  of  Illinois),  which 
was  filed. 

General  Dodge  submitted  a  letter  from  M.  Koenigsburg,  of  Mont- 
gomery, Ala.,  which  was  read  and  filed. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  o'clock,  adjourned  to  meet  on  Monday  at 
10  a.  m.,  the  14th  instant. 

F .  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder, 


FOKTY-SECOND  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  November  14, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present,  all  members  excepting  Captain  Howell,  who  was  called  to 
Atlanta,  Ga. 

The  acting  recorder  and  secretary  were  also  present. 

General  Dodge  submitted  for  the  consideration  of  the  Commission  a 
report  on  the  case  of  Corpl.  Francis  H.  Sweet,  who  died  October  30,  at 
Montauk  Point.    Special  letter  sent. 

Col.  R.  S.  Huidekoper,  chief  surgeon,  United  States  Volunteers, 
appeared  before  the  Commission  and,  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly 
sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.40  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

Maj.  Thomas  T.  Knox,  inspector- general,  United  States  Army,  ap- 
peared before  the  Commission  and,  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly 
sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

General  Dodge  submitted  the  following  letters: 

H.  F.  Hodges,  lieutenant  colonel  First  United  States  Volunteer  Engi- 
neers, in  regard  to  Dr.  Seaman.    Filed  with  Dr.  Seaman's  testimony. 

John  M.  Thayer,  Lincoln,  Nebr.,  November  7,  1898.  Filed,  and  put 
name  of  Mrs.  Adams  referred  to  in  said  letter  on  list  of  witnesses. 

Gen.  Joseph  C.  Breckinridge,  Inspector-General  United  States  Army, 
appeared  before  the  Commission  and,  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly 
sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  4.45  p.  m.  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Tuesday, 
the  15th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


56  INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 

FORTY-THIRD   DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  November  15 ,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present,  all  members  except  Captain  Howell,  who  was  still  absent 
in  Atlanta. 

The  acting  recorder  and  secretary  were  also  present. 

Gen.  Joseph  C.  Breckinridge  resumed  the  witness  stand  and  con- 
cluded his  testimony. 

The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  trauscript 
of  same):  Capt.  R.  W.  Dowdy,  United  States  Army,  retired 5  Dr. 
George  L.  Magruder,  Washington. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

The  following  witnesses  appeared,  and  having  no  objection  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Dr. 
William  G.  Weaver,  assistant  and  acting  surgeon,  Ninth  Pennsylvania 
Yolunteers;  Maj.  Louis  A.  La  Garde,  surgeon,  United  States  Army. 

The  Commission  adjourned  until  to  morrow,  the  16th  instant,  at 
10  a.  m. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


FORTY-FOURTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  November  16, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  present. 

The  acting  recorder  and  secretary  were  also  present. 

Major  La  Garde  resumed  the  stand  and  concluded  his  testimony. 

The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Lieut.  Col.  J.  W.  Jacobs,  Quartermaster's  Department;  Capt. 
Jonathan  M.  Patton,  assistant  quartermaster,  United  States  Vol- 
unteers. 

The  Commission,  at  12:30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

afternoon  session. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were  duly 
sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :    Capt.  M. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    COMMISSION.  57 

W.  Ireland,  assistant  surgeon,  United  States  Army;  Capt.  Edward  L. 
Munson,  assistant  surgeon,  United  States  Army;  Ool.  W.  H.  Forwood, 
assistant  surgeon-general. 

The  Commission,  at  4:45  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Thurs- 
day, the  17  th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


FORTY-FIFTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  November  17, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present. 

The  acting  recorder  and  secretary  were  also  present. 

The  proceedings  of  the  previous  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 

On  motion  of  Governor  Woodbury  it  was  voted  that  one  member  ot 
the  Commission  be  designated  to  remain  in  Washington  during  the 
absence  of  the  Commission  in  the  North,  to  look  after  business  of  the 
Board  in  that  place;  and  President  Dodge  designated  Colonel  Denby 
to  remain  in  Washington. 

Letter  was  read  from  H.  A.  Dobson,  M.  D.,  Washington,  D.  C,  which 
was  referred  to  Colonel  Denby  for  attention. 

Letter  read  from  W.  H.  Caine,  M.  D.,  Minneapolis,  Minn.  Upon 
motion  of  Dr.  Conner  it  was  moved  that  Dr.  Caine  be  again  requested 
to  send  all  the  information  he  has  in  the  matter  referred  to  in  the  form 
of  an  affidavit. 

Dr.  Forwood  resumed  the  witness  stand  and  concluded  his  testi- 
mony. 

Maj.  Richard  H.  Pyles,  surgeon  First  District  of  Columbia  Volun- 
teers, appeared  as  a  witness  and,  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly  sworn 
and  his  testimony  taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

Gen.  S.  B.  M.  Young,  United  States  Volunteers,  appeared  as  a  wit- 
ness and,  having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken. 
(See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  3.45  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  the  Fifth  Avenue 
Hotel,  New  York,  Friday  morning,  November  18,  at  10  a.  m. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder, 


58  INVESTIGATION    OF   CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 

FORTY  SIXTH  DAY. 

New  York  City,  November  18,  1898. 

The  Commission  arrived  in  New  York  City  at  7  a.  m.,  and  met  at  10 
o'clock,  in  the  Fifth  Avenue  Hotel,  where  it  resumed  the  hearing  of 
testimony. 

All  members  on  the  trip  present,  Colonel  Denby  being  delegated  to 
attend  to  the  business  of  the  Commission  in  Washington. 

The  actiug  recorder  was  also  present. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Col.  Charles  R.  Greenleaf,  assistant  surgeon-general;  David 
J.  Goss,  cook,  Seventy-first  New  York  Volunteers;  Henry  Hauck, 
private,  Company  L,  Seveuty-first  New  York  Volunteers. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  to  meet  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON   SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

It  was  decided  that  on  and  after  the  21st  instant  the  morning  session 
would  begin  at  9.30  a.  m. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  William 
H.  Henry,  New  York  City;  Richard  M.  Henry,  New  York  City;  Frank 
Donaldson,  acting  assistant  surgeon;  James  S.  Sauers,  private,  Com- 
pany K,  Seventy-first  New  York  Volunteers;  Mrs.  Mary  Manson,  New 
York  City. 

The  Commission,  at  4.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Saturday, 
the  19th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


FORTY-SEVENTH  DAY. 

New  York  City,  November  19,  1898, 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present,  all  members  on  the  trip  except  General  Beaver,  who  was 
called  to  Pennsylvania  on  court  duty. 

The  acting  recorder  was  also  present. 

The  proceedings  of  the  previous  meeting  were  read  and  approved. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  hav- 
ing no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same):  Mrs.  Edmund  C.  Allis;  Capt.  Edward  H.  Plummer, 
Tenth  United  States  Infantry;  Maj.  George  T.  Lorigan,  Ninth  New 
York  Volunteers. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  59 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Mar- 
garet H.  Garrard,  Morristown,  N.  J. ;  Lieut.  Charles  Edwards,  Company 
H,  Seventy-first  New  York  Volunteers. 

The  Commission,  at  4  p.  in.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  9.30  a.  m.  on  Mon- 
day, the  21st  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


WORK  OF  STJBOOMMITTEE-OOLONEL  DENBT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  November  19,  1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  Colonel  Denby,  sitting  as 
a  subcommittee  in  Washington,  and  having  no  objection,  were  duly 
sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Mrs.  Josie 
M.  Dobson,  Dr.  H.  A.  Dobson,  Lawrence  J.  Wooldridge,  Samuel  Pkelan, 
Arthur  L.  Kitchen. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


FORTY-EIGHTH  DAY. 

New  York  City,  November  21,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  9.30  a.  m. 

Present,  all  members  on  the  trip  except  Captain  Howell,  who  was 
called  away  to  Atlanta,  Ga.  General  Beaver  returned  from  Pennsyl- 
vania. 

The  acting  recorder  was  also  present. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  hav- 
ing no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same) :  Maj.  F.  J.  Ives,  brigade  surgeon  volunteers;  Dr.  Lewis 
A.  Stimpson,  New  York  City;  Miss  Julia  H.  Chad  wick,  New  York  City. 

Mr.  E.  B.  Roosevelt  appeared  before  the  Commission  and  made  a 
short  statement.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  1  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION, 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same):  Dr.  W. 
Gilman  Thompson,  S.  D.  Parrish,  New  York  City. 


60  INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

Mr.  Parrish,  after  being  sworn,  stated  that  he  excepted  to  the  expres- 
sion "the  whole  truth,"  inasmuch  as  he  did  not  expect  to  tell  all  he 
knew. 

The  Commission  adjourned,  at  4.30  p.  m.,  to  meet  at  9.30  a.  m.  the 

22d  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— COLONEL  DEKEY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  November  21,  1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  Colonel  Denby,  sitting  as  a 
subcommittee  in  Washington,  and  having  no  objection  were  duly  sworn 
and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Lieut.  S.  Clifford 
Cox,  assistant  surgeon,  First  District  of  Columbia  Volunteers  ;  Corpl. 
Wm.  C.  Eyan,  First  District  of  Columbia  Volunteers,  Company  D. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


FORTY  NINTH  DAY. 

New  York  City,  November  22, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  9.30  a.  m. 

Present,  all  members  on  the  trip,  except  Captain  Howell,  who  was 
still  absent  in  Atlanta. 

The  acting  recorder  was  also  present 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and 
having  no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see 
transcript  of  same):  Mrs.  Susan  B.  Powell,  New  York;  Joseph 
Gdrke,  Yonkers,  N.  Y.;  Col.  A.  S.  Kimball,  assistant  quartermaster, 
United  States  Army ;  Sidney  V.  Lowell,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. ;  Miss  Mary 
C.  Lowell,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.;  Bev.  Henry  B.  Bryan,  Long  Island. 

The  Commission,  at  1  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  o'clock. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Hilder 
Olin,  second  lieutenant  Company  I,  Seventy-first  New  York  Volun- 
teers; George  Wallace,  Long  Island;  Mrs.  L.  G.  Woodhouse;  Col. 
Theodore  Roosevelt,  First  Regiment  Volunteer  Cavalry. 

The  Commission,  at  5  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  Wednesday,  the  23d 
instant,  at  9.30  o'clock  a.  m. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


MINUTES   OF   THE   COMMISSION.  61 

WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— COLONEL  DENBY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  November  22,  1898. 
Capt.  William  S.  Hodges,  Company  D,  First  District  of  Columbia 
Volunteers,  appeared  before  Colonel  Denby,  sitting  as  a  subcommittee, 
and  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken. 
(See  transcript  of  same.) 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


FIFTIETH  DAY. 

New  York  City,  November  23, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  9.30  a.  m. 

Present  all  members  on  the  trip. 

The  acting  recorder  was  also  present. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  hav- 
ing no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see 
transcript  of  same):  Lieut.  John  M.  Thompson,  Seventy-first  New 
York  Volunteers;  J.  S.  J.  Archibald,  New  York  City;  John  Jay  Kobin- 
son,  New  York  City;  Mrs.  Johanna  von  Wagner,  New  York  City; 
Knight  Neftel,  New  York  City;  Cleveland  Moffett;  Edward  A.  Sumner, 
New  York  City. 

The  Commission,  at  12.45  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  to  meet  at  2  p.  m. 

afternoon  session. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same):  Dr. 
Elmer  Lee,  New  York  City;  Col.  J.  Morris  Brown,  deputy  surgeon-gen- 
eral, United  States  Army;  Dr.  Herbert  C.  Anderson,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

It  was  moved  and  seconded  that  in  view  of  the  fact  that  Thursday, 
the  24th  instant,  would  be  Thanksgiving  day,  the  Commission  would 
adjourn  until  Friday,  the  25th  instant,  at  9.30  a.  m. 

A  resolution  was  also  adopted  that  upon  the  close  of  the  session  in 
New  York,  on  Saturday  evening,  the  26th  instant,  the  Commission 
proceed  to  Boston,  Mass.,  that  night,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  testi- 
mony there, 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


62  INVESTIGATION    OF   CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

FIFTY-FIBST  DAT. 

New  York  City,  November  25, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  9.30  a.  m. 

Present  ail  members  on  the  trip,  except  Governor  Woodbury,  absent 
in  Burlington,  Vt. 

The  acting  recorder  was  also  present. 

The  following  letters  were  received  in  reply  to  invitations  to  appear 
as  witnesses  before  the  Commission: 

39  East  Thirty-fifth  Street,  November  24, 1898. 
(Jen.  Grenville  M.  Dodge, 

President  of  Commission. 
Dear  Sir:  I  regret  that  I  must  decline  your  invitation  to  appear  before  your 
committee.  I  visited  Camp  Wikoff  as  a  member  of  the  advisory  board  of  physicians 
of  the  National  Red  Cross  Society  of  this  city,  by  the  request  of  the  executive  com- 
mittee of  the  society,  to  report  on  the  sanitary  conditions  of  the  camp.  A  full  report 
was  sent  by  me  to  the  committee,  which  I  presume  they  will  gladly  furnish  you. 

The  desire  of  your  committee  for  information,  it  seems  to  me,  can  be  served  in  this 
way  better  than  by  the  methods  which  it  has  seemed  wise  to  your  committee  to 
adopt  in  examining  the  medical  gentlemen  who  have  appeared  before  you. 
Eespectfully, 

Francis  P.  Kinnicutt. 


12  West  Thirty-second  Street,  November  4, 1898. 
Dear  Doctor:  I  have  no  testimony  to  give  that  will  be  of  service  to  your  com- 
mittee, so  that  I  shall  have  to  ask  you  to  excuse  me. 
Yours,  truly, 

Francis  Delafield. 


8  East  Sixty-sixth  Street, 

New  York,  November  24,  1898. 
Gen.  Grenville  M.  Dodge. 

Dear  Sir  :  Appreciating  the  courtesy  of  an  invitation  to  appear  before  your  com- 
mittee, I  beg  to  be  excused,  as  I  am  unable  to  testify  to  any  specific  facts  based  on 
personal  knowledge. 

Very  respectfully,  yours, 

Geo.  F.  Shrady. 

The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Daniel  McKeever,  New  York  City;  Eev.  Dwight  Galloupe, 
Newark,  N.J. ;  Charles  J.  Goulden,  New  York  City ;  Joseph  P.  Holmes, 
New  York  City;  Mrs.  Mary  Hatch  Willard,  Joseph  F.  Gleason,  Brook- 
lyn, N.  Y.;  Louis  E.  Kreuss,  New  York  City;  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Brosnan, 
Worcester,  Mass.;  M.  J.  Hussey,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

The  Commission  took  a  recess  at  1  p.  m.  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON   SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Dr.  A. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  63 

Monae  Lesser,  New  York  City;  Dr.  Cyrus  Edson,  New  York  City; 
A.  E.  Gallant,  New  York  City. 

Mrs.  Mary  Hatch  Willard  submitted  a  letter,  which  was  read,  and 
requested  that  same  be  made  a  part  of  her  testimony,  which  was  so 
ordered. 

Gilbert  G.  Brockway,  Charles  J.  Coons,  Thos.  H.  Brett,  and  J.  J. 
Keller,  all  volunteers  Seventy- first  New  York  Volunteers,  appeared 
before  the  Commission,  each  presenting  a  paper  signed  by  himself;  all 
being  duly  sworn,  stated  the  contents  of  said  papers,  marked  Nos.  1, 2, 
3,  and  4,  were  true. 

Dr.  Lewis  A.  Stimpson,  New  York  City,  appeared  again  before  the 
Commission  and  submitted  some  papers  of  record,  in  accordance  with 
understanding  previously  had.     (See  transcript  of  testimony.) 

The  Commission  adjourned  at  4  p.  m.  to  meet  again  at  8  p.  m. 

EVENING  SESSION. 

The  Commission  met  at  8  p.  m.  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

The  following  witnesses  appeared,  and  having  no  objection  were  duly 
sworn,  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Maj.  John 
W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster,  United  States  Army;  Charles  M. 
Swift,  purveyor  of  fleet;  Henry  P.  Kirkham. 

The  Commission,  at  9.30  p.  m.,  adjourned,  to  meet  at  9.30  a.  m.  Satur- 
day, the  26th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— COLONEL  DENJBY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  November  25, 1898. 
Preston  C.  King,  hospital  steward,  First  District  of  Columbia  Vol- 
unteers, appeared  before  Colonel  Denby,  sitting  as  a  subcommittee, 
and  having  no  objections  he  was  duly  sworn,  and  his  testimony  taken 
(see  transcript  of  same). 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


FIFTY-SECOND  DAY. 

New  York  City,  November  26, 1898. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  9.30  a.  m. 
Present  all  members  on  the  trip,  except  Governor  Woodbury,  who 
was  still  absent. 
The  acting  recorder  was  also  present. 


64  INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OP    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

The  following  letter  was  received  from  Alexander  Duane  in  reply  to 
an  invitation  to  appear  as  a  witness  before  the  Commission : 

49  East  Thirtikth  Street, 
New  York,  November  25,  1898. 
Gen.  G.  M.  Dodge, 

President  War  Commission. 
Sir  :  I  have  the  houor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  telegram  of  this  date.  In 
reply  I  regret  to  say  that  I  have  no  first-hand  information  that  could  be  of  value  to 
your  Commission ;  in  other  words,  I  can  offer  no  testimony  as  an  eyewitness  or 
from  persoual  experience.  What  information  I  have  is  such  as  most  of  us  have  here, 
who  have  followed  (with  care  and  an  earnest  wish  to  learn  the  facts)  the  authorized 
reports,  the  accounts  published  in  the  medical  journals,  and  the  conservative  press 
generally,  and  the  testimony  of  competent  witnesses  that  we  have  happened  to  come 
into  contact  with.  This  testimony  has  already  been  in  large  part  presented  to  you 
at  first  hand  (e.  g.,  Dwight  Thompson,  Dr.  Stimpson,  and  others).  Hence,  while  I 
shall  be  very  glad  to  assist  the  Commission  in  any  way  in  my  power,  I  feel  that  it 
would  be  only  a  waste  of  time  to  present  myself  before  you  to  testify  in  regard  to 
matters  of  which  I  was  not  an  eyewitness,  and  as  to  the  truth  of  which  I  can  not, 
although  morally  certain,  contribute  any  decisive  evidence. 

Respectfully,  Alexander  Duane. 

The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Dr.  M.  O.  Terry,  surgeon-general  New  York  State;  Mrs.  L. 
W.  Quintard,  New  York  City,  N.  Y.;  Mrs.  Alice  B.  Babcock,  New  York 
City,  N.  Y.;  Joseph  F.  Chmelicek,  New  York  City,  N.  Y. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  recess,  to  meet  at  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  W.  H.Baldwin,  jr.,  president  Long  Island  Railroad,  New 
York  City;  Eleanor  L.  Coe,  New  York  City,  N.  Y. 

Letter  received  from  Robert  B.  Roosevelt  was  read,  same  was  ordered 
to  be  tiled  with  the  testimony. 

The  following  letter  was  mailed  to  the  New  York  World,  on  Novem- 
ber 19, 1898,  viz: 

New  York  City,  November  19, 1898. 
New  York  World, 

New  York  City. 
Gentlemen:  Referring  to  your  request  as  to  the  investigation  of  contracts  by  this 
Commission,  I  desire  to  say  that  the  Commission  is  prepared  to  investigate  any  con- 
tract that  has  been  made  by  the  Government  where  fraud   is  charged  or  undue 
influence  against  any  officer  of  the  War  Department. 
If  you  have  any  evidence  bearing  u,,on  such  cases  we  wonld  be  pleased  to  hear  it. 
Respectfully,  yours, 

Grenville  M.  Dodge,  President. 

to  which  no  answer  has  been  received  up  to  the  time  the  Commission 
closed  its  sessions  in  New  York  City. 

The  Commission  then,  at  4.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  9.30  a.  m. 
at  the  Parker  House,  Boston,  Mass.,  Monday,  the  28th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  65 

FIFTY-THIRD  DAY. 

Boston,  Mass.,  November  29, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  at  9.30  a.  m. 

.Present,  all  members  on  the  trip. 

The  acting  recorder  was  also  present. 

The  Commission  was  nnable  to  meet  on  the  28th  instant,  as  agreed 
upon  at  the  adjournment  on  the  26th  instant,  owing  to  the  railroad 
trains  upon  which  the  members  were  traveling  between  New  York  and 
Boston  being  detained  thirty  hours  while  en  route  on  account  of  a 
severe  snowstorm. 

The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Leonard  W.  Johnson,  North  Cambridge,  Mass. ;  Dr.  William 
H.  Prescott,  Boston,  Mass.  j  Dr.  Laura  A.  0.  Hughes,  Boston,  Mass. 

The  Commission,  at  1.45  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  to  meet  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Gen.  Adelbert  Ames,  United  States  Volunteers,  Boston, 
Mass.;  E.  G.  Brackett,  Boston,  Mass.;  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Bell  Thomas, 
Haverhill,  Mass. ;  Dr.  B.  C.  Cabot,  Boston,  Mass. ;  Dr.  George  F.  Camp- 
bell, Boston,  Mass.;  William  B.  Kenibbs,  Boston,  Mass.;  Dr.  Miles 
Standish,  Boston,  Mass. ;  Dr.  Herbert  L.  Burrell,  Boston,  Mass. ;  J.  B. 
Houston,  Boston,  Mass. 

The  Commission  adjourned  to  meet  at  9.30  a.  m.,  November  30, 1898. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


FIFTY-FOURTH  DAY. 

Boston,  Mass.,  November  30, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  at  9.30  a.  m. 

Present,  all  members  on  the  trip. 

The  acting  recorder  was  also  present. 

The  following-mentioned  letters  were  received  in  reply  to  invitations 
to  appear  before  the  Commission. 

From  William  Astor  Chandler,  that  he  did  not  receive  notice  dated 
25th  instant  until  the  28th  instant,  so  he  was  unable  to  avail  him- 
self of  the  invitation  to  testify. 

From  George  Y.  Bancher,  that  as  nothing  would  be  gained  by  his 
appearing,  and  it  would  put  a  blot  on  his  regiment,  he  declines. 

From  Dr.  William  H.  Pierce,  that  Mrs.  John  Brooks  is  unable  to 
appear,  owing  to  quite  serious  illness  in  her  family. 
7833— vol.  1 5 


66  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Mrs.  J.  H.  Bull,  stating  that  her  son 
would  like  to  testify  in  support  of  the  War  Department. 

Three  letters  were  received  from  Mr.  H.  L.  Higginson,  of  Boston, 
Mass.,  stating  that  if  he  could  be  assured  that  witnesses  would  be 
treated  kindly  and  fairly  he  would  be  able  to  induce  several  good  men 
to  go  before  the  Commission.  Mr.  Higginson  was  advised  that  as  yet 
the  Commission  had  no  complaint  from  any  witness,  and  that  it  would 
be  pleased  to  have  sent  before  it  any  person  in  possession  of  informa- 
tion. Mr.  Higginson  also  complained  of  a  certain  surgeon,  who  was 
found  continually  drunk  while  on  duty,  both  at  Fortress  Monroe  and 
Camp  Wikoff.  The  Commission  requested  Mr.  Higginson  to  kindly 
furnish  the  name  of  the  doctor,  to  which  Mr.  Higginson  replied,  stating 
that  his  name  was  Winter  and  that  he  did  not  know  whether  he  was 
an  army  officer  or  not. 

On  motion  of  General  Beaver  it  was  agreed  that  upon  final  adjour- 
ment  in  Boston  the  Commissioners  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Friday,  December 
2,  1898,  in  Washington,  D.  C. 

On  motion  of  Captain  Howell,  it  was  agreed  that  Dr.  Conner  and 
Governor  Woodbury  remain  in  Boston  for  the  present  as  a  sub- 
committee to  take  such  testimony  for  the  Commission  as  they  deem 
necessary. 

The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same):  Dr.  James  B.  Clarkson,  Boston,  Mass.;  Maj.  Charles 
K.  Darling,  Sixth  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  Boston,  Mass.;  Jeremiah 
G.  Fennessey,  lieutenant,  Ninth  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  Koxbury, 
Mass. ;  Dr.  Frank  M.  Johnson,  Boston,  Mass. ;  Dr.  Henry  La  Motte, 
Boston,  Mass. ;  Mr.  Edwin  Atkinson,  Boston,  Mass. ;  Dr.  David  Clark, 
Springfield,  Mass.;  Iiev.  Dr.  Edwin  S.  Wheeler,  Boston,  Mass.;  W.  H. 
Seabury,  Boston,  Mass.;  A.  Brown,  Boston,  Mass.;  Grafton  J.  Gush- 
ing, Boston,  Mass.;  Charles  Pfaff,  colonel  First  Massachusetts  Heavy 
Artillery. 

The  Commission,  at  3.30  p.  m.,  adjourned. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE-GOVERNOR  WOODBURY,  DOCTOR  CONNER. 

Boston,  Mass.,  December  1, 1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  tl*e  committee,  and  having 
no  objections,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same) :  Maj.  Charles  L.  Heizmann,  surgeon,  United  States 
Army;  Dr.  Daniel  Fiske  Jones. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


MINUTES   OF   THE   COMMISSION.  67 

FIFTY-FIFTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 

Washington,  D.  C,  December  2, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present,  all  the  members  except  Dr.  Conner,  absent  as  subcommittee 
taking  testimony  at  Boston,  Mass. 

The  secretary  and  acting  recorder  were  also  present. 

General  Dodge  read  a  letter  from  the  New  York  World,  dated 
November  29.    Ordered  filed  with  the  records. 

Colonel  Den  by  submitted  a  letter  from  Secretary  Alger  in  regard  to 
testimony  of  General  Breckinridge. 

General  Wilson  submitted  a  copy  of  General  Order  181,  Headquarters 
of  the  Army,  Adjutant-General's  Office,  November  26,  1898.  Ordered 
to  be  filed  with  Lieutenant  Fennessey's  testimony. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Col. 
Charles  Bird,  Quartermaster's  Department,  United  States  Volunteers; 
Col.  Crosby  P.  Miller,  Quartermaster's  Department,  United  States 
Army. 

The  Commission,  at  1  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  o'clock. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same):  Col, 
William  S.  Patton,  Quartermaster's  Department,  United  States  Army; 
Capt.  James  McKay,  Tampa,  Fla. 

The  Commission,  at  4.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Satur- 
day, the  3d  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


WORK  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— DR.  CONNER. 

Boston,  Mass.,  December  2, 1898. 
Dr.  Edward  H.  Bradford  appeared  before  Dr.  Conner,  sitting  as  a 
committee  representing  the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection,  he 
was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


68  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

FIFTY-SIXTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  December  3,  1898, 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

All  the  members  were  present  except  Dr.  Conner,  who  was  still 
absent  taking  testimony  in  Boston. 

The  secretary  and  acting  recorder  were  also  present. 

General  Dodge  read  indorsements  of  Lieut.  Col.  and  Chief  Surg. 
John  V.  R.  Hoff,  dated  August  24,  1898,  and  Maj.  Gen.  J.  C.  Breckin- 
ridge, of  September  2,  in  regard  to  report  of  General  Sanger's  board  on 
sanitary  condition  of  camps.    The  papers  were  ordered  filed. 

A  letter  from  Col.  and  Asst.  Surg.  Gen.  Charles  B.  Greenleaf  was 
read,  being  in  reply  to  the  request  of  the  Commission,  giving  his  views 
in  regard  to  the  Medical  Department.  It  was  ordered  to  be  printed  in 
connection  with  his  testimony. 

A  letter  dated  November  12, 1898,  from  Maj.  Gen.  J.  B.  Brooke,  was 
read  and  ordered  to  be  filed. 

A  letter  was  read  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  dated  November  29, 
1898,  in  regard  to  Inspector-General's  Department.  It,  together  with 
General  Orders,  No.  18,  of  March,  1895,  and  No.  81,  of  June,  1898,  were 
ordered  to  be  printed. 

Colonel  Denby  submitted  a  report  of  the  work  done  and  testimony 
taken  by  himself  in  Washington  during  the  absence  of  the  other  mem- 
bers of  the  Commission  in  New  York  and  Boston.  The  report  and 
letters  in  connection  therewith  were  ordered  to  be  placed  on  file. 

Colonel  Denby  also  related  a  statement  made  to  him  by  the  mother 
of  the  late  Sergeant  Dobson,  First  District  of  Columbia  Volunteers. 

Letter  of  November  18,  1898,  from  Miller  &  Young,  108  Front  street, 
New  York  City,  was  read,  in  regard  to  sale  of  coffee  at  Southern  camps. 
Ordered  referred  to  Commissary-General. 

Copy  of  cablegram  from  Brig.  Gen.  Charles  F.  Humphrey,  Quarter- 
master's Department,  objecting  to  testimony  of  Lieut.  Col.  J.  W.  Jacobs, 
was  read,  and  ordered  that  it  be  made  part  of  the  records. 

Captain  McKay  resumed  the  stand  and  concluded  his  testimony. 

George  W.  Goethals,  captain  of  engineers,  lieutenant-colonel  and 
chief  engineer  of  Volunteers,  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and 
having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.  (See 
transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.45  p.  in.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

afternoon  session. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

Col.  James  M.  Moore,  assistant  quartermaster -general,  appeared 
before  the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly  sworn 
and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  3.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Monday, 
the  5th  instant.  p  B   JoNEgj  Acting  BecordeT.9 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  69 

WORK  OF  STTBGOMMITTEE-DR.  OONNER. 

Boston,  Mass.,  December  5, 1898. 
Col.  John  F.  Marsh  appeared  before  Dr.  Conner,  sitting  as  a  repre- 
sentative of  the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection,  he  was  dnly 
sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


FIFTY-SEVENTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 

Washington,  D.  0.,  December  5,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  of  the 
members  being  present. 

The  secretary,  recorder,  and  acting  recorder  were  also  present. 

General  Dodge  read  a  letter  from  Mrs.  James  Brady  in  relation  to 
the  trial  of  Captain  Queenly,  of  the  Ninth  Massachusetts,  and  death  of 
her  son.  It  was  ordered  returned  to  Adjutant- General  United  States 
Army  with  the  information  that  as  the  case  had  been  passed  upon  by 
a  board,  the  Commission  did  not  deem  it  expedient  to  reopen  the  case. 

General  Dodge  read  a  letter  received  through  the  Adjutant-General 
from  Horace  Barnes.  It  was  ordered  returned  to  the  Adjutant-General 
with  the  indorsement  "contents  noted." 

A  letter  addressed  to  Hon.  Mark  Hanna,  from  Granville  Sinclair,  was 
read,  in  regard  to  Private  W.  E.  Ball,  Company  G,  Second  West  Vir- 
ginia, complaining  that  he  sees  no  testimony  from  enlisted  men.  Gen- 
eral Dodge  was  authorized  to  write  a  reply. 

Col.  J.  G.  C.  Lee  was  recalled  by  the  Commission.  (See  transcript 
of  testimony.) 

Maj.  Ira  C.  Brown,  surgeon,  United  States  Volunteers,  appeared 
before  the  Commission  as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection,  he  was 
duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  1  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  p.  m.,  when  Major  Brown  con- 
tinued and  concluded  his  testimony. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same):  Lieut. 
Col.  M.  C.  Martin,  quartermaster  Volunteers  j  Clinton  Smith,  architect, 
Quartermaster's  Department. 

The  Commission,  at  5  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Thursday, 
the  6th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


70  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 

FIFTY-EIGHTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  December  6,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

All  the  members  were  present. 

The  secretary,  recorder,  and  acting  recorder  were  also  present. 

General  Dodge  read  a  letter  from  Dr.  Samuel  D.  Hubbard.  Ordered, 
that  Dr.  Hubbard  be  asked  to  furnish  an  affidavit  in  the  case  of  Private 
Frank,  injured  at  Chattanooga. 

General  Dodge  read  a  letter  from  Dr.  W.  N.  Prescott,  asking  for  a 
copy  of  his  testimony.  Ordered,  that  he  be  informed  that  it  is  in  proc- 
ess of  printing,  and  copy  of  same  will  be  furnished  him. 

Governor  Woodbury  offered  the  following  resolution : 

Resolved,  That  the  President  is  hereby  authorized  to  assign  to  each  Commissioner 
such  data  in  the  preparation  of  the  report  of  the  Commission  as  he  may  deem  wise. 

Adopted. 

General  Beaver  moved  that  all  the  papers  furnished  by  the  Adjutant- 
General  be  printed  for  the  Commission's  own  use.    It  was  so  ordered. 

General  Beaver  submitted  a  draft  of  "heads  of  subjects"  to  be  con- 
sidered by  the  Commission  for  making  its  report;  he  was  requested  to 
complete  the  same,  after  which  manifold  copies  will  be  furnished  each 
member  of  the  Commission. 

The  following  resolutions  were  passed: 

Resolved,  That  the  Commission  adjourn  for  Christmas  and  New  Year's  day,  and 
that  any  member  who  desires  be  allowed  to  take  a  longer  time;  but  that  the  Com- 
mission remain  in  session  and  continue  its  work  during  the  holiday  week. 

Resolved,  That  the  recorder  be  authorized  to  employ  an  expert  indexer  for  the 
purpose  of  preparing  a  proper  and  complete  index  of  the  testimony  taken,  and  yet 
to  be  taken,  before  the  Commission.  The  salary  to  be  submitted  for  the  approval 
of  the  Commission. 

No  witnesses  appearing  for  examination,  the  Commission  took  a 
recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock,  and  no  witnesses  present- 
ing themselves  for  examination,  the  Commission  adjourned  at  3.30  p.  m. 
to  "meet  at  10  a.  m.  Wednesday,  the  7th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder, 


FIFTY  NINTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  December  7,  1898. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  save  General  Dodge,  absent  in  New  York. 
The  secretary,  recorder,  and  acting  recorder  were  also  present. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    COMMISSION.  71 

Col.  Frank  J.  Hecker,  quartermaster,  United  States  Volunteers,  appear- 
ing as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his 
testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

Colonel  Denby  read  a  letter  from  Brig.  Gen.  Charles  E.  Compton, 
United  States  Volunteers,  dated  Chicago,  111.,  November  28,  1898, 
addressed  to  Adjutant- General  United  States  Army,  stating  "Dr.  G. 
A.  Smith's  testimony  conveyes  a  wrong  impression.  To  use  a  mild 
expression,  Dr.  Smith  is  mistaken." 

Dr.  Conner  moved  that  a  communication  be  sent  to  the  Surgeon- 
General,  asking  if  Dr.  George  A.  Smith's  report  of  the  Second  Division 
Hospital,  Third  Army  Corps,  at  Camp  Thomas  had  ever  been  received  at 
his  (the  Surgeon-General's)  office,  or  any  communication  relative  to  the 
matter.    It  was  so  ordered. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were  duly 
sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Col.  Charles 
H.  Alden,  assistant  surgeon -general;  Private  James  E.  Smith,  Troop 
A,  Sixth  Cavalry. 

Colonel  Hecker  reappeared  and  submitted  certain  papers  pertaining 
to  his  testimony. 

In  reply  to  inquiry  by  the  Commission,  a  letter  was  received  from  the 
Surgeon-General,  inclosing  papers  pertaining  to  Dr.  G.  A.  Smith,  which 
was  referred  to  Dr.  Conner  for  examination. 

The  Commission,  at  4.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.,  Thurs- 
day, the  8th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder. 


SIXTIETH  DAT. 

War  Department, 

Washington,  D.  (7.,  December  8, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present. 

The  secretary,  recorder,  and  acting  recorder  were  also  present. 

Dr.  Conner  reported  there  was  nothing  in  the  papers  from  the 
Surgeon-General's  Office  concerning  Dr.  G.  A.  Smith  of  interest  to  the 
Commission,  and  recommended  that  they  be  returned  to  the  Surgeon- 
General's  Office.    It  was  so  ordered. 

Affidavit  of  Mrs.  Woodhouse  presented  and  ordered  filed. 

Brig.  Gen.  George  M.  Sternberg,  Surgeon- General  United  States 
Army,  appeared  before  the  Commission  as  a  witness,  and  having  no 


72  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF   WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

objection,  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.    (See  transcript 
of  same.) 
The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  p.  m.  and  went  into  execu- 
tive session. 

It  was  ordered  that  a  letter  be  written  asking  for  the  report  of  Colonel 
Roosevelt  on  the  Santiago  campaign,  and  that  such  extracts  of  Captain 
McKay's  testimony  as  General  McCook  may  designate  be  sent  to 
Colonel  Roosevelt  in  reply  to  Colonel  Roosevelt's  letter  to  General 
McCook. 

Also,  that  a  letter  be  written  to  Gen.  C.  E.  Compton,  United  States 
Volunteers,  that  if  he  (Compton)  will  send  his  affidavit  about  what  he 
has  to  say  in  regard  to  the  testimony  of  Dr.  G.  A.  Smith,  the  Commis- 
sion will  have  it  printed  with  Dr.  Smith's  testimony. 

Surgeon-General  Sternberg  resumed  and  concluded  his  testimony. 

Brig.  Gen.  D.  W.  Flagler,  Chief  of  Ordnance,  appeared  as  a  witness, 
and  having  no  objections,  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken. 
(See  transciir-*  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  4.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.,  Friday, 
the  9th  instant. 

F.  B.  Jones,  Acting  Recorder, 


SIXTY-FIRST  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  December  9,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Captain  Howell. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

Col.  Frank  J.  Hecker,  assistant  quartermaster,  recalled  and  addi- 
tional testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

A  communication  from  James  H.  Ferriss  partially  read  and  laid  aside, 
when  Maj.  D.  M.  Appel,  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  appeared  as  a 
witness,  and  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony 
taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

It  was  moved  and  seconded  that  Mr.  Ryan  (referred  to  in  Colonel 
Hecker's  testimony)  be  called  as  a  witness. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

A  communication  in  regard  to  the  Homeopathic  Hospital  in  Brooklyn, 
N.  Y.,  was  read  by  General  Dodge,  in  re  Maj.  D.  M.  Appel,  surgeon, 
United  States  Army,  and  it  was  decided  to  recall  Major  Appel  and 
question  him  in  regard  to  it. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  73 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  p.  m. 

Maj.  D.  M.  Appel  was  recalled  and  continued  his  testimony. 

Maj.  A.  H.  Appel,  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  appearing  as  a  wit- 
ness, and  having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken. 
(See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  4.15  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.,  Saturday, 
the  10th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SIXTY-SECOND  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  December  10,  1898, 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Captain  Howell. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

General  Wilson  submitted  a  letter  from  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes, 
dated  December  9,  regarding  status  of  Colonel  Swift.    Noted  and  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Edward  Oldham,  general  manager  Asso- 
ciated Trade  and  Industrial  Press,  Washington,  D.  C,  inclosing  letter 
from  Jacob  Dold  Packing  Company,  Kansas  City,  Mo.  Ordered  that 
it  be  referred  to  the  Commissary-General  to  ascertain  when  the  adver- 
tisements were  published,  what  the  proposals  were  for,  and  what  length 
of  time  was  given  for  bids. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Dr.  Elmer  Lee,  10  West  Forty-ninth 
street,  New  York  City.  Ordered  that  the  charts  be  left  out  of  Dr. 
Lee's  testimony. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Kev.  Dr.  E.  Heber  Newton,  New  York, 
explaining  why  he  did  not  avail  himself  of  the  invitation  from  the  Com- 
mission to  appear  before  it  while  testimony  was  being  taken  in  New 
York.     Ordered  filed. 

Directed  that  the  Adjutant-General,  United  States  Army,  be  re- 
quested to  order  Colonel  Wright  and  Major  Torney,  chief  surgeon,  to 
report  to  Dr.  Conner  at  No.  508  Johnson  Building;  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
at  10  a.  m.  December  23,  for  examination. 

Maj.  Valery  Havard,  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  appearing  as  a 
witness,  and  having  no  objections,  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony 
taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

Brig.  Gen.  D.  W.  Flagler  was  recalled  and  additional  testimony  taken. 
(See  transcript  of  same.) 

.     The  Commission,  at  1.30  p.  in.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Monday, 
December  12, 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


74  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

SIXTY-THIRD  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  I).  C,  December  12, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the  mem- 
bers being  present  except  Captain  Howell. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  read  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  dated  December 
10,  1898,  inclosing  copy  of  letter  from  Capt.  C.  F.  Goodrich,  United 
States  Navy,  dated  December  7,  1898,  together  with  letter  from  Maj. 
Gen.  J.  R.  Brooke,  headquarters  First  Army  Corps,  Arroyo,  Porto 
Rico,  dated  August  3, 1898 ;  also  copy  of  letter  from  James  A.  Wright,  jr. 
(no  date),  resenting  a  criticism  on  the  steamer  St.  Louis.  Ordered  to 
be  tiled  and  acknowledged. 

Dr.  Conner  stated  that  he  had  received  a  long  letter  from  Woodbridge 
G.  Osborne,  jr.,  dated  Portland,  Me.,  December  9,  1898,  which  letter 
was  ordered  referred  to  the  adjutant  general  of  the  State  of  Maine,  with 
the  request  that  he  forward  it  to  the  colonel  of  the  regiment  for  inves- 
tigation, and  to  return  the  letter  with  the  report  to  this  Commission. 

A  letter  dated  Washington,  D.  C,  December  8,  1898,  was  received 
from  Surgeon -General  Sternberg,  submitting  communications  from  A.  H. 
Winchester,  Buckhannon,  W.  Va.,  dated  at  Cartagena,  Colombia, 
November  3,  1898,  to  Mr.  Rafael  Madrigal,  transmitted  through  the 
State  Department.    Letters  ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  read  from  Col.  Crosby  P.  Miller,  Quartermaster's  Depart- 
ment, dated  Washington,  D.  C,  December  7,  1898;  also  letter  from 
Marion  McMillan,  captain  and  assistant  quartermaster,  United  States 
Volunteers,  Huntsville,  Ala.,  December  8, 1898.  Ordered  filed  and  to 
be  printed  with  testimony. 

Reference  from  Adjutant-GeneraPs  Office,  December  9,  1898,  in 
response  to  request  from  President  Dodge,  under  date  of  December  6, 
relative  to  ground  lease  for  camps.  Ordered  filed  with  Adjutant-Gen- 
eraPs report. 

A  letter  was  read  from  James  H.  Ferriss,  dated  Joliet,  111.,  December 
6,  1898,  inclosing  statement  from  Mr.  Maloney;  also  statement  from 
Chaplain  O'Deli  in  response  to  letter  from  Commission,  dated  Novem- 
ber 19,  1898.  Ordered  filed  and  that  Mr.  Maloney  be  called  as  a 
witness,  and  that  Dr.  Huidekoper  be  recalled. 

A  letter  was  read  from  William  H.  Caine,  dated  Minneapolis,  Minn., 
November  10,  1898,  together  with  clipping  from  the  St.  Paul  Globe, 
December  5, 1898.  It  was  ordered  that  the  secretary  write  Mr.  Caine  to 
appear  at  508  Johnson  Building,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  at  3  p.  m.  December 
23,  for  examination  by  Dr.  Conner.  Witness  fees  and  transportation 
to  be  furnished.    Papers  to  be  referred  to  Dr.  Conner. 

It  was  directed  that  the  secretary  write  a  letter  to  Mr.  Knox,  hatter, 
New  York  City,  asking  him  if  the  papers  in  reference  to  the  Philadel- 
phia hat  contract  have  been  returned  to  him,  and  to  say  that  the  War 


MINUTES   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  75 

Commission,  should  he  so  desire,  will  be  glad  to  have  him  appear  before 
it  at  such  time  during  the  present  week  as  may  be  agreeable  to  him. 

A  letter  was  read  from  H.  E.  Duval,  president  Florida  Central  and 
Peninsular  Eailroad  Company,  dated  New  York,  December  9,  1898,  in 
reply  to  a  letter  from  President  Dodge  to  Mr.  Coleman.  Ordered  filed 
and  acknowledged. 

Brig.  Gen.  Adolphus  W.  Greely,  Chief  Signal  Officer,  appeared 
before  the  Commission  as  a  witness,  and,  having  no  objection,  he  was 
duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  1  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  o'clock. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  p.  m.  and  went  into  executive 
session. 

Brigadier- General  Greely  then  resumed  and  concluded  his  testimony. 

Brig.  Gen.  Charles  P.  Eagan,  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence, 
appeared  as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objections,  he  was  duly  sworn 
and  his  testimony  taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  4.45  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Tuesday, 

the  13th  inst. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SIXTY-FOURTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  December  13, 1898, 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  mem- 
bers being  present. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

Brigadier-General  Eagan  continued  and  concluded  his  testimony. 

Telegram  from  W.  H.  Ryan  to  General  Beaver  read,  denying  having 
made  any  complaints.    Ordered  filed. 

Col.  Albert  J.  Hartsuff  was  recalled  and  testified.  (See  transcript 
of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.45  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.m. 

afternoon  session. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

Colonel  Hartsuff  concluded  his  testimony. 

Col.  F.  L.  Gunther,  Fourth  Artillery  United  States  Army,  appeared 
as  a  witness,  and,  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly  sworn,  and  his 
testimony  taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission  then  went  into  executive  session  and  passed  the 
following  resolution : 

Resolved,  That  the  disbursing  officer  is  authorized  to  pay,  upon  proper  vouchers, 
when  approved  by  the  presiding  officer  of  the  Commission,  $5  per  day  for  expenses 
to  each  the  recorder  and  the  disbursing  officer  of  this  Commission,  said  per  diem  to 
be  paid  from  the  date  of  each  officer's  entry  on  duty  with  the  Commission. 


76  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 

The  letter  of  General  Greely,  with  the  accompanying  papers,  was 
rend  to  the  Commission,  and  it  was  directed  that  the  letters  be  returned 
to  the  Chief  Signal  Officer  and  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence, 
with  the  following  indorsement: 

Respectfully  returned.  In  the  opinion  of  the  Commission,  General  Greely's  testi- 
mony was  along  the  line  and  in  perfect  accord  with  the  testimony  of  General  BagMi 
himself,  viz:  that  the  Commissary-General  should  have  the  power  to  provide  every- 
thing necessary  to  put  the  food  in  the  mouths  of  the  American  soldier. 

The  Commission,  at  4.45  p.  m.,  adjourned,  to  meet  at  10  a.  m. 
to  morrow,  the  14th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SIXTY  FIFTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  December  14,  1898, 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript 
of  same):  Father  Kelly,  chaplain,  Seventh  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry; 
Maj.  B.  F.  Pope,  surgeon,  United  States  Army. 

A  letter  from  Dr.  M.  S.  French,  National  Relief  Association,  was  read. 
Ordered  filed,  and  marked  "Special,"  so  it  can  be  printed. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock,  when  Major  Pope  resumed 
and  concluded  his  testimony. 

Dr.  Urban  S.  Bird  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and,  having  no 
objection  he  was  duly  sworn,  and  his  testimony  taken.  (See  transcript 
of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  4.45  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.,  Thurs- 
day, the  15th  instant. 

S.  0.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SIXTY-SIXTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 

Washington,  1).  O.,  December  15,  1898. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Colonel  Sexton. 
The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 


MINUTES   OF    THE    COMMISSION.  77 

Maj.  Gen.  John  K.  Brooke  appearing  as  a  witness  before  the  Com- 
mission, and,  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony- 
taken .    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.45  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock,  and  General  Brooke 
resumed  and  concluded  his  testimony. 

The  Commission,  at  4.45  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.,  Friday, 
the  16th  instant. 

S.  O.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SIXTY-SEVENTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 

Washington,  D.  C,  December  16, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  present  save  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same) :  Brig.  Gen.  John  F.  Weston,  United  States  Volunteers, 
colonel  and  assistant  commissary-general,  United  States  Army;  Rev. 
Dr.  Henry  McCook. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Brig. 
Gen.  M.  I.  Ludington,  Quartermaster- General  United  States  Army; 
Brig.  Gen.  John  M.  Wilson,  Chief  of  Engineers. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session  and  passed  the  follow- 
ing resolution : 

Besolved,  That  the  disbursing  officer  of  this  Commission  is  authorized  to  pay, 
upon  proper  vouchers  when  approved  by  the  presiding  officer  of  the  Commission, 
the  compensation  of  the  nine  members ;  also  the  expenses  of  the  recorder  and  the  dis- 
bursing officer,  as  set  forth  in  the  foregoing  resolutions  of  December  12  and  13, 1898. 

Further,  That,  as  suggested  by  the  Comptroller  of  the  Treasury,  this  resolution  be 
submitted  to  the  President  of  the  United  States  for  his  approval,  in  accordance  with 
the  act  of  Congress  in  regard  to  the  expenditure  of  the  appropriation  for  national 
defense. 

The  Commission,  at  4.15  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Satur- 
day, the  17th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


78  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

SIXTY  EIGHTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  December  17, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  save  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Surgeon- General  United  States  Army, 
inclosing  a  letter  from  Maj.  Thomas  O.  Summers,  surgeon  Second  Ten- 
nessee Volunteers.  Ordered  filed.  Also  a  letter,  together  with  a  news- 
paper clipping,  from  Asst.  Surg.  J.  Stebbins  King,  United  States  Army. 
Order  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Dr.  J.  M.  Jenne,  St.  Albans,  Vt.,  inclos- 
ing certificates  and  affidavits  in  re  charges  made  against  Dr.  Jenne. 
Ordered  marked  "special,"  and  certificates  and  affidavits  to  be  printed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Dr.  Samuel  D.  Hubbard,  late  major  and 
surgeon,  Ninth  New  York  Volunteers,  inclosing  affidavit  in  reference 
to  case  of  Jacob  Frank,  quartermaster-sergeant  Ninth  New  York  Vol- 
unteers.   Ordered  marked  "special,"  and  same  to  be  printed. 

Brig.  Gen.  G.  N.  Lieber,  Judge  Advocate  General  United  States 
Army,  appearing  as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly 
sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.15  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Mon- 
day, the  19th  instant. 

S.  0.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SIXTY-NINTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  December  19,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

On  motion  of  Governor  Woodbury,  which  was  duly  seconded,  it  was 
ordered  that  Dr.  Conner  be  detailed  to  go  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  to  take 
testimony  at  such  time  as  President  Dodge  may  direct. 

It  was  ordered  that  letter  from  Dr.  Culp  in  regard  to  Dr.  Jenne  be 
placed  on  file,  but  not  printed  in  the  report. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Col.  J.  G.  C.  Lee  in  regard  to  the  issue 
of  hospital  tents.  It  was  ordered  that  the  Quartermaster-General  be 
requested  to  furnish  this  Commission,  at  the  earliest  moment  practica- 
ble, with  a  statement  of  the  date  of  issue  of  tents  at  Camp  Thomas: 
not  the  date  of  the  order,  but  the  date  of  delivery  to  the  troops. 

A  joint  letter  was  received  from  Senator  Turley  and  Representative 
E.  W.  Carmack  in  regard  to  the  death  of  George  Mayes,  private, 
Company  I,  Second  Tennessee  Volunteer  Infantry.  Ordered  that  the 
same  be  referred  to  the  Adjutant- General,  asking  him  to  furnish  the 
Commission  with  what  information  he  can  obtain  in  this  matter. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  79 

A  letter  was  received  from  George  W.  Grover,  inclosing  copy  of  a 
letter  addressed  to  the  Surgeon- General,  under  date  of  October  4, 
1898.  Ordered  that  letter  to  the  Commission  be  made  part  of  the 
records. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Maj.  B.  F.  Pope,  surgeon,  United  States 
Army,  requesting  that  same  be  added  to  his  testimony.  It  was  ordered 
that  Major  Pope's  request  be  complied  with,  and  that  said  letter  be 
printed  with  Major  Pope's  testimony  and  made  part  thereof. 

A  letter  was  received  from  George  Schmidt,  ex-private,  Company  B, 
Second  United  States  Volunteer  Engineers,  complaining  of  his  treat- 
ment at  Montauk  Point.  Ordered  that  same  be  referred  to  the 
Adjutant-General  for  such  action  as  he  may  deem  necessary,  and  that 
Mr.  Schmidt  be  advised  of  the  action  taken. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Dr.  Charles  D.  Napier,  Brooklyn,  IS".  T., 
in  regard  to  certain  conditions  existing  at  Camp  Wikoff.  Ordered 
marked  "  special,"  and  to  be  printed  in  the  records. 

The  letter  of  the  Eev.  Teunis  S.  Hamlin,  pastor  Church  of  the  Cov- 
enant, of  October  8, 1898,  was  ordered  given  to  the  press. 

Dr.  Anita  Newcomb  McGee,  acting  assistant  surgeon,  United  States 
Army,  appeared  as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection  she  was  duly 
sworn  and  her  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  and  went  into  executive 
session. 

The  Commission,  at  4.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Tuesday, 
the  20th  instant, 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SEVENTIETH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  December  20,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

Capt.  A.  E.  Hardy,  Fifth  Illinois  Volunteers,  appeared  as  a  witness, 
and  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken. 
(See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  in.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

Brig.  Gen.  William  E.  Shafter,  United  States  Army,  and  Major- 
General,  United  States  Volunteers,  appearing  as  a  witness,  and  having 


80  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.    (See  transcript 
of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  4.40  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m., 
Wednesday,  the  21st  instant. 

S.  O.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SEVENTY-FIRST  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington  D.  C,  December  21,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

A  letter  to  Gen.  N.  A.  Miles  was  ordered  written  and  sent. 

It  was  ordered  that  the  employees  of  the  Commission  be  given  the 
time  from  Friday  afternoon  until  Tuesday  morning  as  a  holiday  recess. 

Lieut.  Col.  John  D.  Miley,  United  States  Volunteers  (first  lieutenant, 
Fifth  United  States  Artillery),  appeared  as  a  witness,  and  having  no 
objection  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.  (See  transcript 
of  same.) 

.Maj.  Gen.  Nelson  A.  Miles,  United  States  Army,  appeared  at  the 
request  of  the  Commission,  and  on  being  asked  if  he  was  willing  to  be 
sworn,  he  said  he  did  not  think  it  necessary  to  be  sworn  as  he  could 
tell  all  he  knew  without  being  sworn,  and  "was  responsible  for  what 
he  said."    (See  transcript  of  his  statement.) 

The  Commission,  at  1.15  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  to  meet  at  2.30  o'clock 
p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2.30  p.  m. 

Maj.  Gen.  Wesley  Merritt,  United  States  Army,  appeared  before  the 
Commission  as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection  he  was  duly  sworn 
and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

The  Commission,  at  4.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Thurs- 
day, the  22d  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SEVENTY-SECOND  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  O.,  December  22, 1898. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  in.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Dr.  Conner  and  General  Beaver, 
The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  81 

Brig.  Gen.  Henry  0.  Oorbin,  Adjutant  General  United  States  Army, 
appeared  as  a  witness  before  the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection 
he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.,  Fri- 
day, the  23d  instant. 

S.  0.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SEVENTY-THIRD  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  December  23, 1898. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 
Present,  Colonel  Denby  and  General  Wilson. 
The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

Maj.  Gen.  O.  O.  Howard,  United  States  Army,  retired,  appeared  as 
a  witness,  and  having  no  objection  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony 
taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.,  Tuesday,  the  27th 
instant. 

S.  O.  Mills,  Recorder. 


WORE  OF  SUBCOMMITTEE— DR.  CONNER. 

Cincinnati,  Ohio,  December  23, 1898. 
The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  Dr.  Conner,  sitting  as  a 
representative  of  the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection  they  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same) :  Joseph 
P.  Wright,  assistant  surgeon-general,  United  States  Armyj  Maj. 
George  H.  Torney,  surgeon,  United  States  Army. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SEVENTY-FOURTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  December  27, 1898. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 
Present:  Colonel  Denby,  General  Wilson,  and  Dr.  Conner. 
The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  from  Edward  A.  Oldham  was  ordered  returned,  together  with 
report  of  Commissary-General  in  re  Jacob  Dold  Packing  Company. 

A  letter  from  Nelson  Hersch  was  answered  referring  to  matter  of 
William  E.  Ryan. 
A  letter  was  acknowledged  from  Paula  Piatt,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 
A  letter  was  written  to  Dr.  W.  H.  Caine,  Minneapolis,  Minn.,  who 
had  been  requested  to  appear  before  the  Commission  both  at  Chicago 
7833— vol.  1— -6 


82  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

and  Cincinnati,  asking  that  he  forward  the  Commission  a  statement  of 
facts  in  the  form  of  an  allidavit. 

The  Commission,  at  10.45  a.  m.,  adjourned,  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  a.  m., 
Wednesday,  the  28th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SEVENTY-FIFTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  December  28,  1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present:  Colonel  Denby,  General  Wilson,  General  McCook,  and  Di. 
Conner. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Swift  &  Co.,  Chicago,  111.  January  4  was 
set  for  their  appearance. 

A  letter  from  Col.  W.  H.  Baldwin  to  Hon.  George  C.  Perkins,  in 
re  amount  of  purchase  made  at  his  depot,  San  Francisco,  May  1  to 
November  30,  transmitted  through  Adjutant-General's  Office. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Rev.  John  F.  Hurst,  inclosing  resolution 
on  the  canteen  in  the  Army.     Referred  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Dr.  Win.  H.  Caine,  Minneapolis,  Minn., 
dated  December  21.    Referred  to  Dr.  Conner. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Dr.  L.  W.  Hilliard.  Form  No.  2  was 
sent  to  him. 

Sergt.  Wm.  W.  Hill,  First  District  of  Columbia  Volunteers,  appeared 
at  the  request  of  the  Commission,  and  having  no  objection  he  was 
duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  11.30  a.  in.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Thurs- 
day, the  29th  instance. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SEVENTY-SIXTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 

Washington,  D.  C,  December  29, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present:  Colonel  Denby,  General  Wilson,  General  McCook,  and  Dr. 
Conner. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Gen.  Thomas  M.  Anderson,  United  States 
Volunteers,  charging  General  Babcock  with  carrying  away  portions  of 
civil  records  of  Manila,  Philippine  Islands.  Referred  to  General 
Babcock  for  his  information. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    COMMISSION.  83 

A  letter  was  received  from  General  Dodge,  having  reference  to  details 
of  the  Commission's  work.     Ordered  filed. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session,  and  adjourned  at  11.30 
a.  in.,  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Friday,  the  30th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SEVENTY-SEVENTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  December  30, 1898. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present:  Colonel  Denby,  General  Wilson,  General  McCook,  and  Dr. 
Conner. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Adjutant-General,  transmitting  copies 
of  daily  reports  made  by  the  commanding  general  at  Chick amauga 
National  Park  from  June  6  to  July  18,  and  the  action  of  the  Depart- 
ment thereon.    Held  for  action  of  the  full  Commission. 

A  letter  was  received  from  W.  E.  Ball,  Company  G,  Second  West  Vir- 
ginia Volunteers,  transmitted  through  Hon.  M.  A.  Hanna.  Eeferred 
to  Adjutant-General  United  States  Army  for  attention. 

Telegram  was  received  from  G.  F.  Swift,  of  Swift  &  Co.,  stating  his 
intention  to  appear  before  the  Commission  on  January  9. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session,  and  adjourned  at  11.30 
a.  in.,  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Tuesday,  January  3, 1899. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SEVENTY-EIGHTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  (J.,  January  3, 1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present:  Colonel  Denby,  General  Wilson,  General  McCook,  General 
Beaver,  and  Dr.  Conner. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  adjutant- general  of  the  State  of  Maine, 
inclosing  report  of  L.  H.  Kendall,  First  Maine  Volunteer  Infantry. 
Ordered  filed,  but  not  to  be  printed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Dr.  G.  E.  Payne,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  inclosing 
clipping  from  Gallard's  Medical  Journal,  New  York  City.  Ordered 
filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Private  John  J.  Burleson,  Company  C, 
Seventh  United  States  Infantry,  in  re  meat  furnished  Santiago  expedi- 
tion.   Ordered  filed. 


84  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Win.  H.  Caine,  Minneapolis,  Minn.,  dated 
December  29,  1898,  stating  why  he  did  not  appear  before  the  Commis- 
sion at  Chicago  or  Cincinnati.     Ordered  acknowledged. 

A  letter  from  Mrs.  E.  C.  Allis,  New  York  City,  dated  December  29, 
1898,  iu  re  burial  of  soldiers  at  Camp  Wikoff.    Ordered  acknowledged. 

The  following  copy  of  cablegram  was  received,  transmitted  through 
Adjutant- General : 

[Cablegram.] 

Havana,  January  2, 1899, 
Adjutant-General,  Washington,  D.  C. : 

Will  leave  here  Wednesday  unless  my  departure  can  be  longer  delayed.  There  is 
every  reason  in  the  interests  of  the  public  service  why  I  should  remain  here  until  the 
last  day. 

Humphrey. 

Directed  that  the  Adjutant- General  be  informed  that  it  would  suit 
the  Commission  if  General  Humphrey  sailed  on  Wednesday,  or  if  the 
exigencies  of  the  service  required  his  presence  in  Havana  it  would  suit 
the  Commission  if  General  Humphrey  appeared  within  ten  days. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Adjutant- General's  Office,  stating 
that  Maj.  W.  H.  Carleton  might  have  important  information.  Major 
Carleton  ordered  summoned. 

Papers  in  re  death  of  Albert  Kost,  private,  Company  H,  Seventh 
Ohio  Infantry,  referred  to  Adjutant-General  for  such  action  as  he  may 
deem  necessary.    Not  within  scope  of  War  Investigation  Commission. 

Communication  was  received  from  General  Otis,  dated  Manila,  Philip- 
pine Islands,  November  1 9, 1898,  reporting  condition  of  quartermaster, 
commissary,  and  medical  departments  under  his  supervision  from  May 
17  last.    Ordered  acknowledged  and  printed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  E.  Meyer,  New  Orleans,  La.    Answered. 

Col.  James  M.  Moore  reappeared  before  the  Commission,  wishing  to 
make  some  corrections  in  his  testimony.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  11.45  a.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Wed- 
nesday, the  4th  instant. 

S.  O.  Mills,  Recorder. 


SEVENTY-NINTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  4,  1899, 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 
Present,  all  members,  except  General  Dodge,  and  Colonel  Sexton, 
who  was  absent  sick. 
The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same) :  Maj.  G.  H.  Hopkins,  assistant  adjutant- general,  United 


MINUTES    OF   THE    COMMISSION.  85 

States  Volunteers;  Maj.  D.  B.  Harrison,  Ninth  United  States  Volunteer 
Infantry. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Thurs- 
day, the  5th  instant. 

S.  O.  Mills,  Recorder. 


EIGHTIETH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  5,  1899, 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present,  all  members  except  General  Dodge  and  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

Maj.  H.  B.  Osgood,  commissary  of  subsistence,  United  States  Army, 
appeared  as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly  sworn 
and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

A  telegram  from  Maj  or- General  Brooke,  in  regard  to  the  appearance 
of  General  Humphrey,  was  ordered  answered  as  follows: 

Adjutant-General  United  States  Army, 

Washington,  B.  C. 
Sir:  In  answer  to  the  cablegram  of  Major-General  Brooke  of  January  2,  relative 
to  the  appearance  of  General  Humphrey  before  this  Commission,  the  Commission 
has  to  say  that,  in  their  opinion,  the  public  service  requires  that  the  testimony  of 
General  Humphrey  be  taken  by  the  Commission  at  Washington. 

Charles  Denby,  Vice-President. 

The  complaints  of  A.  E.  Turner  and  H.  0.  Locke  were  returned,  with 
results  of  investigation. 

Ordered  that  a  letter  be  sent  to  Gen.  K.  A.  Miles,  commanding  the 
Army,  requesting  him  to  return  the  statement  made  by  him  before 
the  Commission  at  his  earliest  convenience,  as  the  Commission  desires 
to  send  it  to  the  Public  Printer. 

The  Commission,  at  12.40  p.  in.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Fri- 
day, the  6th  instant. 

S.  O.  Mills,  Recorder. 


EIGHTY-FIRST  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  January  6, 1899. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Colonel  Sexton. 
The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Quartermaster- General  under  date 
of  December  21, 1898.     Ordered  filed  and  printed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  General  Shafter  under  date  of  December 
21, 1898.    Ordered  filed. 


86  INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

Lieut.  Col.  H.  O.  Sharpe,  assistant  commissary- general,  United  States 
Army,  appearing  before  the  Commission  as  a  witness,  and  having  no 
objection,  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.  (See  transcript 
of  same.) 

A  letter  was  received  from  General  Bagan  of  December  22,  1898. 
Bead  and  ordered  answered. 

The  Commission,  at  12.45  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Satur- 
day, the  7th  instant. 

8.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


EIGHTY-SECOND  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  7, 1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Dr.  Milton  R.  Keeley,  D wight,  111.,  under 
date  of  January  4.  Ordered  filed  with  reference  to  testimony  of  Cap- 
tain Hardy,  Fifth  Illinois. 

A  letter  was  received  from  M.  A.  Pease,  Canton,  Ohio.  Answered 
by  No.  2. 

A  telegram  from  General  Weston,  dated  January  6.    Ordered  filed. 

Letter  from  Dr.  Thomas  O.  Summers  submitted  through  Secretary 
of  War.  Ordered  that  Dr.  Summers  be  requested  to  forward  an  affi- 
davit of  what  he  knows. 

Moved  and  carried  that  the  different  firms  interested  in  the  beef  fur- 
nished the  Army  be  requested  to  appear  before  the  Commission  to  tes- 
tify as  to  the  quality  of  beef  furnished. 

Maj.  J.  D.  Black,  commissary  of  subsistence,  United  States  Volun- 
teers, appeared  as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection  he  was  duly 
sworn  aud  his  testimony  taken.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.45  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Mon- 
day, the  9th  instant 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


EIGHTY-THIRD  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  9,  1899. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 
Present,  aJl  members  except  General  Dodge  (sick  at  hotel  in  Wash- 
ington), General  Beaver,  and  Colonel  Sexton  (sick  at  hotel  in  Wash- 
ington). 
The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    COMMISSION.  87 

A  letter  was  received  from  Mrs.  E.  0.  Allis,  New  York  City,  dated 
January  6, 1899.  It  was  ordered  that  the  letter  be  referred  to  the  Sec- 
retary of  War,  asking  him  to  have  the  Quartermaster-General  detail 
an  officer  to  be  present  while  the  bodies  are  being  disinterred  at  Camp 
Wikoif,  to  ascertain  the  number  that  were  buried  unclothed,  and  who 
was  responsible  for  it. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Inspector- General  requesting  evidence 
regarding  meat  furnished  the  Army  during  the  late  war.  Directed 
that  the  printed  portion  be  sent  him,  and  he  be  informed  that  the 
remainder  will  be  sent  to  him  as  received  from  the  Public  Printer. 

Telegrams  were  received  from  the  following  beef-packing  companies 
giving  notice  of  their  willingness  to  appear  before  the  Commission  at 
its  pleasure:  The  Cudahy  Packing  Company,  South  Omaha,  Nebr.; 
Armour  Packing  Company,  Kansas  City,  Mo.;  Armour  &  Co.,  Chicago, 
111. ;  Nelson,  Morris  &  Co.,  Chicago,  111. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Adjutant-General  requesting  the  Com- 
mission's pleasure  as  to  the  appearance  before  it  of  Brigadier-General 
Weston.  Answered  that  the  Commission  desires  General  Weston  to 
appear  before  it  when  it  is  safe  for  him  to  do  so. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Surgeon-General  addressed  to  Dr. 
Conner,  in  reply  to  a  letter  from  Dr.  Conner  requesting  papers,  tele- 
grams, etc.,  of  General  Shafter,  referred  to  by  General  Miles  in  his 
statement  before  the  Commission.    Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence, 
transmitting  extract  from  cable  message  from  Lieut.  Col.  Eugene  T. 
Wilson,  purchasing  and  depot  commissary,  dated  January  7,  at  San- 
tiago, relative  to  the  supply  of  meat  furnished  the  troops  at  that  place. 

The  following  witnesses  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection  they  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see 
transcript  of  same):  Fred  W.  Wilder,  Chicago,  111. 5  Edward  Bucking- 
ham, Chicago,  111.;  John  J.  Murphy,  Chicago,  111.;  Horace C.  Gardner, 
Chicago,  111. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock,  and  the  testimony  of  Mr. 
Gardner  was  concluded. 

The  following  witnesses  appeared,  and  having  no  objection  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same):  Charles 
E.  Barry,  Chicago,  111.;  Gustavus  F.  Swift,  Chicago,  111. 

The  Commission,  at  4.45  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Tues- 
day, the  10th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


88  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

EIGHTY-FOURTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D,  ft,  January  10,  1899, 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  General  Dodge,  General  Beaver,  and 
Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Commissary- General  inclosing  list  of 
parties  who  might  be  of  value  as  witnesses.  Returned  to  the  Secretary 
of  War.  The  Commission  has  not  asked  for  these  officers,  but  will  be 
glad  to  hear  them  if  they  have  evidence  of  importance. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  hav- 
ing no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same) :  Lieut.  Col.  H.  J.  Gallagher,  commissary  of  subsistence ; 
Capt.  James  C.  Read,  commissary  of  subsistence. 

The  Commission,  at  12.10  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.,  Wed- 
nesday the  11th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


EIGHTY-FIFTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D,  ft,  January  11,  1899, 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  General  Dodge,  General  Beaver,  and 
Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Adjutant- General  referring  to  General 
Humphrey.    Ordered  filed. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same): 
Edward  Tilden,  Chicago,  111.;  Arthur  Meeker,  Chicago,  111.;  William 
P.  Wardrop,  Chicago,  111.  (recalled) ;  T.  J.  Conner s,  New  York  City ; 
George  J.  Brine,  Chicago,  111. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  in. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing,  and  having  no  objection,  were 
duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  transcript  of  same): 
Jennette  Jennings;  Dr.  W.  O.  Atwater,  professor  of  chemistry. 

The  Commission,  at  4.45  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Thurs- 
day, the  12th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder, 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  89 

EIGHTY-SIXTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  12,  1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a  m.,  all  mem- 
bers being  present  except  General  Dodge,  General  Beaver,  and  Colonel 
Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

Jennette  Jennings  recalled  and  continued  her  testimony. 

William  D.  Miles,  Kansas  City,  Mo.,  appearing  as  a  witness,  and 
having  no  objections,  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.  (See 
transcript  of  same.) 

Keports  from  Lieut.  Cols.  O.  E.  Wood  and  A.  L.  Smith,  chief  com- 
missaries of  subsistence,  received  from  Secretary  of  War.  Ordered 
filed  and  printed. 

Telegram  referring  to  Dr.  Daly  received  from  Adjutant- General's 
Office.    Ordered  filed. 

Letter  received  from  P.  B.  Thurber.  Ordered  filed.  Not  desired  as 
a  witness. 

The  Commission  then  went  into  executive  session. 

Brig.  Gen.  C.  P.  Eagan,  Commissary-General,  recalled  at  his  own 
request  and  submitted  typewritten  sworn  statement.  (See  transcript 
of  same.) 

The  Commission  then  went  into  executive  session. 

Moved,  that  the  Commission  receive  General  Eagan's  testimony  without  com- 
ment ;  that  it  be  not  printed  at  once,  but  held  for  the  consideration  of  the  whole 
Commission.     Carried. 

Brigadier-General  Eagan  then  continued  his  testimony. 
The  Commission,  at  1.50  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.,  Friday, 
the  13th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


EIGHTY-SEVENTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  13,  1899. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  mem- 
bers being  present  except  General  Dodge,  General  Beaver,  and  Colonel 
Sexton. 
The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 
The  Commission  then  went  into  executive  session. 
The  following  letter  was  sent  to  General  Eagan: 

Brig.  Gen.  C.  P.  Eagan, 

Commissary-General,  War  Department. 

Sir:  We  respectfully  inform  you  that  after  your  testimony  was  read  yesterday  the 
following  resolution  was  unanimously  passed  : 

"Moved,  that  the  Commission  receive  General  Eagan's  testimony  without  com- 


90  INVESTIGATION    OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

ment;  that  it  be  not  printed  at  once,  but  held  for  the  consideration  of  the  wliol* 
Commission.     Carried." 

Having  now  considered  the  questions  involved,  we  have  determined  that  in  many 
instances  the  vituperative  language  used  by  you  was  not  such  as  ought  to  have  boon 
addressed  as  a  witness  to  this  board.  We  think  that  the  personal  attacks  and 
irrelevant  statements  contained  in  the  paper  submitted  should  be  eliminated,  fend 
before  receiving  it  as  testimony  we  request  that  you  will  revise  its  language  and,  if 
you  choose,  resubmit  it  for  our  consideration. 

We  herewith  return  your  papers. 

Very  respectfully,  Charles  Denby, 

Vice-President. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same):  Maj.  Gen.  Leonard  Wood,  United  States  Volunteers; 
Maj.  George  W.  Euthers,  commissary  of  subsistence;  Mr.  Bhoderick 
Scott,  South  Omaha,  Nebr.;  Maj.  James  M.  Arrasmith,  commissary  of 
subsistence. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

A  letter  was  ordered  to  be  written  to  Col.  J.  M.  Brown,  Medical 
Department,  in  regard  to  statement  of  issues  on  requisitions. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Satur- 
day, the  14th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


EIGHTY-EIGHTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  January  14, 1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  General  Dodge,  General  Beaver,  and 
Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  having 
no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same) :  Maj.  H.  H.  Carleton,  inspector- general,  United  States 
Volunteers;  Maj.  P.  A.  Smith,  commissary  of  subsistence,  United 
States  Volunteers. 

General  Humphrey  appeared  before  the  Commission,  and  requested 
that  he  might  be  excused  from  testifying  until  Monday,  the  16th  instant. 
So  ordered. 

The  Commission,  at  11 :30  a.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Mon- 
day, the  16th  instant, 

S.  O.  Mills,  Recorder. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  91 

EIGHTY-NINTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 

Washington,  D.  C,  January  16, 1899, 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  General  Beaver  and  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  following  witnesses  appearing  before  the  Commission,  and  hav- 
ing no  objection,  were  duly  sworn  and  their  testimony  taken  (see  tran- 
script of  same) :  Frank  Yogel,  of  Nelson  Morris  &  Co.,  Chicago,  111. ; 
Capt.  R.  J.  C.  Irvine,  Eleventh  United  States  Infantry;  Brig.  Gen. 
Charles  F.  Humphrey,  United  States  Volunteers,  lieutenant-colonel, 
Quartermaster's  Department,  United  States  Army. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Gen.  Charles  P.  Eagan  transmitting  his 
revised  testimony.  Ordered  that  copies  of  the  letter  be  given  to  the 
press  if  asked  for  by  them. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

afternoon  session. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock,  when  General  Humphrey 
concluded  his  testimony.    (See  transcript  of  same.) 

Capt.  Homer  F.  Aspinwall,  Quartermaster's  Department,  appearing 
as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection,  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testi- 
mony taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  4.10  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Tues- 
day, the  17th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


NINETIETH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  17,  1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  General  Beaver  and  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Surgeon- General  in  case  of  J.  W. 
Berry.    Eeferred  to  secretary. 

Col.  Charles  H.  Gibson  appearing  as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objec- 
tion, was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.  (See  transcript  of 
same.) 

General  Eagan's  revised  statement  considered.  It  was  ordered  that 
it  be  admitted  as  evidence,  and  that  the  press  could  make  copies  of 
same,  or  if  they  would  wait  until  it  was  printed  copies  will  be  furnished 
them. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Wed- 
nesday, the  18th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


92  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

NINETY-FIRST  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  January  18,  1899. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  General  Beaver  and  Colonel  Sexton. 
The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 
The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

A  letter  was  read  from  the  Inspector-General,  United  States  Army. 
Ordered  answered. 

Ordered  that  certain  interrogatories  be  sent  to  Brig.  Gen.  J.  F. 
Weston,  United  States  Volunteers. 

The  Commission,  at  12.15  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Thurs- 
day, the  19th  instant. 

S.  O.  Mills,  Recorder. 


NINETY-SECOND  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  19, 1899. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  save  Colonel  Sexton. 
The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session,  and  at  10.45  a.  m.  took 
a  recess  until  2  o'clock  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock,  and  again  went  into  execu- 
tive session. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Maj.  Gen.  N.  A.  Miles,  Commanding  the 
Army.  Ordered,  that  a  letter  be  written  to  General  Miles  requesting 
that  the  Commission  be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  his  letter  calling  for 
reports  on  the  quality  of  beef  furnished  the  troops,  and  the  originals  of 
all  replies  thereto  received.    These  reports  will  be  returned  to  him. 

The  Commission,  at  4.20  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.,  Friday, 
the  20th  instant. 

S.  O.  Mills,  Recorder. 


NINETT-THIRD  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  20,  1899. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Colonel  Sexton. 
The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  93 

The  Commission  then  went  into  executive  session. 

Maj.  William  H.  Daly,  late  surgeon,  United  States  Volunteers,  ap- 
pearing as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection,  he  was  duly  sworn, 
and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  and  went  into  executive 
session. 

Major  Daly  resumed  the  stand  and  continued  his  testimony. 

The  Commission  again  went  into  executive  session,  and,  at  4.30  p.  m., 
adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Saturday,  the  21st  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


KINETY-FOURTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  21,  1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  General  Miles  inclosing  original  reports 
in  re  canned  fresh  roast  beef  furnished  the  troops  in  Cuba  and  Porto 
Kieo.    Ordered  filed. 

Paymaster  Thomas  H.  Hicks,  United  States  Navy,  appeared  as  a  wit- 
ness, and  having  no  objection  was  duly  sworn,  and  his  testimony 
taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

Prof.  Frank  W.  Clarke,  Geological  Survey,  appeared  as  a  witness, 
and  having  no  objection  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken. 
(See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission,  at  12.45  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

Paymaster-General  H.  G.  Colby,  United  States  Navy,  appeared  as  a 
witness  and  having  no  objections,  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testi- 
mony taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session,  and,  at  3.30  p.  m., 
adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Monday,  the  23d  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


94  INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

NINETY-FIFTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  (7.,  January  23,  1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

A  letter  was  received  from  General  Eagan  requesting  certified  copy 
of  General  Miles's  statement.    Ordered  sent. 

A  letter  was  received  from  W.  S.  French  in  re  testimony  of  Colonel 
Gibson.    Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Hon.  John  D.  Long  in  re  analysis  of  beef 
samples.    Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  F.  J.  Mather,  New  York  City,  as  to  his 
inability  to  furnish  certain  affidavits.    Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Hon.  Thomas  Ryan,  Acting  Secretary  of 
Interior,  in  re  beef  analysis.    Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  H.  P.  {Smith,  New  York  City,  suggesting 
witnesses  as  to  beef.    Answered  by  No.  2. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Hon.  James  Wilson,  Secretary  of  Agri- 
culture, transmitting  samples  of  meat,  inspection  tags,  seals,  etc. 
Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Capt.  L.  C.  Scherer,  transmitting  extract 
from  report  of  Alfred  E.  Hunt,  late  of  Light  Battery  B,  Pennsylvania 
Volunters,  having  reference  to  analysis  of  certain  canned  roast  beef. 
Ordered  filed  special  and  to  be  printed. 

It  was  ordered  that  copy  of  letter  from  Surgeon  Woodhull,  of  Josiah 
Simpson  General  Hospital,  be  sent  to  H.  F.  Thompson,  Portsmouth, 
Ohio. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON   SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock. 

D.  E.  Salmon,  appearing  as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection,  was 
duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

A  letter  was  received  from  General  Miles,  saying  he  would  open 
package  containing  cans  of  beef  if  Commission  would  send  a  member 
or  messenger  over.  The  recorder  went  over  and  was  present  at  the 
opening  of  the  package,  and  brought  back  two  cans  of  roast  beef, 
Wilson  Packing  Company,  New  York;  2  cans  fresh  boiled  beef,  Armour 
Canning  Company,  Chicago,  111.;  1  can  roast  beef,  Armour  Packing 
Company,  Kansas  City,  Mo.,  which  were  held  for  examination  of  the 
Commission. 

The  Commission,  at  4.45  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Tuesday, 

the  24th  instant. 

S.  0.  Mills,  Recorder. 


MINUTES    OP    THE    COMMISSION.  95 

NINETY-SIXTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington  £>.  C,  January  24,  1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.  Present, 
all  members  except  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Miss  J.  McKinley,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  addressed 
to  Secretary  Alger,  in  re  beef  furnished  Camp  Hobson,  referred  to  Com- 
mission.   Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  George  D.  Moulton,  New  York  City, 
inclosing  newspaper  clipping.    Ordered  filed  and  answered  by  No.  1. 

A  letter  was  received  from  General  Miles,  dated  January  21,  inclos- 
ing letter  from  Dr.  E.  P.  Murdock,  Chicago,  111.,  in  re  canned  beef. 
Ordered  marked  special  and  copy  given  to  the  press. 

Ordered  that  a  copy  of  letter  from  Captain  Scherer  and  accompany- 
ing letter  be  given  to  the  press. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Rabbi  E.  B.  M.  Browne,  Columbus,  Ga. 
Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Carlton  E.  Sterrett,  assistant  surgeon, 
Third  Illinois  Volunteers,  inclosing  synopsis  of  what  he  can  testify  to. 
Ordered  filed  and  answered  by  No.  1. 

A  letter  was  received  from  W.  H.  Daly,  late  major  and  chief  surgeon 
of  volunteers,  inclosing  list  of  names  of  parties  who  came  North  on 
transport  Panama.    Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  C.  W.  Monroe,  Cleveland,  Ohio,  in  re  beef 
analysis  made  by  Major  Daly.    Ordered  filed  and  answered  by  No.  1. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Capt.  L.  C.  Scherer  requesting  that  Com- 
mission furnish  board  of  survey  with  a  copy  of  testimony  of  W.  H.  Daly, 
late  major  and  surgeon,  United  States  Volunteers.  Ordered  that  copy 
be  furnished  the  board  when  printed. 

Maj.  R.  M.  Townsend,  chief  commissary  of  subsistence, United  States 
Volunteers,  appearing  as  a  witness,  and  having  no  objection,  was  duly 
sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

During  the  testimony  of  Major  Townsend,  General  Beaver  presented 
a  can  of  roast  beef  and  asked  the  major  if  it  resembled  the  beef  that 
was  furnished  the  Army,  so  far  as  he  knew.  He  answered,  it  did. 
The  can  presented  was  labeled  "No.  2"  and  marked  "Received  from 
Maj.  Gen.  N.  A.  Miles,  U.  S.  A.,  January  23,  1899;  taken  from  express 
package  opened  in  General  Miles's  office  in  my  presence.  S.  C.  Mills, 
recorder."  It  was  opened  by  the  recorder  in  the  presence  of  the  Com- 
mission, and  it  was  ordered  that  the  can  be  sent  to  Professor  Clarke,  of 
the  Geological  Survey,  for  chemical  examination. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session  until  12.30  p.  m.,  when 
Commission  took  a  recess  until  2  o'clock  p.  m. 


96  INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  and  went  into  executive 
session  until  4.30  p.  in.,  when  they  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Thurs- 
day, the  2Gth  instant. 

S.  0.  Mills,  Recorder. 


KINETY-SEVENTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  26, 1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  William  E.  Curtis,  Washington,  D.  C,  in 
re  canned  beef  brought  back  from  Cuba  by  Captain  Groom,  First  Troop 
Philadelphia  Cavalry.  Ordered  that  Captain  Groom  be  asked  to  send 
some  of  the  cans  to  the  Commission. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Surgeon-General's  Office  stating  that 
there  was  no  record  in  that  office  of  any  special  report  having  been 
received  from  Maj.  W.  H.  Daly.    Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  W.  F.  Osborne  requesting  copy  of  testi- 
mony of  Professor  Clarke,  in  re  chemical  analysis  of  beef.  Ordered 
filed,  and  that  copy  of  testimony  requested  be  sent  to  Mr.  Osborne 
when  printed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Col.  George  B.  Davis,  acting  commissary- 
general,  inclosing  names  of  parties  who  might  have  information  of 
value.    Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Adjutant-General's  Office  submitting 
map  of  Camp  Wikoflf,  and  requesting  that  map  be  returned  when  it  has 
served  its  purpose.  Ordered  that  letter  be  filed  and  request  be  com- 
plied with. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Quartermaster-General's  Office,  in  re 
log  of  army  transport  Mobile,  January  16  to  August  18.    Ordered  filed. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

Hon.  E.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War,  appeared  at  the  request  of  the 
Commission,  and  having  no  objection  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  tes- 
timony taken.     (See  transcript  of  same.) 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session,  and  at  1  p.  m.  adjourned 
to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Friday,  the  27th  instant. 

S.  0.  Mills,  Recorder. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  97 

NINETY-EIGHTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  B.  C,  January  27,  1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  General  Beaver  and  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

An  affidavit  was  received  from  Maj.  Gen.  William  Ludlow,  United 
States  Volunteers.  Ordered  received  as  evidence,  and  copy  given  to 
the  press. 

A  letter  was  read  from  a  correspondent  of  the  New  York  Journal,  giv- 
ing name  of  Col.  H.  G.  Giddings  as  a  valuable  witness  in  regard  to  beef 
contracts.  Ordered  that  Colonel  Giddings  be  asked  to  appear  before 
the  Commission  as  a  witness.    The  following  statements  show  the  result : 

[Office  of  Commission  appointed  by  the  President  to  investigate  the  conduct  of  the  War  Department 

in  the  war  with  Spain.] 

January  27,  1899. 
The  Commission: 

Gentlemen:  About  11  o'clock  this  forenoon,  in  compliance  with  your  instruc- 
tions, I  sent  to  Col.  H.  G.  Giddings,  at  the  Corcoran  Building,  a  note  in  the  usual 
form,  asking  him  to  report  at  2  p.  m.  for  the  purpose  of  giving  testimony  in  this 
investigation.  The  messenger  returned  with  a  verbal  message  to  the  effect  that  he 
(Giddings)  could  not  appear — that  he  knew  nothing  about  it.  I  append  the  messen- 
ger's report. 

Very  respectfully,  Richd.  Weightman,  Secretary. 

Washington,  D.  C,  January  27, 1899. 
Gen.  G.  M.  Dodge. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  a  letter  addressed  to  Col.  H.  G.  Giddings, 
Corcoran  Building,  was  delivered  by  me,  and  received  a  verbal  reply  to  the  Com- 
mission that  he  had  nothing  to  testify  to,  and  had  nothing  to  say. 
Respectfully, 

M.  J.  Deponai,  Messenger. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session,  and  at  1  p.  m.  adjourned 
to  meet  at  2  p.  m.  in  executive  session  at  General  Dodge's  rooms. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


NINETY-NINTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  28,  1899. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Colonel  Sexton. 
The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Walter  L.  Ball,  Fredericktown,  Ohio. 
Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Acting  Commissary- General,  inclosing 
list  of  firms  at  present  supplying  the  Army  with  fresh  beef.  Ordered 
filed. 

7833— vol.  1 7 


98  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

A  letter  was  received  from  W.  H.  Wiley,  chief  cbemist,  Department 
of  Agriculture,  submitting  report  of  beef  analysis.     Ordered  tiled. 
The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 
The  following  resolution  was  passed: 

Resolved,  That  upon  the  adjournment  of  the  Commission,  after  signing  its  report, 
the  recorder  and  the  secretary  be  retained  on  duty  until  all  records  of  ?very  character 
are  properly  arranged  for  final  file  and  record,  and  that  the  recorder  hereby  ia 
authorized  to  continue  for  this  purpose  such  clerks  and  other  employees  as  may  be 

required. 

The  Commission,  at  1  p.  in.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Monday, 
the  30th  instant.  s<  p    MlLLg?  Beoordw% 


ONE  HUNDREDTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  30, 1899, 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

Ordered  that  an  abstract  of  report  of  Maj.  J.  H.  Hepburn,  Eighth 
United  States  Volunteers,  dated  January  28, 1899,  be  included  in  report 
on  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  and  that  a  copy  of  same  be  given  to  the 
press. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Prof.  F.  W.  Clarke,  Geological  Survey, 
giving  result  of  further  analysis  of  beef  samples.    Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Dr.  G.  M.  Christine,  Philadelphia,  Pa., 
inclosing  affidavit  as  to  treatment  of  beef  by  Swift  &  Co.  Referred  to 
Swift  &  Co.,  South  Omaha,  Nebr.,  for  explanation  by  telegraph. 

A  letter  was  received  from  the  Commissary-General's  Office,  inclos- 
ing copy  of  cablegram  as  to  shipment  of  beef  from  Ponce,  Porto  Rico. 
Ordered  filed. 

Capt.  John  C.  Groom,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  writes  as  to  samples  of 
canned  beef  sent  the  Commission.    Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Gen.  N.  A.  Miles  as  to  payment  of  troops 
in  Porto  Rico  during  campaign.    Ordered  filed. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  3  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  3  o'clock  and  went  into  executive 
session. 
The  following  resolution  was  passed : 

Resolved,  That  the  records,  testimony,  and  filed  papers  of  this  Commission  be 
carefully  and  properly  boxed  and  stored  under  the  direction  and  control  of  its 
president  until  after  the  4th  of  March,  1901. 

The  Commission,  at  6  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Tuesday, 
the  31st  instant.  g  Q  MlLLS>  Becorder. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    COMMISSION.  99 

ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FIEST  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  January  31,  1899. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Colonel  Sexton. 
The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 
The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Richard  O.  Morse,  general  secretary  Inter- 
national Committee  Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  inclosing  report 
of  its  work  during  the  recent  war.  Ordered  marked  special  file  and  to 
be  printed. 

The  Commission,  at  12  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Wednesday, 
February  1. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  SECOND  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  February  1,  1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Prof.  F.  W.  Clarke,  Geological  Survey, 
in  re  analysis  of  canned  roast  beef.  Ordered  marked  "  Special  file,"  and 
to  be  printed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Adjutant-General  United  States  Army, 
forwarding  indorsements  on  letter  of  W.  Clarke  Marshall,  October  19, 
1897.    Ordered  marked  "  Special,"  and  be  printed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Prof.  W.  H.  Wiley,  Department  of  Agri- 
culture, submitting  report  on  examination  of  samples  of  fresh  beef. 
Ordered  marked  a  Special  file,"  and  to  be  printed. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

afternoon  session. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  and  went  into  executive 
session,  and  at  4.45  p.  m.  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Thursday,  Feb- 
ruary 2. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


100         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

ONE  HUNDRED   AND   THIRD   DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  T>.  ft,  February  2,  1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m.,  all  the 
members  being  present  except  Colonel  Sexton. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

The  Inspector-General  United  States  Army  submitted  certain 
papers,  requesting  that  they  be  considered  a  part  of  his  testimony. 
Ordered  that  as  the  matter  contained  in  said  papers  did  not  relate  to 
the  subjects  before  the  Commission,  they  did  not  deem  it  necessary  to 
print  them. 

A  letter  was  received  from  John  McLennou,  dated  January  30, 
inclosing  affidavit  regarding  his  statement  of  November  3,  1898. 
Ordered  that  it  be  referred  to  the  Adjutant-General. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Dr.  F.  I.  Disbrow,  New  York,  asking 
what  had  been  done  with  his  papers.  Ordered  that  copies  of  same  be 
returned  to  Dr.  Disbrow,  advising  him  that  the  originals  were  now  a 
part  of  the  files  of  the  Commission. 

The  Commission,  at  12.30  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  o'clock  and  went  into  executive 
session,  and,  at  5.20  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Friday,  the  3d 
instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  ft,  February  3,  1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present,  Colonel  Denby,  General  McCook,  General  Wilson,  General 
Beaver,  Governor  Woodbury,  and  Dr.  Conner. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session. 

A  letter  was  received  from  General  Miles,  dated  February  2, 1899. 
Ordered  that  same  be  printed  as  a  supplement  to  his  testimony. 

Benjamin  Johnston,  Utilla,  Honduras,  writes  in  reference  to  canned 
roast  beef.    Ordered  filed. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Frank  Runders,  transmitted  through 
Secretary  of  War,  asking  permission  to  appear  before  the  Commission. 
Ordered  filed  and  answered  by  No.  2. 

A  letter  was  received  from  a  Mr.  C.  M.  Campbell,  of  Washington, 
D.  O.,  stating  that  Capt.  Joseph  Lee,  of  Georgetown,  has  information 


MINUTES   OF   THE    COMMISSION,  101 

that  might  be  of  value.    Ordered  that  Cap  taw 'Lee  be 'requested  to 
submit  any  facts  he  may  have  in  the  form  of  an  affidavit. 

The  Commission,  at  5.15  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Satur- 
day, the  4th  instant. 

S.  0.  Mills,  Recorder. 


ONE  HUNDBED  AND  FIFTH  DAT. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  ft,  February  4, 1899, 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present :  Colonel  Denby,  General  McCook,  General  Wilson,  General 
Beaver,  Governor  Woodbury,  and  Dr.  Conner. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Dr.  Anitaj  McGee,  asking  for  copies  of 
her  testimony. 

Prof.  W.  H.  Wiley,  submitted  report  of  results  of  examination  of 
refrigerated  beef. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Capt.  J.  S.  Parke,  Twenty-first  Infantry, 
making  changes  in  his  testimony. 

Affidavit  was  received  from  Albert  S.  Holmes,  in  answer  to  letter  of 
February  1. 

A  telegram  was  received  from  Swift  &  Co.,  in  answer  to  letter  of 
January  30. 

Adjutant-General  United  States  Army  submitted  report  in  answer 
to  indorsement  of  October  12,  concerning  complaints  of  rations  at 
Honolulu. 

Adjutant- General  United  States  Army  submitted  report  of  investi- 
gations of  complaints  of  rations  issued  to  Sixth  Massachusetts  Volun- 
teer Infantry,  at  Porto  Kico. 

Commissary-General  United  States  Army,  forwarded  letter  received 
from  Lieut.  Col.  E.  T.  Wilson,  depot  commissary,  Santiago,  Cuba. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session  until  4.20  p.  m.,  when  it 
adjourned  to  meet  in  executive  session  at  General  Beaver's  rooms  at 
7.30  p.  m.,  and  at  the  rooms  of  the  Commission  at  10  a.  m.  Monday,  the 
6th  instant. 

S.  O.  Mills,  Recorder. 


ONE  HUNDBED  AND  SIXTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  ft,  February  6, 1899, 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 
Present,  all  members. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

Further  statement  was  received  from  Major-General  Ludlow,  United 
States  Volunteers,  to  be  printed  as  evidence. 


102         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR    WITH   SPAIN. 


A  letter  was  received  from  Joseph  H.  Lee,  in  answer  to  letter  ot 
February  3. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Frank  Rundus,  Washington,  D.  0. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Maj.  M.  W.  Wood,  United  States  Volun- 
teers, in  answer  to  letter  of  the  29th  of  December,  1898. 

The  following  resolution  was  ordered  made  a  part  of  the  official 
records  of  the  Commission,  in  testimony  of  its  appreciation  and  esteem 
of  the  deceased,  and  a  copy  to  be  sent  to  his  family : 

The  members  of  the  Commission  appointed  by  the  President  to  investigate  the 
conduct  of  the  War  Department  in  the  war  with  Spain  have  learned  with  profound 
regret  of  the  death  of  Col.  James  A.  Sexton,  lately  their  colleague  in  the  work  con- 
fided to  them  by  the  Chief  Executive,  and  being  mindful  of  the  patriotic  virtues 
and  the  attractive  personality  of  the  deceased,  bear  witness  to  his  loyal  devotion, 
his  conscientious  industry,  and  the  high  and  honorable  purposes  which  inspired  his 
labors. 

Be  it  therefore  resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  Col.  James  A.  Sexton  the  Commis- 
sion has  lost  a  faithful,  efficient,  and  well-beloved  coadjutor,  the  country  a  useful 
citizen,  and  the  Union  one  of  its  most  valorous  defenders. 

The  Commission,  at  1  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Tuesday, 
the  7th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  SEVENTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  C,  February  7,  1899. 

The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present,  all  members. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

Letter  received  from  Major-General  Miles.    Ordered  filed. 

Letter  from  Otto  L.  Ludwig,  Company  0,  Fourteenth  Minnesota 
Volunteers.    Answered  by  No.  1. 

Letter  received  from  Colonel  Denby.    Ordered  spread  upon  the 
records  of  the  Commission,  as  follows : 

Washington,  D.  C,  February  6,  1899. 
Maj.  Gen.  Grenville  M.  Dodge, 

President  of  the  Commission  appointed  by  the  President  to  investigate  the  conduct  of 
the  War  Department  in  the  war  with  Spain. 
Dear  General:  I  beg  to  return  to  each  and  every  one  of  our  colleagues,  through 
you,  and  to  yourself,  my  profound  thanks  for  the  resolutions  adopted  by  the  Com- 
mission in  my  honor,  which  have  been  sent  to  the  President,  and  of  which  a  duplicate, 
signed  by  every  member,  has  been  delivered  to  me  by  you. 

The  signers  came  from  the  North  and  the  South,  the  East  and  the  West.  Their 
lives  are  a  part  of  the  history  of  our  country.  Such  a  testimonial,  signed  by  them, 
would,  under  any  circumstances,  be  a  great  honor  to  the  recipient,  but  its  transcend- 
ent value  to  me  is  due  to  the  fact  that  it  comes  from  esteemed,  honored,  and  beloved 
Jriends. 
Such  we  are,  I  think,  and  such  we  will  be  until  life  ends. 


MINUTES    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  103 

I  shall  preserve  this  testimonial  always  with  gratitude,  and  I  shall  transmit  it  as 
a  precious  heirloom  to  my  children. 
"Your  obedient  servant, 

Charles  Denby. 

A  letter  was  received  from  John  K.  Mohn.    Ordered  filed. 

Letters  were  received  from  Prof.  W.  H.  Wiley,  chemist,  one  dated 
February  4  and  one  dated  February  6,  regarding  examinations  of  sam- 
ples of  meat.    Ordered  to  be  printed  as  appendices  to  the  report. 

The  Commission,  at  12.45  p.  m.,  took  a  recess  until  2  p.  m. 

AFTERNOON  SESSION. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  2  p.  m. 

Prof.  F.  W.  Clarke,  Geological  Survey,  was  recalled.  (See  transcript 
of  his  testimony.) 

Prof.  W.  D.  Bigelow  appeared  at  the  request  of  the  Commission  and, 
having  no  objection,  he  was  duly  sworn  and  his  testimony  taken.  (See 
transcript  of  same.) 

The  following  resolutions  were  passed: 

Resolved,  The  thanks  of  this  Commission  are  due,  and  are  hereby  tendered,  to  Maj. 
Gen.  Grenville  M.  Dodge  for  the  able  and  considerate  manner  in  which  he  has  pre- 
sided over  our  deliberations  and  conducted  our  labors. 

Eesolved,  We  hereby  express  our  appreciation  of  the  intelligent  and  highly  satis- 
factory services  of  Lieut.  Col.  F.  B.  Jones,  chief  quartermaster  United  States  Vol- 
unteers; of  Maj.  S.  C.  Mills,  recorder;  and  of  Mr.  Richard  Weightman,  secretary, 
during  their  connection  with  this  Commission. 

Resolved,  We  commend  the  employees  of  this  Commission  for  their  faithful  and 
constant  labors. 

The  Commission,  at  4.20  p.  m.,  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Wed- 
nesday, the  8th  instant. 

S.  0.  Mills,  Recorder. 


ONE  HUNDBED  AND  EIGHTH  DAY. 

War  Department, 
Washington,  D.  0.,  February  8, 1899. 
The  Commission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 
Present,  all  members. 

The  secretary  and  recorder  were  also  present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Mary  Hatch  Willard,  New  York,  request- 
ing copy  of  her  testimony. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Capt.  Charles  F.  Kieffer,  assistant  sur- 
geon, United  States  Army,  in  re  canned  beef.  Ordered  marked  special 
file. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session,  and  adjourned  at  6.30 
p.  m.  to  meet  at  10  a.  m.  Thursday,  the  9th  instant. 

S.  C.  Mills,  Recorder. 


104         INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

ONE  HUNDRED  AND  NINTH  DAY. 

War  Department. 
Washington,  D.  C,  February  9, 1899. 

The  Oommission  met  pursuant  to  adjournment  at  10  a.  m. 

Present,  General  Dodge,  Colonel  Denby,  General  McOook,  General 
Wilson,  General  Beaver,  Governor  Woodbury,  Dr.  Conner,  and  Cap- 
tain Howell. 

Secretary  Weightman  and  Recorder  Mills  were  also  present. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session  until  11.30  a.  m.,  when 
it  adjourned  to  meet  at  3.30  p.  m. 

The  Commission  reassembled  at  3.30  o'clock  p.  m.  The  copies  of  the 
report  being  received,  they  were  signed  by  each  Commissioner.  The 
Commission,  accompanied  by  the  secretary  and  recorder,  then  pro- 
ceeded to  the  Executive  Mansion,  where  a  copy  of  the  report  and  its 
appeudices  was  handed  to  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

The  President  thanked  the  members  of  the  Commission  for  their 
valuable  and  patriotic  work,  and  expressed  his  high  appreciation  of 
their  labors. 

The  Commission  withdrew,  and  at  5.15  o'clock  p.  m.,  there  being  no 
further  business  before  it,  adjourned  sine  die. 

S.  O.  Mills,  Recorder, 


REPORT  TO  WILLIAM  MoKINLEY,  PRESIDENT  OF 
THE  UNITED  STATES. 


105 


OFFICE  OF  COMMISSION  APPOINTED  BY  THE  PRESIDENT  TO 
INVESTIGATE  THE  CONDUCT  OF  THE  WAR  DEPARTMENT  IN 
THE  WAR  WITH  SPAIN. 

Washington,  D.  C,  February  9, 1899. 
To  the  President  : 

Sir  :  The  undersigned,  members  of  the  commission  appointed  by  you 
to  investigate  the  conduct  of  the  War  Department  in  the  War  with 
Spain,  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report: 

On  the  8th  day  of  September,  1898,  Gen.  E.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of 
War,  submitted  to  you  a  letter  (a  copy  whereof  is  annexed  hereto, 
marked  "  A"),  wherein  he  requested  you  to  appoint  a  board,  consisting 
of  from  five  to  seven  members,  with  full  power  to  investigate  every 
bureau  of  the  War  Department  and  everything  connected  with  the 
Army  during  the  recent  War  with  Spain. 

In  pursuance  of  this  request  you  appointed  the  undersigned  a  com- 
mission for  the  purpose  indicated. 

At  your  request  the  members  of  the  commission  assembled  at  the 
Executive  Mansion  September  24  last.  You  then  read  to  them  a  paper 
embodying  your  instructions  (a  copy  whereof  is  hereto  attached, 
marked  "B").  In  this  paper  you  instruct  the  commission  to  thor- 
oughly investigate  all  charges  of  criminal  neglect  of  the  soldiers  in 
camp,  field,  hospital,  and  on  transports;  and  to  make  the  fullest  exami- 
nation of  the  administration  of  the  War  Department  in  all  of  its  branches 
with  the  view  of  establishing  the  truth  or  falsity  of  the  accusations  of 
neglect  and  incompetency  which  had  been  made  in  the  public  press 
and  elsewhere.  Under  your  instructions  there  was  no  limit  to  the 
scope  of  our  investigation,  and  you  assured  us  that  every  facility  would 
be  afforded  for  the  closest  scrutiny  and  examination  of  all  departments 
connected  with  the  Army.  You  impressed  upon  us  in  the  strongest 
manner  your  wish  that  our  investigation  should  be  so  thorough  and 
complete  that  our  report  should,  when  made,  fix  the  responsibility  for 
any  failure  or  fault  by  reason  of  neglect,  incompetency,  or  maladminis- 
tration upon  the  officers  and  bureaus  responsible  therefor,  if  it  should 
be  found  that  the  evils  colnplained  of  had  existed. 

Appreciating  to  the  fullest  extent  the  candor  and  earnestness  of  your 
instructions,  and  resolved  to  abide  by  them  in  their  meaning  and  spirit, 
we  entered  upon  the  discharge  of  our  important  duties.  Immediately 
on  leaving  your  presence  the  commission  organized  by  electing  Gen. 
Grenville  M.  Dodge,  of  Iowa,  president;  Col.  Charles  Denby,  of  Indi- 
ana, vice-president;  and  Mr.  Richard  C.  Weightman,  of  Washington 
City,  secretary.  Gen.  James  A.  Beaver,  of  Pennsylvania,  was  desig- 
nated to  conduct  the  examination  of  witnesses.    Lieut.  Col.  F.  B.  Jones, 

107 


108  INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OP   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

chief  quartermaster  of  volunteers,  was  detailed  by  the  War  Depart- 
ment as  disbursing  officer,  and  Maj.  Stephen  C.  Mills,  U.  S.  A.,  was 
appointed  by  you  recorder  of  the  commission. 

The  organization  of  the  commission  took  place  at  the  War  Depart- 
ment September  24,  but  on  the  next  day  and  thereafter  we  met  at  the 
Lemon  Building,  in  Washington  City. 

At  the  second  meeting  of  the  commission  the  necessary  arrangements 
were  made  for  the  securing  of  clerks  and  stenographers,  and  a  general 
discussion  had  as  to  the  line  of  investigation  to  be  pursued. 

It  was  determined  that  the  fullest  possible  publicity  should  be  given 
to  the  proceedings  of  the  commission. 

Only  two  rooms  were  assigned  us  for  public  use.  One  was  used  and 
occupied  by  the  members  of  the  commission  for  the  taking  of  testimony 
and  other  business;  the  other  by  the  employees  of  the  commission. 
There  was,  therefore,  but  little  space  available  for  the  accommodation 
of  reporters  desiring  to  report  proceedings;  but  there  were  allowed  to 
be  present  at  the  sessions  of  the  commission  during  the  examination  of 
witnesses  six  representatives,  three  of  whom  represented  the  three  press 
associations  of  the  United  States,  to  whom  all  needed  conveniences  were 
assigned.  A  copy  of  the  orders  relating  to  reports  by  representatives 
of  the  press  is  annexed  hereto,  marked  UC." 

In  further  preparation  for  the  labors  of  the  commission  it  was 
resolved  at  the  first  meeting  for  business,  held  September  25,  that  the 
Secretary  of  War,  the  Adjutant-General,  the  Quartermaster-General, 
the  Commissary-General,  and  the  Surgeon-General  should  be  requested 
to  transmit  to  the  commission  all  complaints  received  by  them  since 
April  1, 1898,  touching  the  conduct  of  the  war. 

This  request  was  promptly  complied  with  by  the  officials  above 
mentioned,  and  a  large  number  of  letters  and  communications  touch- 
ing the  subject-matter  thereof  were  transmitted  to  the  commission  for 
its  consideration.  For  the  resolution  see  the  paper  hereto  annexed, 
marked  "D." 

In  order  that  all  persons  should  have  the  most  ample  opportunity  to 
present  to  the  commission  any  complaints  they  might  see  fit  to  make 
touching  the  conduct  of  the  War  Department,  the  commission,  by  a 
resolution  adopted  September  27,  which  was  immediately  given  to  the 
press,  resolved  that  it  invited  and  was  ready  and  willing  to  receive  and 
consider  any  complaints  about  the  conduct  of  the  War  Department  from 
any  person  or  persons,  and  that  it  was  respectfully  requested  that  such 
complaints  should  be  made  in  writing,  stating  facts  that  the  party 
might  know  of  his  own  knowledge  precisely  and  in  detail,  giving  names 
of  any  officers  or  enlisted  men  who  were  charged  with  misconduct  or 
incompetency,  and  that  such  communications  should  be  addressed  to 
the  secretary  of  the  commission  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

A  copy  of  this  resolution  is  hereto  annexed  marked  aE." 

In  compliance  with  this  resolution  we  received  many  hundreds  of 


REPORT   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  109 

letters  and  newspaper  clippings,  all  of  which  were  duly  considered  by 
the  commission. 

In  order  to  further  facilitate  our  labors  and  to  furnish  every  possible 
opportunity  for  presenting  complaints  it  was  ordered  that  whenever 
any  person  made  a  complaint  which  was  not  specific,  he  should  be 
requested  to  forward  a  written  statement,  giving  in  as  definite  and 
complete  a  form  as  practicable  all  facts  based  upon  personal  experience 
and  knowledge  that  would  aid  the  pending  investigation.  (See  paper 
hereto  annexed,  marked  UF.") 

September  26, 1898,  a  communication  was  addressed  to  the  Secretary 
of  War,  wherein  he  was  requested  to  direct  the  Adjutant- General,  the 
Quartermaster-General,  the  Commissary-General,  the  Surgeon-General, 
the  Chief  of  Engineers,  and  the  Chief  of  Ordnance  to  furnish  to  the 
commission,  as  soon  as  practicable,  information  as  to  the  condition  of 
their  several  departments  at  the  time  of  the  declaration  of  war  with 
Spain,  and  the  operations  of  the  same  from  that  time  until  the  war 
closed;  a  copy  of  which  communication  to  the  Secretary  of  War  is 
annexed  hereto,  marked  "G." 

This  communication  recited  in  detail  the  subjects  on  which  informa- 
tion was  desired,  comprising  facts  touching  the  mobilization  of  troops, 
and  their  organization;  the  amount  and  kind  of  camp  and  garrison 
equipage  on  hand  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  the  amount  subsequently 
purchased;  similar  information  with  regard  to  furnishing  the  troops 
with  arms  and  accouterments;  iu formation  as  to  which  of  the  volunteer 
regiments  were  armed  and  equipped  in  the  various  State  camps;  how 
the  location  of  the  camps  of  general  rendezvous  was  determined;  full 
particulars  as  to  the  transportation  of  troops;  an  account  of  the  quan- 
tity, quality,  and  kind  of  food  furnished;  information  as  to  the  tentage, 
beds,  linen,  medicines,  and  all  other  necessaries  for  the  hospitals;  as 
to  whether  the  medical  staff  was  efficient;  and  as  to  the  conditions  and 
operations  of  the  engineer  and  ordnance  departments. 

To  aid  the  Secretary  of  War  in  complying  with  this  request  there  was 
submitted  a  list  of  special  questions  addressed  to  the  heads  of  depart- 
ments, which  list  is  attached  to  said  communication. 

The  Secretary  of  War  and  the  heads  of  the  departments,  to  wit,  the 
Adjutant  General,  the  Quartermaster-General,  the  Commissary-Gen- 
eral, the  Surgeon-General,  the  Chief  of  Engineers,  and  the  Chief  of 
Ordnance,  in  compliance  with  our  request,  furnished  answers  to  the 
questions  propounded  to  them,  copies  of  which,  in  the  order  above 
named,  are  hereunto  annexed,  marked,  respectively,  "H,"  "I,"  "K," 
"L,""M,»"N,»and"0." 

These  replies  have  materially  aided  us  in  our  investigation.  Hav- 
ing thus  arranged  the  preliminary  matters  which  seemed  advisable  to 
be  determined,  the  commission  resolved  that  all  charges  specifically 
brought  before  it  should  be  made  the  basis  of  the  examination  of  wit- 
nesses who  had,  or  professed  to  have,  knowledge  of  the  facts  involved 
in  such  charges. 


110         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT   OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

It  was  further  determined  that  in  the  examination  of  witnesses  the 
strict  rules  of  evidence  as  applied  in  legal  proceedings  should  not  be 
adhered  to,  but  considerable  latitude  should  be  allowed. 

While,  therefore,  in  general,  the  rules  of  evidence  have  been  followed, 
we  have  not  hesitated  to  relax  their  application  when  thought  advis- 
able. During  our  sessions  we  examined  495  witnesses.  All  of  these 
were  sworn  or  affirmed,  except  one  who  declined  to  take  the  oath. 
The  chief  examination  was  conducted  by  the  member  designated  for 
that  purpose,  but  each  witness  was  interrogated  by  every  member  of 
the  commission  who  desired  to  do  so. 

Our  purpose  in  the  discharge  of  our  duties  was  to  arrive  at  the  facts 
touching  the  conduct  of  the  war,  and  no  effort  was  spared  by  us  to 
reach  that  result.  We  have  examined  the  Secretary  of  War;  the  Com- 
manding General;  heads  of  departments;  officers  of  corps,  divisions, 
brigades,  regiments,  and  companies;  noncommissioned  officers  and 
privates ;  nurses,  and  persons  from  many  employments  in  private  life. 
No  man  or  woman  who  has  stated  to  us  that  he  or  she  had  any  material 
matter  touching  the  subject  of  our  inquiry  to  communicate  has  been 
refused  a  hearing. 

All  the  members  of  the  commission  have  been  engaged  in  taking 
testimony.  It  has  happened  that  subcommittees  have  been  occupied 
in  hearing  witnesses  at  four  different  places  at  the  same  time. 

Testimony  has  been  taken  in  Washington,  D.  C;  Jacksonville,  Fla.; 
Fort  McPherson,  Ga.;  Anniston,  Ala.;  Huntsville,  Ala. ;  Chattanooga, 
Tenn.;  Knoxville,  Tenn.;  Lexington,  Ky.;  Chicago,  111.;  Cincinnati, 
Ohio;  Detroit,  Mich.;  Harrisburg,  Pa.;  New  York  City;  Boston;  Bur- 
lington, Yt. ;  Tampa,  Fla.,  and  Feruandina,  Fla.  The  commission  visited 
in  person  most  of  the  old  camps;  Jacksonville,  which  was  occupied  by 
the  Seventh  Corps;  the  sites  of  the  camps  at  Tampa,  Fernandina,  and 
Camp  Thomas;  the  new  camps  at  Anniston,  where  the  First  Division  of 
the  Fourth  Corps  was  located;  Huntsville,  where  the  Second  and  Third 
divisions  and  cavalry  division  of  the  Fourth  Corps  were  located ;  Knox- 
ville, where  the  Second  Division  of  the  First  Corps  was  located ;  Lex- 
ington, where  the  headquarters  and  First  Division  of  First  Corps  were 
encamped;  and  Camp  Meade,  where  the  Second  Corps  was  encamped. 
As  a  rule  the  inspection  was  not  only  of  camps  but  of  troops  and 
supplies,  and  much  valuable  information  was  obtained  by  contact  with 
officers  and  enlisted  men. 

At  all  of  these  places  we  have  invited,  sometimes  with  special  insist- 
ence, every  person  to  come  before  us  and  testify  who  could  throw  any 
light  on  the  conduct  of  the  War  Department  in  any  of  its  branches. 

Any  charge  of  corruption  or  intimation  of  fraud  or  bribery  in  con- 
nection with  the  letting  of  any  contract,  even  a  hint  of  wrongdoing, 
has  been  carefully  investigated. 

It  may  be  said  now,  at  the  beginning  of  this  report,  that  there  has 
been  no  evidence  before  us  that  anyone  in  or  connected  with  the  War 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  Ill 

Department  has  dishonestly  received  a  dollar.  We  have  made  persist- 
ent efforts  to  secure  the  attendance  of  persons  to  whose  names  rumor 
had  attached  an  allegation  that  they  knew  of  corruption  of  officials  in 
the  War  Department,  but  these  men  have  either  denied  the  statements 
attributed  to  them  or  have  maintained  silence  when  invited  to  tell 
what  they  knew. 

Preliminary  to  a  specific  report  on  the  conduct  and  management  of 
the  bureaus  of  the  War  Department,  as  well  as  on  camps  and  sanita- 
tion, and  the  conditions  attending  the  operations  of  armies  in  the  field, 
attention  is  called  to  certain  topics  had  under  consideration.  We  have 
regarded  it  as  a  part  of  our  duty  to  make  suggestions  touching  changes 
that  might  be  desirable  in  the  future  control  and  management  of  the 
Army. 

RETIRED  OFFICERS. 

Under  existing  laws  the  officers  of  the  Army  are  retired  when  they 
reach  the  age  of  64.  We  have  had  before  us  many  suggestions  made 
by  officers  on  the  retired  list,  who  are  men  of  experience  and  dis- 
tinction, that  this  law  should  be  so  amended  as  to  give  to  the  Presi- 
dent the  right  to  call  into  active  service  any  retired  officer  during  the 
time  of  war.  This  right  exists  as  to  the  retired  officers  of  the  Navy, 
and  it  seems  to  us  there  is  no  reason  why  it  should  not  be  extended 
to  embrace  retired  Army  officers. 

It  does  not  appear  reasonable  that  an  arbitrary  law  should  prevent 
during  the  existence  of  war  the  use  of  experienced  men  merely  on 
account  of  their  age.  We  think  it  would  be  wise  to  make  it  discre- 
tionary with  the  President  to  use  the  officers  on  the  retired  list  for 
filling  positions  during  war  and  not  trench  on  the  active  organization, 
that  may  be  needed  in  the  field. 

During  the  recent  war  many  positions  were  filled  by  the  appointment 
of  civilians  to  which  retired  officers  could  have  brought  professional 
training,  valuable  knowledge,  and  large  experience. 

These  remarks  must  not  be  construed  as  reflections  on  the  appoint- 
ments made  from  civil  life.  The  young  civilians  who  received  staff  and 
other  appointments  in  the  main  discharged  their  duties  in  a  highly 
commendable  manner.  Although  inexperienced,  they  learned  quickly. 
Among  the  officers  of  the  staff  departments  appointed  from  civil  life 
were  many  who  had  had  experience  in  work  identical  with  or  similar 
to  that  they  were  called  upon  to  perform  while  in  service. 

REGIMENTAL  OFFICERS. 

Volunteer  regiments  commanded  by  regular  officers  or  by  officers  of 
experience  were  better  cared  for  than  those  regiments  which  were  com- 
manded by  inexperienced  men.  The  colonel  of  a  regiment  is  responsi- 
ble for  the  care  of  the  men  in  every  respect  as  to  their  health,  drill,  and 
discipline,  and  incessant  care  is  necessary  on  his  part  to  force  upon 


112  INVESTIGATION    OF   CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

the  men  the  practice  of  hygiene  in  all  matters  relating  to  camp  life,  such 
as  cleanliness,  bathing,  care  of  kitchen  and  sink,  and  general  policing. 
The  less  sickness  among  regular  troops  as  compared  with  volunteers 
must  be  ascribed,  in  part  at  least,  to  the  fact  that  they  are  commanded 
and  cared  for  by  skilled  and  experienced  officers. 

EXAMINATION   OF   APPOINTEES   IN  THE  ARMY. 

In  order  to  secure  competent  officers  in  all  the  branches  of  the  Army, 
it  is  desirable  that  before  receiving  his  commission  every  applicant 
should  be  examined  by  a  board  designated  for  the  purpose  by  the 
President.  The  fact  that  regimental  officers  are  nominated  by  the 
governors  of  the  States  constitutes  no  valid  objection  to  their  being 
compelled  to  undergo  such  examination.  If  it  were  known  that 
appointees  would  be  examined  as  to  their  qualification,  greater  care 
might  be  exercised  by  the  governors  in  their  selections.  All  such 
appointees  are  to  be  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  United  States, 
and  before  the  muster  takes  place  the  Government  should  be  satisfied 
that  they  are  capable  of  properly  discharging  the  duties  incumbent 
upon  them  after  muster  into  service.  It  is  the  practice  of  the  Govern- 
ment now  to  require  every  officer  up  to  a  certain  grade  to  be  examined 
for  promotion.  During  the  war  it  was  the  practice  of  the  Govern- 
ment to  require  nominees  for  appointment  in  the  Eegular  Army  to  be 
examined.  The  system  should  be  adhered  to  in  increasing  the  Army  in 
time  of  peace  and  in  all  future  wars.  The  short  duration  of  the  war 
with  Spain,  perhaps,  did  not  render  it  practicable  to  convene  boards 
of  examination,  but  there  is  no  reason  why  such  should  not  be  con- 
vened hereafter. 

SCHOOLS  OF  INSTRUCTION. 

We  have  been  greatly  impressed  by  the  proof  taken  before  us  as 
to  the  advantages  derived  from  schools  of  instruction,  which  were 
established  in  many  brigades  and  regiments.  Eegular  Army  quarter- 
masters and  commissaries  held  such  schools  at  some  places  where 
large  numbers  of  troops  were  collected;  their  services  were  greatly 
appreciated  by  civilian  appointees,  and  good  results  followed.  There 
were  also  in  many  regiments  schools  held  for  instructing  the  commis- 
sioned and  noncommissioned  officers  in  tactics  and  other  soldierly 
duties.  Binding  regulations  on  this  subject  should  be  enacted,  and 
the  system  extended  to  all  branches  of  the  service,  particularly  in 
any  special  duties  pertaining  thereto.  It  would  be  perhaps  especially 
beneficial  to  surgeons  appointed  from  civil  life,  who,  informed  in  the 
line  of  their  profession,  are  usually  unacquainted  with  the  purely  mili- 
tary duties  in  which  they  should  be  specially  instructed. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  113 

PAPER   WORK   OF   THE   WAR  DEPARTMENT. 

The  routine  work  in  the  departments,  in  our  opinion,  is  far  beyond 
what  is  necessary,  and  eacli  year  seems  to  increase  it.  The  methods 
employed  make  it  almost  impossible  to  transact  business  promptly. 
The  heads  of  all  departments,  officers  of  large  depots,  chiefs  of  staff 
departments,  corps,  and  divisions  have  necessarily  been  obliged  to  give 
the  time  and  attention  to  details  which  should  have  been  given  to 
matters  of  larger  moment.  No  well-regulated  concern  or  corporation 
could  transact  business  satisfactorily  under  such  regulations  as  govern 
the  staff  departments,  and  the  fact  that  every  officer  of  each  of  the  staff 
departments  holding  responsible  positions  has  been  obliged  to  ignore 
routine  demonstrates  the  necessity  of  a  thorough  reform. 

THE   ARMY. 

On  the  1st  day  of  April,  1898,  the  strength  of  the  Army  was  2,143 
officers  and  26,040  enlisted  men,  a  total  of  28,183.  War  with  the 
Kingdom  of  Spain  was  declared  April  21,  1898.  Just  before  the  war 
began  portions  of  the  Regular  Army  were  stationed  in  Washington, 
Idaho,  California,  Utah,  Nebraska,  Wyoming,  Montana,  the  Dakotas, 
Kansas,  Minnesota,  Missouri,  Oklahoma,  Arkansas,  and  at  various  posts, 
amounting  in  all  to  80  in  number.  On  April  15, 1898,  by  direction  of  the 
Secretary  of  War,  the  regiments  of  the  Regular  Army,  with  few  excep- 
tions, were  ordered  to  proceed  to  various  points  in  the  South — Chieka- 
mauga,  Ga.,  New  Orleans,  La.,  Mobile,  Ala.,  and  Tampa,  Fla.  By 
proclamation  of  April  23  the  President  called  for  125,000  volunteers, 
and  on  May  25  for  an  additional  force  of  75,000.  Congress  also  author- 
ized an  increase  of  the  Regular  Army  to  61,000  and  in  addition  pro- 
vided for  16  regiments  of  volunteer  infantry  (immunes),  cavalry,  and 
engineers. 

On  May  31,  125,000  volunteers  had  been  mustered  into  the  service. 

In  August,  1898,  the  Regular  Army  numbered  56,365,  the  Volunteer 
Army  207,244— a  total  of  263,609. 

These  figures  of  themselves  indicate  that  an  immense  work  was 
thrown  upon  the  War  Department.  After  thirty-three  years  of  peace, 
during  a  great  part  of  which  the  Army  did  not  exceed  26,000  men, 
it  suddenly  became  necessary  to  arm,  clothe,  feed,  and  equip  more  than 
a  quarter  of  a  million. 

How  that  duty  was  discharged  will  appear  in  detail  in  subsequent 
parts  of  this  report.  The  sudden  emergency  which  called  our  people 
to  arms  after  an  interval  of  half  a  century  of  peace  with  all  foreign 
powers  was  met  by  the  War  Department  with  earnestness  and 
energy.  The  situation  found  the  country  unprepared  with  any  large 
stock  of  arms,  ammunition,  clothing,  supplies,  and  equipments.  That 
they  were  duly  provided  and  that  the  numerous  demands  on  the  indus- 
tries of  our  people  were  met  so  promptly  will  remain  one  of  the  marvels 
of  history. 

7833— vol.  1 8 


114        INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 

It  is  to  be  noted  that  the  organisation  of  the  Army  indicated  a  desire 
011  the  part  of  the  War  Department  to  place  in  separate  and  responsible 
commands  experienced  officers  of  the  Regular  Army  and  officers  from 
civil  life  who  had  received  a  military  education  and  had  experience  in 
the  civil  war.  The  chiefs  of  the  staff  departments  in  the  field  were 
selected  from  a  similar  class  of  officers.  They  took  charge  of  the  depots 
of  supplies  at  the  camps  and  were  assigned  the  most  responsible  posi- 
tions. So  many  officers  of  the  Regular  Army  commanded,  supplied, 
and  superintended  the  movement  of  troops  that  the  service  was 
markedly  reduced  In  its  field,  line,  and  staff. 

The  rapidity  with  which  commanding  officers  of  corps,  divisions,  bri- 
gades, regiments,  and  officers  of  the  staff  departments  have  profited  by 
the  first  six  months'  service  is  shown  in  the  improvements  in  the  new 
camps,  their  location,  water  supply,  and  sanitary  arrangements.  The 
weak  spots  in  the  first  arrangements  for  camping  troops  were  soon  dis- 
covered, and  it  was  learned  that  with  proper  system  and  little  expense 
they  could  be  camped  under  favorable  sanitary  conditions.  The  pres- 
ent camps  are  models,  the  hospitals  adapted  to  the  comfort  and  care  of 
the  sick,  the  grounds  clean,  and  the  sanitary  conditions  greatly  improved. 
The  troops  are  now  moved  with  promptness,  without  friction,  and  with 
more  rapidity  than  in  the  beginning  of  the  war.  These  improvements 
have  come  from  experience,  and  the  new  army  now  is  far  advanced  in 
facilities  for  feeding,  equipping,  camping,  and  transportation. 

CASUALTIES. 

The  reports  before  us  show  that  during  the  war  23  officers  and  257 
enlisted  men  were  killed;  113  officers  and  1,464  enlisted  men  wounded. 
Between  May  1  and  September  30,  inclusive,  the  deaths  from  all 
causes  were  107  officers  and  2,803  enlisted  men,  being  an  aggregate  of 
2,910  out  of  a  total  force  of  274,717,  but  a  little  over  one  per  cent. 

PREPARATIONS  FOR  FUTURE  WARS. 

One  of  the  lessons  taught  by  the  war  is  that  the  country  should 
hereafter  be  in  a  better  state  of  preparation  for  war.  Testimony  has 
been  taken  on  this  subject,  and  suggestions  have  been  made  that  large 
supplies  of  all  the  material  not  liable  to  deterioration  should  be  kept 
on  hand,  to  be  continuously  issued  and  renewed,  so  that  in  any  emer- 
gency they  might  be  available.  Especially  should  this  be  the  case  with 
such  supplies,  equipment,  and  ordnance  stores  as  are  not  in  general 
use  in  the  United  States  and  which  can  not  be  rapidly  obtained  in 
open  market. 

THE  AID  SOCIETIES. 

It  is  gratifying  to  report  that  most  valuable  assistance  to  our  soldier* 
during  the  war  was  rendered  by  various  voluntary  relief  associations  the 


REPORT   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  115 

more  conspicuous  of  which  were  the  American  National  Bed  Cross, 
the  National  Relief  Commission,  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revo- 
lution, the  Army  and  Navy  League,  and  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association.  Representatives  of  these  and  other  societies  worked 
in  cooperation  with  many  good  men  and  women  in  all  the  States  and 
were  present  in  the  camp,  the  hospital,  and  on  the  field  of  battle. 
To  these  societies  and  those  who  cooperated  with  them  the  country 
owes  a  debt  of  gratitude. 

There  were  many  individual  instances  of  personal  devotion  to  the 
interest  of  the  soldiers.  We  do  not  name  these  beneficent  laborers  here, 
but  they  will  not  be  forgetten. 

AUTHORITY  AND   RESPONSIBILITY. 

For  many  years  the  divided  authority  and  responsibility  in  the  War 
Department  has  produced  friction,  for  which,  in  the  interest  of  the 
service,  a  remedy,  if  possible,  should  be  applied.  The  Constitution 
makes  the  President  the  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Army,  and  he 
can  not  transfer  that  authority  to  any  other  person.  The  President 
selects  his  Secretary  of  War,  who  has  his  confidence,  and  who  is  his 
confidential  adviser.  The  commanding  general  is  assigned  to  duty  as 
such  by  the  President,  and  under  the  Military  Laws  of  the  United 
States  his  duties  are  defined  as  follows : 

The  command  exercised  by  the  commanding  general  of  the  Army,  not  having  been 
made  the  subject  of  statutory  regulation,  is  determined  by  the  order  of  assignment. 
It  has  been  habitually  composed  of  the  aggregate  of  the  several  territorial  commands 
that  have  been  or  may  be  created  by  the  President. 

The  military  establishment  is  under  orders  of  the  commanding  general  of  the 
Army  in  that  which  pertains  to  its  discipline  and  military  control.  The  fiscal  affairs 
of  the  Army  are  conducted  by  the  Secretary  of  War  through  the  several  staff  depart- 
ments.    (Par.  187,  A.  R.,  1895.) 

All  orders  and  instructions  from  the  President  or  Secretary  of  War  relating  to 
military  operations  or  affecting  the  military  control  and  discipline  of  the  Army  will 
be  promulgated  through  the  commanding  general.     (Par.  188,  A.  R.,  1895.) 

Lieutenant-General  Schofield,  who  has  probably  had  as  much 
experience  and  given  the  question  as  much  thought  and  study  as  any 
one  in  our  country,  says  in  substance: 

Recent  experience  has  served  to  confirm  all  the  results  of  my  lifelong  study  and 
large  experience  that  the  proper  position  for  the  senior  officer  of  the  Army  on  duty 
at  Washington  is  not  that  of  commanding  general,  a  position  which  is  practically 
impossible,  but  that  of  general  in  chief,  which  means  in  fact  chief  of  staff  to  the 
President.  The  title  of  general  in  chief  was  a  permanent  one  during  the  entire 
history  of  the  country  up  to  the  time  when  General  Grant  became  Lieutenant- 
General. 

When  I  became  the  commanding  general  I  addressed  to  the  President  a  letter,  in 
which  I  pointed  out  to  him  what  had  been  the  result  of  my  study  and  experience, 
and  saying  that  the  only  way  was  to  abandon  entirely,  which  I  did  during  my  seven 
years  of  service,  all  pretense  of  being  the  commanding  general  and  to  content  myself 
with  acting  as  the  chief  of  staff  of  the  Army  under  the  Secretary  of  War  and  the 
President.     The  result  was  that  perfect  harmony  prevailed  during  my  time,  and  I 


116         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

did  exercise  a  legitimate  influence  in  command  of  the  Army,  this  because  I  did  not 
claim  to  exercise  anything  which  the  law  did  not  give  me. 

The  President  must  have  the  same  power  of  selection  of  his  general 
in  chief  as  he  has  of  his  Secretary  of  War;  without  this  there  can  be 
no  guaranty  that  he  will  give,  or  that  the  Secretary  of  War  will  place 
in  the  general  in  chief,  that  confidence  which  is  necessary  to  perfect 
harmony.  .Neither  the  President  nor  the  Secretary  of  War  should 
have  in  the  command  of  the  Army  an  officer  who  is  not  working  in  har- 
mony with  him. 

THE   SECRETARY  OF  WAR. 

The  records  of  the  War  Department,  which  have  been  laid  before  us, 
show  that  the  Secretary  of  War  extended  to  all  chiefs  of  bureaus  cor- 
dial and  full  support,  and  promptly  responded  to  every  proper  demand 
made  upon  him  by  commanding  officers. 

No  testimony  has  been  presented  showing  intentional  neglect  of  duty 
nor  any  attempt  to  serve  personal  interests.  The  charges  made  that 
the  Secretary  of  War  was  pecuniarily  interested  in  contracts,  purchases, 
and  other  transactions  of  the  War  Department  have  been  thoroughly 
examined  and  found  baseless. 

In  the  judgment  of  the  commission  there  was  lacking  in  the  general 
administration  of  the  War  Department  during  the  continuance  of  the 
war  with  Spain  that  complete  grasp  of  the  situation  which  was  essen- 
tial to  the  highest  efficiency  and  discipline  of  the  Army. 

The  commission  has  refrained  from  criticizing  certain  of  the  heads  of 
bureaus  for  not  having  acted  with  foresight  in  preparing  their  various 
departments  for  active  war  before  war  was  actually  declared,  because 
it  has  appeared  that  the  national  defense  fund  provided  by  the  act  of 
March  9, 1898,  was  not  made  available  for  use,  except  for  the  Navy 
and  for  coast  defenses  and  the  expenditures  incident  thereto,  until 
after  the  declaration  of  war. 

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S  DEPARTMENT. 

BRIG.   GEN.  H.  C.  CORBIN,  ADJUTANT-GENERAL,  U.   S.  A.,  IN  CHARGE. 

The  working  force  of  this  department  is  composed  of  6  officers,  105 
permanent  clerks,  and  195  temporary  clerks. 

The  Adjutant- General's  Department  is  the  bureau  of  orders  and  rec- 
ords of  the  Army.  Orders  and  instructions  emanating  from  the  War 
Department  or  Army  Headquarters  and  all  general  regulations  are 
communicated  to  troops  and  individuals  in  the  military  service  through 
the  Adjutant- General.  In  his  office  are  the  records  of  the  War  Depart- 
ment relating  to  the  personnel  of  the  permanent  military  establishment 
and  militia  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  to  the  military  history 
of  every  commissioned  officer  and  soldier  thereof,  and  to  all  movements 
and  operations  of  troops. 

The  department  is  divided  into  divisions  as  follows: 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  117 

The  Military  Academy  division  has  charge  of  the  qualifications  and 
manner  of  appointment  of  cadets.  The  graduation  of  the  classes  of 
1898  and  1899  in  advance  of  the  usual  time  created  the  impression  that 
there  must  necessarily  be  a  corresponding  increase  in  the  number  of 
cadet  appointments,  which  occasioned  a  large  increase  of  applications 
and  correspondence  in  this  division. 

Enlisted  branch  of  the  Regular  Army. — The  work  of  this  division  com- 
prises the  appointment  of  noncommissioned  staff  officers,  transfers, 
furloughs,  discharges,  etc.  This  work  up  to  September  1  was  largely- 
increased  because  of  the  added  charge  of  the  enlisted  men  of  the  Vol- 
unteer Army.  Since  that  date  the  division  has  had  to  do  with  men  of  the 
Eegular  Army  only.  The  discharges  by  favor  in  years  before  the  war 
were  less  than  100  per  month;  since  September  1  there  have  been  over 
600  per  month.  The  enlisted  branch  of  the  Volunteer  Army  since 
September  1  has  had  charge  of  the  enlisted  men  of  the  volunteers,  and 
there  have  passed  through  the  office  about  1,500  papers  per  day. 
This  division  also  has  charge  of  special  orders.  It  receives  the  com- 
munications from  soldiers  serving  with  their  regiments,  soldiers  away 
from  their  regiments,  relatives  and  friends  of  soldiers,  Members  of 
Congress  and  other  influential  people  asking  for  discharges  and  fur- 
loughs of  volunteers.  This  correspondence  has  greatly  increased  from 
the  fact  that  regulations  and  military  discipline  have  often  been 
ignored. 

Division  of  orders,  books,  and  blanks. — From  May  1  to  August  1, 1898, 
the  number  of  special  orders  issued  was  79;  the  number  of  special 
orders  distributed  was  31,752;  number  of  paragraphs  of  special  orders 
issued,  5,660;  number  of  paragraphs  of  special  orders  distributed, 
23,800;  general  orders  issued,  102;  general  orders  distributed,  736,000; 
circulars  issued,  36 ;  circulars  distributed,  256,000.  During  this  time 
4,000,000  blanks  were  distributed  to  the  Army  from  Porto  Rico  to 
Manila,  and  15,700  packages  of  blank  and  record  books. 

Army  rolls  division. — This  division  has  control  of  the  enlistment 
papers,  descriptive  and  assignment  cards,  and  death  and  disability 
papers  pertaining  to  the  enlisted  men  of  the  Regular  Army.  On  the 
muster  in  of  the  volunteer  organizations  all  similar  records  pertaining 
to  them  were  committed  to  the  care  of  this  division.  Before  the  war 
the  average  number  of  muster  rolls  received  bimonthly  was  855.  Dur- 
ing the  war  this  has  been  increased  to  4,000. 

Appointment,  promotion,  and  commission  division. — Ordinarily  about 
350  appointments  and  commissions  were  issued  in  a  year,  while  since 
March  1,  1898,  in  the  Regular  and  Volunteer  Army  3,997  commissions 
have  been  issued.  There  have  been  filed  over  30,000  applications  for 
appointment  as  general  and  general  staff  officers  of  volunteers. 

Returns  division. — This  division  has  charge  of  receiving,  examining, 
noting,  and  filing  all  the  various  Army  returns,  keeping  record  of  service 
of  all  officers  of  the  Army,  movement  of  troops,  establishment  of  posts, 
their  abandonment,  etc.     It  also  has  charge  of  the  records  of  the  various 


118         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 

departments,  corps,  divisions,  brigades,  commanders,  and  staff  offi- 
cers of  each  command,  the  movements  and  operations  of  the  entire 
Army,  as  well  as  that  of  a  single  company,  actions  in  which  engaged, 
losses  sustained,  etc.  It  is  in  receipt  of  thousands  of  letters  and  news- 
papers daily  going  to  regiments  and  individuals  of  the  Army,  which 
aave  to  be  readdressed  and  remailed.  Since  the  commencement  of  the 
muster  out  of  the  volunteers  a  record  is  kept  of  the  home  addresses  of 
all  volunteer  officers. 

Mail  and  record  division. — All  mail  received  in  the  office  of  the  Adju- 
tant-General is  opened  and  distributed  in  this  division,  requiring  the 
services  of  three  clerks.  During  the  eight  months  preceding  the  war 
with  Spain  there  were  received  60,000  pieces  of  mail,  and  from  May  to 
December,  1898,  400,000. 

Muster-in  division. — This  division  prepared  the  regulations  for  the 
muster  in,  the  ordinary  rolls,  and  other  blanks.  There  were  detailed 
in  each  State  for  mustering  duty  from  one  to  three  officers,  to  whom 
was  assigned  the  further  duty  of  arranging  for  the  sheltering,  subsist- 
ing, and  clothing  of  the  volunteers.  They  made  physical  examinations 
of  288,000  men,  accepting  216,500,  and  have  mustered  out  to  date  about 
110,000. 

Telegraph  division. — Prior  to  the  war  with  Spain  the  business  of  this 
branch  of  the  service  was  1,000  telegrams  per  month.  With  the 
sinking  of  the  Maine,  on  February  15,  the  telegraph  business  began  to 
steadily  increase,  so  that  on  April  21,  when  war  was  declared,  the 
working  force  was  8  operators,  which  number  steadily  increased  to  the 
time  of  the  battle  of  Santiago,  when  there  were  20  operators,  5  clerks, 
and  7  messengers. 

Recruiting  division  of  the  Regular  and  Volunteer  Army. — Prior  to 
March,  1898,  the  monthly  rate  of  enlistment  was  from  700  to  1,000. 
Under  the  stimulus  of  the  war,  during  the  month  of  May  the  enlist- 
ments for  the  Eegular  Army  reached  9,569,  and  for  the  three  months 
May,  June,  and  July  they  numbered  25,500,  accepted  from  102,000 
applicants.  In  addition,  under  the  President's  second  call,  over  40,000 
volunteers  were  enlisted  individually  from  50,000  applicants  to  recruit 
the  regiments  mustered  in  under  the  first  call.  During  the  months 
of  August,  September,  and  October,  the  rate  of  enlistment  for  the 
Kegular  Army  was  3,300 ;  since  November  the  monthly  rate  has  been 
5,000. 

Military  information  division. — The  work  of  this  division  began  a  long 
time  before  war  was  declared.  Information  was  collected  as  to  the 
strength,  armament,  supplies,  and  operations  of  the  Spanish  troops  in 
Cuba  and  Porto  Rico.  Lieutenant  Whitney  visited  Porto  Rico  and 
Lieutenant  Rowan  Cuba,  and  the  result  of  this  labor  and  personal 
examination  was  that  when  war  was  declared  the  War  Department 
was  in  possession  of  information  showing  the  probable  amount  of 
resistance  to  be  met  with  at  any  given  point.  Plans  of  the  forts  around 
Havana  and  other  fortified   points  and   the  trochas  were  obtained. 


REPORT   OF    THE   COMMISSION.  119 

Military  maps  and  military  notes  of  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  and  the  Philip- 
pines were  published,  and  illustrated  pamphlets  of  the  Spanish  navy 
prepared  for  the  purpose  of  informing  the  commanding  officers  of 
seacoast  forts  of  the  character  of  the  ships  they  might  have  to  cope 
with.  In  conjunction  with  the  Navy  Department  a  confidential  code 
of  signals  between  our  ships  and  the  forts  was  drawn  up.  It  also  sent 
and  received  all  the  confidential  telegrams  of  the  War  Department. 

There  were  submitted  to  the  commission  by  the  Adjutant- General 
detailed  statements  respecting  the  Regular  Army,  the  volunteers,  and 
militia,  and  correspondence  and  telegrams  in  relation  to  the  three  dif- 
ferent campaigns.  For  information  on  these  subjects  reference  is  made 
to  reports  appended. 

This  department,  which  was  organized  and  trained  to  take  care  of  a 
small  regular  army,  was  required  to  rapidly  provide  for  organizing  and 
mustering  in  250,000  soldiers,  and  within  six  months  to  muster  out 
L00,000.  The  Adjutant- General's  Department  of  the  Army  having  full 
knowledge  of  the  condition  of  the  Army  when  the  declaration  of  war 
was  made,  it  could  not  be  surprised  by  the  inability  of  the  departments 
to  immediately  respond  to  the  demands.  The  economy  of  previous 
years,  by  which  nearly  every  article  of  equipment  not  immediately 
needed  by  the  Army  was  disposed  of  and  no  provision  made  for 
emergencies,  rendered  immediate  effective  expansion  of  the  Army 
impossible.  In  the  organization  of  the  Army  for  active  duty  provision 
was  made  for  eight  corps,  seven  of  which  were  fully  equipped  and 
placed  in  the  field. 

The  suggestion  has  been  made,  and  opinion  given,  that  it  would  have 
been  better  to  have  organized  the  Army  and  equipped  the  troops  in  each 
of  their  States  before  they  were  concentrated  and  mobilized  into  bri- 
gades, divisions,  and  corps,  but  the  War  Department  had  not  the  offi- 
cers to  send  to  each  State  to  organize,  muster,  feed,  and  equip  them, 
nor  had  it  officers  of  sufficient  rank  to  command,  drill,  and  discipline 
the  troops  while  in  State  camps.  Early  removal  of  regiments  from 
State  camps  has  the  advantage  of  avoiding  the  disturbing  influences 
of  home  locality. 

During  the  organization  and  equipment  of  the  Army  a  daily  report  by 
telegraph  from  each  camp  was  received,  showing  what  supplies  they  had 
and  what  was  needed,  and  a  copy  of  this  report  was  furnished  each 
staff  department.  Where  important  deficiencies  were  reported,  the  Sec- 
retary of  War  called  attention  to  the  fact,  and  in  most  cases  it  was 
found  that  such  deficiencies  were  due  to  the  nonexistence  of  the  arti- 
cles. 

There  were  about  250  regiments,  batteries,  and  separate  organizations 
in  the  Army,  from  only  25  of  which  came  complaints,  aside  from  those 
affecting  the  Medical  Department.  Investigation  has  shown  that  the 
most  of  these  complaints  were  because  of  lack  of  supplies  not  obtainable 
at  first  or  were  due  to  the  inexperience  of  officers  in  command,  not,  so  far 


120         INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

as  we  can  discover,  from  any  intentional  neglect.  Prompt  action  seems 
to  have  been  taken  in  most  cases  to  remedy  them,  but  they  were  what 
occur  naturally  from  new  experiences,  new  conditions,  unexpected  and 
emergency  movements,  and  in  fact  from  the  entirely  new  life,  discipline, 
and  training. 

In  the  staff  departments  about  400  regular  officers,  on  the  strength 
of  their  efficiency  records,  were  taken  to  fill  the  more  responsible  posi- 
tions. Then  it  was  found  necessary  to  go  outside  and  appoint  from 
civil  life,  the  selections  being  frequently  made  from  officers  who  had 
had  experience  in  the  National  Guard,  graduates  from  military  colleges 
and  schools,  and  citizens  whose  business  or  professions  fitted  them  for 
the  positions  for  which  they  were  selected.  The  testimony  shows  that 
they  were  honest  and  manifested  a  desire  to  become  efficient  in  their 
duties.  Not  one  has  been  court-martialed  and  but  few  dropped  as 
incompetent. 

In  the  Inspector-General's  Department  every  appointee  except  one 
had  had  experience.  In  the  Medical  Department  the  President  did 
not  appoint  unless  the  Surgeon- General  had  examined  the  application 
and  recommended  the  applicant. 

The  Adjutant-General  testified  that  there  had  not  been  a  deficiency 
of  one  dollar  reported  on  the  part  of  a  volunteer  staff  officer,  and  that 
he  wished  to  make  it  a  matter  of  record  that  in  the  distribution  of 
many  millions  of  dollars  during  this  war  there  was  yet  to  be  made  the 
first  charge  of  defalcation  against  an  army  officer,  regular  or  volunteer. 

The  testimony  shows  that  it  was  the  custom  of  the  Secretary  of  War, 
when  any  large  or  emergency  movement  was  contemplated,  to  call  in 
consultation  the  heads  of  the  different  departments  that  related  to  the 
movement.  It  also  shows  that  the  heads  of  departments  consulted  the 
Secretary  of  War  frequently,  at  times  daily,  upon  matters  relating  to 
their  departments,  and  were  given  prompt  and  ample  support  in  their 
various  duties. 

The  military  colleges  of  the  United  States  should  be  encouraged, 
especially  those  that  have  a  system  of  education  and  drill  similar  to 
West  Point,  and  their  graduates  should  be  given  preference,  after 
West  Point,  in  the  appointment  to  the  grade  of  second  lieutenant 
in  the  Army  over  other  civilians.  It  is  a  simple  and  effective  way 
for  the  United  States  to  induce  young  men  who  have  a  taste  for 
military  life  to  fit  themselves  for  it,  and  creates  a  reserve  force  that 
always  in  times  of  war  seeks  service  and  performs  efficient  and  valuable 
duties. 

From  the  day  war  was  declared  until  this  hour  the  office  of  the  Adju- 
tant-General has  not  been  closed.  The  heads  of  the  departments  were 
frequently  called  in  the  night  for  consultation  and  to  furnish  supplies 
in  emergencies.  The  Adjutant- General  was  in  his  office  almost  the 
entire  time,  often  spending  the  night  there,  and  the  greater  part  of  the 
force  worked  Sundays  and  holidays  and  at  all  hours  when  the  emergency 
required  it. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  121 

There  have  been  very  few  complaints  against  this  department.  The 
records  and  testimony  show  that  it  has  been  prompt  in  its  work,  and 
has  added  greatly  to  the  efficiency  of  the  Army.  Lack  of  proper  leg- 
islation and  strict  construction  of  laws  and  regulations  made  officers 
hesitate  in  assuming  responsibilities  and  meeting  emergencies  by  going 
outside  the  regulations  and  laws.  However,  most  officers,  seeing  the 
necessity  and  appreciating  the  emergency,  obtained  by  purchase  and 
in  other  ways  all  needed  supplies,  being  sustained  in  their  action  by 
the  Secretary  of  War  and  chiefs  of  bureaus.  This,  however,  will  not 
relieve  them  of  their  personal  liabilities,  which  can  be  removed  only  by 
act  of  Congress.  Under  the  law  no  contract  or  actual  expenditure 
preparatory  for  war  could  be  made  until  appropriations  were  available. 
The  different  staff  departments  were  called  upon  to  obtain  information 
and  to  make  such  preparation  as  was  possible  under  the  law  and  ex- 
isting conditions. 

INSPECTOR-GENERAL'S  DEPARTMENT. 


CHARGE. 
DUTIES. 

The  Inspector-General's  Department  has  no  power  to  order  inspec- 
tions except  as  directed  so  to  do  by  the  Secretary  of  War  or  the  Major- 
General  Commanding  the  Army,  and  has  no  control  over  inspectors- 
general  assigned  to  department,  corps  or  division  headquarters. 

Its  duties  are  prescribed  partly  by  the  statute  law  and  partly  by 
Army  Eegulations  and  General  Orders.  Those  prescribed  by  statute 
are: 

First.  Inspections  or  surveys  of  unserviceable  stores,  act  of  March 
3,  1825. 

Second.  Frequent  inspections  of  disbursements  of  appropriations 
made  by  officers  of  the  Army,  act  April  20,  1874. 

Third.  Annual  inspection  of  the  Soldiers'  Home  at  Washington,  D.  0., 
act  March  3,  1883. 

Fourth.  Annual  inspection  of  the  National  Homes  for  Disabled 
Volunteer  Soldiers,  act  August  18, 1894. 

Army  Eegulations  and  General  Orders  prescribe  that  the  sphere  of 
inquiry  of  an  inspector  includes  every  branch  of  military  affairs,  except 
when  limited  in  orders  or  by  the  Army  Eegulations. 

General  Order  81  of  1898  prescribes  that  inspectors  will  be  assigned 
by  the  War  Department  to  the  headquarters  of  geographical  depart- 
ments, and  to  the  headquarters  of  armies  and  army  corps  in  the  field, 
and  by  the  commanding  generals  thereof  to  divisions. 

Inspectors  thus  assigned  are  under  the  orders  of  their  commanding 
officers,  and  make  such  inspections  as  are  directed.  An  inspector,  of 
himself,  has  not  the  authority  to  inspect  when  and  where  he  pleases. 


122         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT    OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

It  is  directed  in  general  order  81  of  1898  that  he  make  known  his  orders 
or  instructions  to  commanding  or  other  officers  whose  troops  and  affairs 
he  is  directed  to  inspect,  and  an  attempt  to  inspect  without  such 
orders  would  meet  with  a  prompt  and  proper  refusal  to  be  inspected. 
Ordinarily  an  inspector  is  given  wide  latitude  by  his  immediate  com- 
manding officer  and  becomes  a  confidential  staff' officer.  Frequently  he 
is  empowered  to  give  orders  in  the  name  of  the  commanding  officer  to 
correct  irregularities,  or  meet  the  deficiencies  exposed  by  inspections, 
but  this  is  in  the  discretion  of  the  commanding  officer  and  applies 
usually  to  troops  only.  The  heads  of  the  other  staff  departments,  being 
staff  officers  of  the  commanding  officer,  their  departments  are  inspected 
only  by  order. 

REPORTS. 

Inspectors-general  report  in  person  to  the  Commanding  General  and 
by  letter  to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army.  They  report  monthly 
to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army  the  inspections  and  investiga- 
tions made  by  them  during  the  month.  Their  reports  are  made  to 
their  immediate  commanding  officer,  who  forwards  them  to  the  Adjutant- 
General  of  the  Army  for  transmittal  to  the  Inspector- General  of  the 
Army.  They  will  not  give  orders  unless  specially  authorized  to  do  so, 
and  then  only  in  the  name  of  the  superior  giving  such  authority. 

In  active  service,  many  of  the  reports  of  inspecting  officers  are  made 
verbally.  With  new  troops  especially,  commanding  officers  do  not 
desire  to  have  written  reports  of  all  inspections  made.  It  is  recognized 
that  many  errors,  irregularities,  and  deficiencies  are  the  results  of  inex- 
perience, and  it  is  not  thought  desirable  to  make  a  record  of  all  these 
matters  which  may  soon  be  corrected,  but  which,  put  on  record,  would 
be  a  source  of  mortification  to  the  troops  afterwards. 

This  feature,  together  with  the  immense  amount  of  work  to  be  done 
and  the  want  of  clerical  assistance  and  appliances  in  the  field,  explains 
the  lack  of  complete  reports  on  file  in  the  office  of  the  Inspector- 
General  in  Washington. 

PERSONNEL. 

REGULAR   ESTABLISHMENT. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  war  the  Department  had  a  force  of  one 
brigadier-general,  two  colonels,  two  lieutenant-colonels,  and  two 
majors.  The  act  of  Congress  approved  July  7,  1898,  made  a  tem- 
porary increase  of  one  colonel,  one  lieutenant-colonel,  and  one  major 
during  the  war. 

The  largest  number  of  officers  in  the  regular  Department  during  the 
war  was  ten,  which  number  was  reached  iu  August,  when  those  newly 
appointed  reported  for  duty.  Of  these,  four  were  appointed  general 
officers  of  the  volunteers  by  the  President  of  the  United  States  and 
assigned  to  duty  on  their  volunteer  rank. 

The  other  six  were  on  duty  with  troops  or  in  the  office  of  the 
Inspector-General  in  Washington. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION. 


123 


Five  line  officers  were  performing  the  duties  of  acting  inspectors- 
general  at  geographical  departments,  detailed  by  the  War  Department 
for  such  duties  on  the  recommendation  of  the  Inspector- General  of  the 
Army.  As  indicative  of  the  class  of  men  so  selected,  it  may  be  noted 
that  the  division  commanders  in  the  battle  of  July  1,  in  front  of 
Santiago — Kent,  Sumner,  Lawton,  and  Chaffee — had  all  been  acting 
inspectors-general. 

The  Inspector- General  of  the  Army,  Maj.  Gen.  J.  G.  Breckinridge, 
while  inspecting  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  under  orders  issued  from 
headquarters  of  the  Army,  under  authority  from  the  Secretary  of  War, 
was  ordered  by  the  Major-General  Commanding  the  Army  to  Tampa, 
Fla.,  and,  discontinuing  his  inspection,  he  reported  to  the  major- 
general  commanding  there  June  5. 

At  General  Shafter's  request,  approved  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  he 
was  ordered  to  embark  with  the  Fifth  Corps  for  Cuba,  was  present  at 
the  operations  which  resulted  in  the  surrender  of  the  city  of  Santiago 
and  the  Spanish  army,  and  as  Inspector-General  of  the  Army  reported 
upon  these  operations. 

The  following  table  shows  the  stations  of  inspectors-general,  regular 
and  volunteer,  during  July,  1898 : 


Stations. 


Regular. 


Command 
of  troops. 


Special. 


Inspec- 
tor's 

duties 
with 

troops. 


Volun- 
teers. 


Total. 


With  army  at  Santiago  . . 
With  army  at  Porto  fiico 

With  army  at  Manila 

At  Camp  Alger 

At  Camp  Thomas 

At  Camp  Cuba  Libre 

At  camp  at  Tampa 


Total. 


28 


34 


INSPECTORS-GENERAL  OF   VOLUNTEERS. 


The  act  of  Congress  approved  April  22, 1898,  authorized  the  Presi- 
dent to  appoint  one  inspector-general  with  the  rank  of  lieutenant- 
colonel  for  each  army  corps  and  one  with  the  rank  of  major  for  each 
division  organized. 

Under  this  authority  there  were  appointed  nine  inspectors-general 
with  the  rank  of  lieutenant-colonel  and  twenty-three  with  the  rank  of 
major. 

Of  the  nine  lieutenant-colonels  so  appointed,  six  were  from  the 
Kegular  Army  and  three  from  the  National  Guard.  Of  the  twenty- 
three  majors,  sixteen  were  appointed  from  the  Kegular  Army  and 
seven  from  civil  life,  the  latter,  with  one  exception,  having  had  experi- 
ence with  the  National  Guard. 


124         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

The  Adjutant- General  of  the  Array  testifies  that  the  officers  appointed 
inspectors-general  from  the  Begular  Army  were  selected  on  their 
efficiency  records. 

There  is  before  the  commission  no  evidence  nor  statements  that  the 
individual  officers  of  the  Inspector-General's  Department,  either  Eegu- 
lar or  Volunteer,  with  one  exception,  were  not  fitted  for  and  did  not 
properly  perform  their  duties. 

CONCLUSIONS  AND  RECOMMENDATIONS. 

The  commission  find  that  the  Inspector-General's  Department  was 
not  as  efficient  as  it  ought  to  have  been.  There  seems  to  have  been 
question  as  to  the  authority  by  which  inspections  were  to  be  ordered. 
On  at  least  one  occasion,  May  17,  the  Secretary  of  War  instructed  the 
Major-General  Commanding  the  Army  to  inspect  certain  camps,  viz, 
those  at  Chickamauga,  Atlanta,  New  Orleans,  Mobile,  Tampa,  Miami, 
and  Key  West.  The  Major-General  did  not  act  upon  such  instructions, 
stating  it  to  be  his  place  to  order  inspection. 

Further,  the  commission  find  that  although  several  of  the  officers 
of  this  department  were  assigned  to  duty  in  command  of  troops  in 
the  field,  still  competent  officers  were  left  in  charge  of  the  depart- 
ment in  Washington  to  perform  such  duties  as  were  assigned  to  them. 
The  organization  in  the  field  was  ample,  and  the  inspectors  made 
reports  to  the  commanding  officers  to  whom  they  had  been  assigned. 
Those  reports  were  often  not  acted  upon  and  were  not  forwarded  to 
the  War  Department. 

For  this  important  branch  of  the  Army  a  better  system  could  be 
adopted.    It  is  recommended : 

1.  That  it  should  be  the  duty  of  the  Inspector- General  to  submit  to 
the  Secretary  of  War,  at  stated  intervals,  plans  for  the  inspection  of 
camps  and  troops. 

2.  The  corps  of  inspectors-general  should  be  sufficiently  large  to 
fully  perform  its  duties,  and  inspections  should  be  frequently  made. 

3.  Reports  of  such  inspection  should  be  promptly  forwarded  by 
the  Inspector-General's  Department  to  the  Secretary  of  War  for  his 
information. 

JUDGE-ADVOCATE-GENERAL'S  DEPARTMENT. 

BRIG.    GEN.   G.   N.    LIEBER,   JUDGE-ADVOCATE-GENERAL,   U.   S.   A.,    IN 

CHARGE. 

The  Judge- Advocate-General's  Department  consists  of  eight  officers, 
and  is  the  bureau  of  military  justice.  The  Judge- Advocate-General  is 
the  custodian  of  the  records  of  all  general  courts-martial,  courts  of 
inquiry,  and  military  commissions,  and  of  all  papers  relating  to  the 
title  of  lands  under  the  control  of  the  War  Department,  except  the 
Washington  Aqueduct  and  the  public  buildings  and  grounds  in  the 
District  of  Columbia.    The  officers  of  this  department  render  opinions 


REPORT   OF    THE   COMMISSION.  125 

upon  legal  questions  when  called  upon  by  proper  authority.  The  only 
addition  made  to  the  department  during  the  war  was  judge-advocates 
for  corps.  The  Judge- Advocate-General  considered  that  such  officers 
for  divisions  should  also  have  been  appointed,  but  did  not  think  that  the 
failure  to  so  appoint  was  detrimental  to  the  best  interests  of  the  service. 
For  the  twelve  months  ending  September  1, 1898,  the  trials  by  gen- 
eral court-martial  were  : 

Commissioned  officers : 

Regulars ^ 3 

Volunteers 12 

Enlisted  men : 

Regulars  (convicted  1,148,  acquitted  94) , 1, 242 

Volunteers  (convicted  497,  acquitted  126) 623 

Total 1,880 

The  superior  class  of  men  that  has  been  recruited  for  the  Eegular 
Army  is  shown  by  the  less  number  of  courts-martial  in  1898  as  com- 
pared with  1897,  which  was  139;  also  in  the  decrease  of  desertions, 
which  for  1894  were  518,  for  1897,  244,  and  for  1898,  176.  The  total 
number  of  convictions  for  desertion  in  1898  was,  regulars  176,  and 
volunteers  18. 

About  one-half  of  the  time  of  this  office  was  occupied  in  civil 
matters,  such  as  preparing  contracts,  examining  titles,  etc. 

No  complaint  has  been  received  by  the  commission  in  relation  to  the 
office  or  any  member  of  its  corps,  therefore  the  commission  concludes 
that  it  has  performed  its  duties  with  efficiency  and  to  the  benefit  of  the 
service. 

THE   QUARTERMASTER'S   DEPARTMENT,  UNITED   STATES   ARMY. 

BRIG.  GEN.  M.  I.  LUDINGTON,  QUARTERMASTER- GENERAL,  U.  S.  A.,  IN 

CHARGE. 

The  duties  devolving  upon  the  Quartermaster's  Department  under 
the  Secretary  of  War  during  peace  and  war,  as  required  by  law  and 
regulations,  are  as  follows : 

To  provide  the  Army  with  military  stores  and  supplies  requisite  for  its 
use,  such  as  clothing  and  equipage,  tents,  band  instruments,  tableware 
and  mess  furniture,  equipments  for  bakeries,  fuel,  forage,  stationery, 
lumber,  straw  for  bedding  for  men  and  animals,  all  materials  for  camp 
and  for  shelter  of  troops  and  stores,  furniture  for  barracks,  heating  and 
cooking  stoves  for  use  in  barracks  and  quarters,  tools  for  mechanics 
and  laborers  in  Quartermaster's  Department,  furniture,  books,  etc.,  for 
post  schools,  reading  matter  for  post  libraries,  wagons,  ambulances, 
carts,  saddles,  harness,  water  supply,  sewerage,  plumbing,  illuminating 
supplies,  and  heating  for  all  military  posts  and  buildings. 

The  department  is  also  charged  with  the  duty  of  transporting,  by 
land  and  water,  troops,  munitions  of  war,  equipments,  and  all  articles 
of  military  supplies  from  the  place  of  purchase  to  the  several  armies, 
garrisons,  posts,  and  recruiting  places. 


126         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OP   WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 

It  also  supplies  quartermaster's  stores,  clothing,  and  equipage  to 
the  militia  of  the  States  and  Territories,  furnishing  transportation 
therefor  as  well  as  for  ordnance  and  ordnance  stores  issued  by  the 
General  Government  to  States  and  Territories. 

It  prepares  the  plans  and  constructs  the  barracks,  quarters,  store- 
houses, hospitals,  etc.,  builds  the  wharves,  constructs  the  roads,  builds 
bridges  at  military  posts,  provides,  by  hire  or  purchase,  grounds  for 
military  encampments  and  buildings,  contracts  for  all  horses  for  cavalry, 
artillery,  Indian  scouts,  etc.,  and  pays  all  incidental  expenses  of  the 
military  service  which  are  not  provided  by  other  branches. 

On  March  1, 1898,  with  the  possibility  of  war  with  Spain,  the  Quar- 
termaster's Department  found  itself  charged  with  the  varied,  numerous, 
and  important  duties  indicated  in  the  foregoing,  its  appropriation  small, 
and  facing  the  probability  of  a  large  army  being  soon  orgauized  for 
field  service. 

The  department  consisted  of  fifty-seven  officers.  It  was  provided 
with  all  necessary  clothing,  camp  and  garrison  equipage,  for  the  Reg- 
ular Army  of  25,000  men ;  was  prepared  to  equip  and  move  an  army  at 
least  double  that  size  under  peace  conditions,  but  was  suddenly  called 
upon  to  furnish  within  a  short  period  all  that  was  required  to  fit  out  an 
army  of  275,000  men  for  probable  operations  in  an  enemy's  country. 

The  department,  up  to  March  1,  1898,  found  itself  confronted  with 
the  following  statutes,  the  legality  of  which  is  unquestioned  and  which 
apply  to  all  departments  of  the  Army : 

Sec.  3679  (Revised  Statutes).  No  department  of  the  Government  shall  expend  in 
any  one  fiscal  year  any  sum  in  excess  of  appropriations  made  by  Congress  for  that 
fiscal  year  or  involve  the  Government  in  any  contract  for  the  future  payment  of 
money  in  excess  of  such  appropriations. 

Sec.  3732.  No  contract  or  purchase  on  behalf  of  the  United  States  shall  be  made 
unless  the  same  is  authorized  by  law  or  is  under  an  appropriation  adequate  to  its 
fulfillment,  except  in  the  War  and  Navy  Departments,  for  clothing,  subsistence, 
forage,  fuel,  quarters,  or  transportation,  which,  however,  shall  not  exceed  the  necessities 
of  the  current  year. 

Sec.  3709.  All  purchases  and  contracts  for  supplies  or  services  in  any  of  the 
departments  of  the  Government,  except  for  personal  services,  shall  be  made  by 
advertising  a  safiBcient  time  previously  for  proposals  respecting  the  same,  when  the 
public  exigencies  do  not  require  the  immediate  delivery  of  the  articles  or  perform- 
ance of  the  service.  When  immediate  delivery  or  performance  is  required  by  public 
exigency,  the  articles  or  service  required  may  be  procured  by  open  purchase  or 
contract  at  the  places  and  in  the  manner  in  which  such  articles  are  usually  bought 
and  sold  or  such  services  engaged  between  individuals. 

It  will  thus  be  observed  that  the  declaration  of  war  threw  upon  the 
Quartermaster's  Department  an  amount  of  labor  and  responsibility  for 
which  it  was  neither  physically  nor  financially  prepared. 

Under  the  acts  of  Congress  approved  April  22  and  July  7, 1898, 121 
volunteer  officers  were  appointed  to  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  of 
whom  23  qualified  in  May,  49  in  June,  31  in  July,  14  in  August,  and  4  in 
September.  Of  this  number  22  were  regular  officers  who  received  higher 
rank  in  the  volunteer  service.    One  of  the  officers  of  the  regular  estab- 


REPORT    OF   THE   COMMISSION.  127 

lishment  was  temporarily  transferred  to  duty  in  the  Judge- Advocate- 
General's  Department,  so  that  during  the  period  of  hostilities  the  Quar- 
termaster's Department  had  at  its  command  the  services  in  all  of  155 
officers  of  the  regular  and  volunteer  establishments. 

FUNDS  AVAILABLE. 

By  the  act  of  March  9,  1898,  Congress  appropriated  the  sum  of 
$50,000,000  for  national  defense,  a  portion  of  which  was  allotted  to  the 
Quartermaster's  Department.  The  available  funds  during  the  war  were 
as  follows: 

At  the  command  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  April  1, 1898, 

available  for  war  expenditure $2, 657, 456. 87 

Allotments  to  the  department  from  the  appropriation  for  national 

defense 1,500,000.00 

Appropriated  by  the  act  of  March  15, 1898 6,555,000.00 

Appropriated  by  the  deficiency  act  of  May  4, 1898 19, 550, 000. 00 

Appropriated  by  the  deficiency  act  of  July  7, 1898 103, 200,  000. 00 

Appropriated  by  the  act  of  July  8, 1898 200,000.00 

Making  in  all 133,662,456.87 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  however  handicapped  the  Quartermaster's 
Department  might  have  been  for  lack  of  funds  before  war  was  declared, 
Congress  freely  placed  immense  sums  at  its  disposal  so  soon  as  it  was 
believed  that  a  determined  struggle  seemed  inevitable. 

In  order  that  the  subject  may  be  more  systematically  discussed,  it  is 
deemed  best  to  take  up,  seriatim,  the  various  branches  of  this  impor- 
tant division,  both  during  peace  and  war,  of  the  supply  departments 
of  the  Army. 

1.   CLOTHING,  CAMP  AND  GARRISON  EQUIPAGE. 

The  department  has  reported  that  on  April  1, 1898,  it  was  amply 
provided  with  all  necessary  clothing  and  equipage  supplies  for  three 
months  for  the  Army  as  then  organized  and  for  probably  10,000  addi- 
tional troops;  that  on  April  23  it  was  confronted  with  the  problem  of 
clothing  and  equipping  an  army  of  125,000  men;  that  on  April  26  the 
Eegular  Army  was  increased  to  61,000  men,  and  on  May  25  the  second 
call  for  75,000  volunteers  was  issued.  Adding  to  these  the  10  regiments 
of  immunes,  the  3  regiments  of  cavalry,  the  3  regiments  of  volunteer 
engineers,  and  the  Signal  Oorps,  it  appears  that  within  a  few  weeks  it 
became  necessary  to  provide  for  clothing  and  equipping  an  army  of 
-more  than  a  quarter  of  a  million  of  men. 

So  soon  as  funds  were  available,  so  soon  as  war  was  inevitable,  so 
soon  as  law  permitted,  the  Quartermaster's  Department  undertook  this 
enormous  work;  probably  its  chief  had  foreseen  the  great  emergency 
in  advance;  possibly  someone  else  would  have  gone  into  the  market 
earlier,  anticipating  approval  of  his  acts  in  case  war  was  declared  and 
the  Army  increased  tenfold;  that  the  Quartermaster-General  threw  the 
energy  of  his  department  into  this  work  when  funds  were  available 


128         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT   OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

seems  evident,  and  that  bis  officers  labored  faithfully  in  their  efforts  to 
aid  him  is  plain  to  those  who  have  carefully  studied  their  work. 

To  clothe  and  equip  275,000  soldiers  was  a  massive  undertaking; 
kerseys  and  flannels  of  required  quality  were  not  in  the  market;  arti- 
cles were  procured  conforming  as  nearly  as  practicable  to  the  army 
standard,  but  difficulties  were  encountered  everywhere;  some  of  the 
material  so  rapidly  obtained  failed  to  retain  its  color,  other  portions 
proved  to  be  of  defective  quality,  soon  weariug  out,  and  the  blame  of 
course  fell  upon  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  few  realizing  the 
demands  upon  it  and  the  struggles  and  anxieties  of  its  officers. 

The  troops  concentrating  in  the  South  and  coming  from  the  North 
and  West  were  supplied  with  clothing  required  for  the  climate  in  which 
they  had  been  serving;  that  on  hand  April  1  was  not  suitable  for  trop- 
ical climates.  To  meet  the  call  for  such  clothing  the  department  pro- 
cured a  supply  of  twilled  and  plain  duck  for  issue  to  troops  in  Cuba 
and  Porto  Rico,  but  this  was  not  available  until  after  the  surrender  of 
Santiago. 

It  seems  unnecessary  to  enumerate  the  many  articles  furnished  by 
this  department,  but  it  may  be  said  that  on  April  1,  there  were  on 
hand  at  the  depots  at  Philadelphia,  Jefferson ville,  and  San  Francisco 
and  due  under  contract,  about  69,000  blankets,  28,000  blouses,  53,000 
forage  caps,  98,000  canton-flannel  drawers,  28,000  campaign  hats, 
12,000  cork  helmets,  23,000  overcoats,  12,000  ponchos,  47,000  dark  blue 
flannel  shirts,  62,000  pairs  of  shoes,  305,000  pairs  cotton  socks,  167,000 
pairs  woolen  socks,  35,000  pairs  foot  soldiers'  trousers,  23,000  pairs 
mounted  soldiers'  trousers,  170,000  cotton  undershirts,  83,000  woolen 
undershirts,  besides  other  necessary  articles  of  apparel  for  the  soldiers' 
use,  together  with  210,000  yards  of  blouse  flannel,  114,000  yards  of  shirt 
flannel,  and  137,000  yards  of  kersey. 

Of  camp  equipage  there  was  available  about  6,750  common  tents, 
1,450  conical  wall  tents,  730  hospital  tents,  38,000  halves  of  shelter 
tents,  2,750  wall  tents,  400,000  yards  of  duck  canvas,  and  a  tolerably 
good  supply  for  the  existing  army  of  the  many  articles  needed  for  use 
in  camp  and  on  the  march. 

In  March  the  Quartermaster-General  directed  the  officers  at  the 
Government  manufacturing  depots  to  push  manufactures  in  certain 
lines,  and  authorized  the  purchase  of  additional  material  for  tentage  and 
clothing,  not,  however,  on  an  extensive  scale.  He  also  instructed  the 
depot  officers  to  ascertain  and  report  the  number  of  tents  of  every  size 
that  could  be  purchased  and  how  rapidly  they  could  be  manufactured. 
Some  purchases  were  made  early  in  April,  and  about  the  middle  of  that 
month  correspondence  was  opened  with  manufacturers  of  blankets, 
blouse  and  shirting  flannels,  kersey,  shoes,  leggings,  and  other  neces- 
saries for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  prices  and  in  what  quantities 
and  how  rapidly  the  articles  could  be  obtained. 

On  April  20  and  25  proposals  were  invited,  under  a  few  days'  notice, 
for  large  quantities  of  clothing  materials,  for  blankets,  forage  caps, 


REPORT   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  129 

ponchos,  shoes,  summer  underclothing,  and  in  fact  all  classes  of  mate- 
rials for  clothing,  camp  and  garrison  equipage. 

During  April  and  May  arrangements  were  made  for  purchases  in  vari- 
ous large  cities  of  our  country  amounting  in  value  to  about  $3,000,000. 

Among  the  articles  issued  by  the  department  between  May  1  and 
August  15  were  about  546,300  blankets,  390,800  blouses,  523,200  pairs 
trousers,  476,700  campaign  hats,  153,170  canvas  field  uniforms,  782,300 
pairs  shoes,  588,800  pairs  leggings,  622,200  dark  blue  flannel  shirts, 
1,257,000  undershirts,  1,210,680  pairs  drawers,  65,000  tents,  exclusive  of 
shelter  tents,  372,400  halves  of  shelter  tents,  39,000  axes,  34,300  camp 
kettles,  58,600  mess  pans,  besides  a  multitude  of  minor  articles. 

It  is  understood  that  the  department,  after  having  once  started  with 
its  plans,  adopted  every  possible  expedient  to  obtain  supplies,  but  met 
with  many  difficulties. 

There  was  but  very  little  standard  duck  canvas  in  the  market  of  this 
country,  and  the  production  of  tents  was  governed  entirely  by  the 
ability  of  the  mills  to  turn  out  proper  material. 

To  meet  the  immediate  demands  of  the  troops,  all  the  tentage  that 
could  be  obtained  in  the  various  cities,  which  seemed  of  fair  quality, 
was  purchased.  Much  of  this  proved  short  lived,  and  the  troops  during 
the  rainy  season  suffered  discomfort  accordingly. 

The  same  trouble  occurred  with  some  of  the  articles  of  clothing,  par- 
ticularly in  the  article  of  sky-blue  trousers,  where  the  wool  had  to  be 
dyed  out  of  which  to  manufacture  the  cloth.  It  became  necessary  to 
provide  dark-blue  material,  which  was  available,  but  which  did  not 
come  up  to  the  standard  of  the  sky  blue,  being  lighter  and  not  satisfac- 
tory on  account  of  color. 

The  Quartermaster-General  states  that  these  articles  were  shipped  in 
bulk  to  the  various  camps  as  soon  as  obtained,  without  waiting  for 
requisitions  or  requests  of  any  sort,  and  the  depot  quartermasters  were 
urged  to  inform  the  department  as  the  supply  of  any  article  ran  low. 

In  spite  of  every  effort  there  were  occasions  where  troops  suffered 
from  poor  tentage  or  from  lack  of  tentage  and  absence  of  straw  for 
bedding,  where  clothing  was  scarce  and  troops  suffered  discomfort  for 
lack  of  shoes,  shirts,  and  other  articles  of  apparel.  This  was  noticed 
even  as  late  as  October  in  the  camps  at  Anniston,  Huntsville,  and 
Lexington,  while  at  Huntsville,  Ala.,  aud  Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  in  spite  of 
the  cool  nights,  there  was  a  lack  of  stoves  in  the  hospitals,  and  at 
Huntsville  the  supply  of  wood  was  short.  With  some  of  the  troops 
sent  from  San  Francisco  to  Manila  the  deficiency  in  shoes  of  proper 
size  continued  even  up  to  August  31. 

At  Santiago  the  deficiency  at  the  front  appears  to  have  been  caused 
rather  from  lack  of  transportation  from  the  coast  than  from  lack  of 
clothing  and  tentage,  a  supply  of  which  was  on  the  transports. 

The  question  of  the  character  of  clothing  for  troops  in  a  tropical 
country  is  one  for  serious  consideration  of  experts,  and  this  commission 
7833— VOL.  1 9 


130 


INVESTIGATION   OP   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 


is  gratified  to  learn  that  the  matter  is  receiving  the  thoughtful  attention 
of  the  War  Department. 

2.    PUBLIC    ANIMALS    FOR    WAGONS,    ETC.,   WAGONS,    HARNESS,  AMBU- 
LANCES—HORSES FOR  CAVALRY  AND  ARTILLERY. 

On  April  1, 1898,  the  department  had  at  its  command  6,701  horses, 
1,188  wagons,  and  4,963  sets  of  harness.  Between  July  1,  1897,  and 
March  31,  1898,  the  average  cost  of  animals  was  as  follows: 

Cavalry  horses $126.15 

Artillery  horses 137.79 

Draft  horses 148.11 

Draft  mules 99.84 

Pack  mules 72.93 

Between  April  1  and  August  31,  1898,  there  were  purchased  at 
prices  indicated  the  following : 

Average  cost. 

10,743  cavalry  horses $100.42 

2,551  artillery  horses 130.85 

1,137  draft  horses 125.38 

2,115  riding  horses  (including  1,500  small  horses  for  Cuban  service) 77. 70 

32  hell  horses 49.84 

40  pack  horses 30.00 

17,515  draft  mules 110.05 

2, 667  pack  mules 83. 15 

The  wagons,  ambulances,  harness,  etc.,  procured  between  July  1, 
1897,  and  March  31, 1898,  and  between  April  1  and  August  31, 1898, 
were  as  follows : 


Army  wagons 

Escort  wagons 

Farm  wagons 

Spring  wagons 

Wagonettes 

Ambulances: 

Rucker 

Red  Cross 

Miscellaneous  wagons. 


Total 

Harness,  sets,  single 


Peace  period,  from  July  1, 
1897,  to  Mar.  31,  1898  (9 
months). 


Num- 
ber. 


»    AIo6srta.ge 


$2, 295.  00 
944. 00 


$286. 87 
236.00 


3,239.00 
900.00 


30.00 


War  period,  from  Apr.  1, 1898, 
to  Aug.  31, 1898  (5  months). 


Num- 
ber. 


604 

109 

,605 

70 

8 

500 

59 

224 


5,179 
28,012 


Total  cost.    A™™ge 
cost. 


$61,467.00 
8, 584. 75 

238,  942.  75 

18,  218. 00 

1,  540.  60 

122,  950. 00 
13, 259.  50 
13, 148. 50 


478,  111.  10 
358,  449. 18 


$101.  77 

78.76 

66.28 

260.26 

192.  58 

245.90 

224. 74 

58.70 


Horses  for  cavalry  were  purchased,  so  far  as  was  practicable  and 
economical,  in  the  States  from  which  the  regiments  came  by  boards  of 
officers  appointed  for  the  purpose.  The  mules  and  a  portion  of  the 
horses  were  purchased  by  officers  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department 
after  a  call  for  figures. 

Before  war  was  declared  the  Quartermaster-General  called  upon 
prominent  wagon  and  harness  manufacturers  of  the  country  for  infor- 
mation in  reference  to  their  ability  to  promptly  supply  wagons  and 


REPORT   OF   THE   COMMISSION. 


131 


harness  suitable  for  army  use  in  case  of  emergency  and  to  what  extent 
their  factories  could  be  relied  upon  to  supply  the  needs  of  the  Army. 
These  inquiries  also  secured  information  as  to  the  stock  of  wagons  and 
harness  on  hand  and  enabled  the  department  when  the  emergency  did 
arise  to  place  wagons  and  harness  at  convenient  points  for  issue  to  the 
troops  in  the  field. 

The  following  animals,  wagons,  and  ambulances  were  purchased  and 
issued  by  August  31 : 

Purchased : 

Horses 16, 618 

Mules 20,182 

Total 36,800 

Wagons 4,620 

Ambulances i - 559 

Issued : 

Horses - 16,483 

Mules -  19,550 

Total 36,033 

Wagons  and  ambulances 4, 891 

Great  complaint  was  made  of  lack  of  transportation  facilities  at  the 
camp  at  Montauk  Point,  K".  Y.,  and  Col.  W.  H.  Forwood,  Assistant 
Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army,  chief  surgeon  of  the  camp, 
testifies  as  follows:  "  The  trouble  was,  we  did  not  get  ambulances  and 
wagons  as  fast  as  we  needed  them;"  and  further  states,  "when  ambu- 
lances came  they  were  sometimes  incomplete." 

Col.  C.  P.  Miller,  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  states  that  it 
was  decided  to  use  Montauk  as  a  camp  on  August  2,  and  that  trans- 
portation was  shipped  to  that  locality  between  August  3  and  Septem- 
ber 7,  as  follows : 


Date. 


From  whence. 


Mules.  Horses.  Wagons.  £"*£ 


Aug.    3 


Sept. 


Governors  Island 
St.  Asaphs 


St.  Asaphs 

Tampa,  with  Sixth  Cavalry  . . . 

St.  Asaphs 

do 

Chiekamanga 

Tampa,  with  Ninth  Cavalry — 

Camp  Alger 

Tampa,  with  Third  Cavalry . . . 

Van  Aken  Company 

St.  Asaphs 

do 

New  York 

Tampa,  with  First  Cavalry 

Lakeland,  with  Tenth  Cavalry 

St.  Asaphs 

Toledo,  Ohio 

St.  Asaphs 

do 

do 


Total. 


96 


4 

150 

60 

101 


120 
100 
107 


97 


218 
179 


1,578 


50 

'i28' 


18 


232 


20 


a48 


a  In  addition  to  the  48  ambulances  there  was  a  number  brought  from  Tampa  and  Lakeland  with 
troops. 


132        INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 
3.  TRANSPORTATION  BY  LAND  AND  WATER. 

RAILROADS. 

No  arrangements  were  made  for  the  movements  of  regiments  by  rail- 
road for  field  duty  previous  to  April  1. 

On  May  8  the  Quartermaster-General,  in  anticipation  of  the  trans- 
fer of  large  bodies  of  troops,  notified  the  officers  of  his  department  of 
the  proposed  movements,  and  directed  them  to  make  proper  arrange- 
ments with  the  railroad  officials,  so  that  the  troops  might  be  moved 
with  comfort  and  celerity.  These  officers  appear  to  have  acted  with 
zeal  in  obtaining  rates,  in  many  cases  very  advantageous  to  the  Gov- 
ernment. When  extended  journeys  covering  night  travel  were  to  be 
made,  tourists'  cars  were  obtained  wherever  possible,  and  when  these 
could  not  be  obtained  the  contracts  provided  that  each  soldier  should 
have  a  double  seat. 

The  Quartermaster-General  reports  that  in  making  these  movements 
the  rates  generally  did  not  exceed  1J  cents  per  mile  for  passengers  in 
many  cases  being  less. 

There  were  transported  by  rail  between  April  1  and  the  breaking  up 
of  Camp  Wikoff,  early  in  November,  17,863  officers  and  435,569  enlisted 
men. 

Many  complaints  were  made  in  reference  to  unnecessary  delays  and 
lack  of  promptness  on  the  part  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  in 
moving  regiments  and  in  the  care  of  sick  and  convalescents  returning 
home  either  with  their  regiments  or  alone. 

Col.  H.  L.  Turner,  of  the  First  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry,  states  that 
his  experience  was  terrible  when  he  removed  his  regiment  from  Mon- 
tauk  to  Chicago,  the  suffering  of  the  sick  having  been  intense,  greatly 
owing  to  the  delay  of  one  railroad  company  in  having  proper  cars 
ready  for  his  command. 

In  explanation  of  this  delay  it  is  stated  that  a  mistake  was  made  by 
the  commanding  general  of  the  camp  at  Montauk  in  ordering  the  regi- 
ment to  be  in  readiness  to  embark  twenty-four  hours  in  advance  of  the 
time  indicated  by  the  chief  quartermaster  in  New  York  City. 

Vast  quantities  of  freight  were  handled  and  sent  to  the  camps  at 
Chickamauga,  Jacksonville,  Fernandina,  Miami;  Dunn-Loring,  Ya. 
(Camp  Alger);  Camp  Meade,  Pennsylvania;  Camp  Wikoff,  Montauk 
Point,  and  to  the  camps  at  Anniston,  Huntsville,  Knoxville,  Lexington, 
Tampa,  and  other  localities  throughout  the  South. 

Great  complaint  was  made  of  the  railroad  congestion  at  Tampa  and 
the  absolute  lack  of  ability  to  bring  order  out  of  chaos  at  that  place 
during  the  early  part  of  the  period  of  its  occupancy  by  troops.  The 
Major-General  Commanding  has  stated  that  supplies  for  70,000  men  for 
90  days  were  ordered  there,  and  the  confusion  on  the  railroad  when  he 
reached  Tampa  was  very  great,  1,000  cars  being  sidetracked,  some  of 
them  as  far  back  as  Columbia,  S.  C. 


REPORT   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  133 

It  is  stated  that  in  the  hurry  and  rush  attending  the  commencement 
of  this  work  the  contents  of  cars  were  unknown  at  Tampa;  that  bills 
of  lading  were  not  forwarded,  and  that  it  seemed  impossible  for  a  time 
to  determine  where  absolutely  necessary  articles  were  located. 

Colonel  Bird,  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  testifies  that  this 
was  corrected  later  on,  when  the  contents  of  cars  were  clearly  marked 
upon  them  and  bills  of  lading  promptly  forwarded. 

The  condition  of  the  railroad  congestion  during  the  early  portion  of 
the  time  Tampa  was  occupied  by  troops  seems  unparalleled,  showing 
an  almost  inexcusable  lack  of  excutive  ability  on  the  part  of  those 
charged  with  the  loading,  unloading,  and  handling  of  the  trains. 

Colonel  Bird  and  General  Humphrey  testify  that  there  were  very 
poor  facilities  for  transferring  troops  and  supplies  arriving  at  Tampa 
via  the  Florida  Central  Eailroad  to  the  Plant  System  leading  direct  to 
Port  Tampa. 

Order  was  finally  brought  out  of  chaos,  the  cars  unloaded,  the  con- 
gestion overcome,  and  a  vast  amount  of  supplies  of  every  character 
delivered  at  this  immense  encampment. 

Congestion  also  occurred  at  Chickamauga  Park,  probably  with  not 
so  serious  results  as  at  Tampa,  but  complaint  was  made  that  materials 
of  different  classes,  belonging  to  different  departments,  were  frequently 
packed  in  the  same  car,  rendering  it  necessary  to  remove  large  packages 
of  quartermaster's  or  commissary  stores  in  order  to  obtain  the  smaller 
packages  of  medicines  and  medical  supplies. 

There  was  also  congestion  and  confusion  in  connection  with  the  railroad 
facilities  between  the  5th  and  15th  of  August  at  Camp  Wikoff,  caused 
by  the  side  tracks  being  in  such  condition  that  they  could  not  be  used. 
Cars  in  switching  would  get  off  the  track  and  cause  blockades  for  hours; 
troops  and  animals  came  by  rail  from  Long  Island  City  more  rapidly 
than  they  could  be  unloaded  and  cared  for  at  Montauk.  By  the  middle 
of  August  the  side  tracks  were  in  order  and  necessary  storehouses  made 
available  for  supplies.  The  railroad  between  Montauk  and  Long  Island 
City  was  evidently  worked  to  its  maximum  capacity. 

WATER  TRANSPORTATION. 

For  more  than  half  a  century  it  had  not  been  necessary  for  the  United 
States  to  send  large  bodies  of  troops  by  sea  for  the  invasion  of  a  foreign 
country,  but  in  May,  1898,  the  Quartermaster's  Department  was  sud- 
denly called  upon  to  prepare  for  work  of  this  important  character. 

The  Quartermaster-General  reports  that  the  needs  of  his  department 
for  the  transportation  of  troops  and  supplies  by  sea  were  canvassed 
prior  to  April  1, 1898,  and  measures  taken  to  ascertain  the  best  method 
for  providing  such  transportation. 

On  March  24,  the  Quartermaster-General  directed  the  depot  quarter- 
master in  New  York  to  report  at  once  all  available  vessels  of  the  coast- 
line steamship  companies  that  could  be  obtained  by  charter,  and  to 
state  their  capacity,  etc.    The  reply  reached  him  on  March  29,  furnishing 


134         INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

the  desired  information,  but  adding  that  a  member  of  the  board  on  aux- 
iliary cruisers  had  stated  that  the  Navy  had  absolute  option  on  all  boats 
of  the  most  prominent  steamship  companies. 

The  testimony  before  the  commission  shows  that  between  April  1  and 
August  31,  41  steamships  were  chartered  and  14  purchased  for  service 
on  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  waters;  that  17  were  chartered  and  2  pur- 
chased for  service  on  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  that  all  were  fitted  up,  to 
a  certain  extent,  for  the  transportation  of  troops,  animals,  and  supplies. 
While  complaints  have  been  made  as  to  the  character  of  the  equip- 
ment of  the  vessels  used  on  the  Atlantic,  the  reports  from  those  on  the 
Pacific  show  them  to  have  been  arranged  as  satisfactorily  as  was 
possible. 

The  steamship  JohnEnglis  was  also  purchased,  at  a  cost  of  $450,000, 
for  the  use  of  the  Medical  Department,  and  after  some  delay  was  refitted 
as  a  hospital  ship,  ata  cost  of  $136,851.11,  and  renamed  the  Relief.  The 
total  tonnage  of  the  ships  used  as  transports  on  the  Atlantic  coast  was 
106,987  tons,  and  the  Quartermaster-General  reports  that  they  were 
fitted  up  for  the  accommodation  of  40,723  officers  and  men. 

The  total  tonnage  of  the  ships  on  the  Pacific  coast  was  61,287  tons, 
and  they  were  reported  as  having  been  arranged  so  as  to  accommodate 
18,120  officers  and  men. 

The  records  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  show  that  troops  and 
civilian  employees  were  transported  by  sea  between  April  1  and  Sep- 
tember 15,  1898,  as  follows : 

Men. 

To  Cuba 28,195 

To  Porto  Rico 17,460 

To  Manila 16,405 

To  Honolulu 629 

Returned  from  Cuba 21,686 

Returned  from  Porto  Rico 5,541 

Civilian  employees  transported 2, 920 

Total 92,836 

The  testimony  shows  that  the  first  call  upon  the  Quartermaster's 
Department  was  for  ships  to  transport  5,000  men  to  Cuba,  and  that 
soon  after  the  call  was  increased  and  demand  made  for  steamers  to 
transport  25,000. 

The  fleet  of  transports  concentrated  at  Port  Tampa,  Fla.,  for  trans- 
portation of  these  25,000  men  to  Cuba  consisted  of  38  vessels,  and 
included  2  water  boats,  3  steam  lighters,  1  collier,  1  tug,  and  2  decked 
barges.  Upon  loading  these  vessels  it  was  found  that  their  capacity 
had  been  largely  overrated,  and  it  was  impossible  to  carry  upon  them, 
without  great  discomfort  and  danger,  more  than  16,000  men,  with  their 
equipments,  artillery,  ammunition,  subsistence,  medical  supplies,  and 
2,295  animals,  for  a  voyage  of  1,000  miles.  Even  with  this  reduction 
the  vessels  appear  to  have  been  crowded. 

In  spite  of  the  efforts  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  many  of 
these  vessels  were  poorly  equipped  with  sleeping  accommodations;  the 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  135 

sinks  in  many  instances  were  inconvenient  and  insufficient,  and  some  of 
the  vessels  were  badly  ventilated  and  filled  with  disagreeable  odors. 
It  has  been  stated  that  had  the  fleet  encountered  a  severe  storm  while 
en  route  for  Cuba  the  discomfort  would  have  been  intense  and  there 
might  have  been  loss  of  life.  The  Quartermaster's  Department  ought  to 
have  been  able  to  more  thoroughly  equip  these  vessels,  and  surely  it 
should  have  been  more  certain  of  their  carrying  capacity.  A  sufficient 
number  of  vessels  for  transporting  25,000  men,  with  the  required 
lighters  for  their  disembarkation,  should  have  been  promptly  fur- 
nished, even  had  such  action  rendered  necessary  the  seizure  of  every 
steamer  on  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  coasts  sailing  under  the  American 
flag. 

Testimony  shows  that  the  vessels  were  not  loaded  systematically. 
A  battery  with  its  guns  and  horses  would  be  placed  on  one  vessel  and 
its  ammunition  on  another.  The  Second,  Seventh,  and  Seventeenth 
Eegular  Infantry  were  each  divided  up  and  portions  in  each  case  sent 
on  three  different  vessels. 

The  Quartermaster- General  reports  that  pontoons  were  taken  for  use 
in  landing  in  coves  and  in  still  water  when  possible  j  that  urgent  but 
unavailing  efforts  were  made  to  procure  lighters  for  purposes  of  dis- 
embarkation ;  that  three  steam  lighters  were  chartered  at  Galveston 
and  one  ocean  tug  at  Mobile  and  sent  to  Port  Tampa  to  accompany 
the  Santiago  expedition,  and  that  two  decked  barges  were  purchased 
at  Tampa  for  the  same  purpose. 

A  seagoing  tug  with  three  barges  started  from  Mobile  for  Cuba; 
another  with  two  barges  started  from  New  Orleans  for  the  same  des- 
tination, but  all  of  these  barges,  except  one,  were  lost,  and  only  one  of 
the  tugs  reached  Santiago.  One  tug  was  reported  as  having  broken 
down  or  left  the  fleet  while  en  route  for  Santiago. 

The  fleet  of  transports  arrived  safely  at  Daiquiri,  but  the  failure  to 
provide  a  full  and  sufficient  number  of  lighters  for  disembarkation 
of  troops,  supplies,  and  artillery  caused  delay,  anxiety,  annoyance, 
and  danger,  and  had  there  been  serious  storms,  or  had  the  landing 
been  opposed  by  a  vigilant  and  well-trained  force  of  the  enemy,  the 
result  might  have  been  far  different. 

Finally,  the  Quartermaster's  Department  entered  into  contract  with 
a  New  York  firm  to  fit  out  an  expedition  with  a  large  force  of  mechanics 
and  laborers,  with  necessary  materials,  machinery,  pile  drivers,  and 
implements  for  construction  of  docks  and  railways.  The  Quartermaster- 
General  reports  that  this  outfit  proceeded  to  Santiago,  Cuba,  and  thence 
to  Ponce,  Porto  Eico,  where  its  services  were  of  much  assistance  to  the 
Army. 

The  testimony  shows  that  in  the  transportation  of  the  Spanish  pris- 
oners from  Santiago  to  Spain  the  interests  of  the  General  Government 
received  the  most  ample  protection ;  that  proposals  were  invited ;  that 
every  effort  was  made  to  procure  proper  vessels,  to  provide  for  the  care 
and  comfort  of  the  men,  and  that  the  cost  of  transportation  by  the 


136 


INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Spanish  Trans- Atlantic  Company  was  at  the  rate  of  $55  each  for  officers 
and  $20  each  for  enlisted  men.  The  first  proposal  of  the  company  was 
at  the  rate  of  $60  and  $30,  respectively,  bat  they  finally  reduced  their 
demands,  so  that  the  total  price  paid  was  over  $200,000  less  than  the 
original  offer. 

The  contract  required  that  at  the  price  named  the  company  should 
furnish  subsistence  and  medical  attendance  and  practically  care  for 
these  prisoners  from  the  time  of  their  embarkation  until  landed  in 
Spain.  The  total  number  of  persons  transported  was  22,8G4,  at  a  cost 
of  $513,860. 

The  purchase  of  transports  by  the  department  showed  an  equal  effort 
to  guard  the  interests  of  the  General  Government,  and  the  testimony  is 
to  the  effect  that  the  purchase  of  these  vessels  was  made  direct  either 
with  the  owners  or  their  agents ;  that  the  prices  were  reasonable,  and 
neither  fees  nor  allowances  were  granted  by  the  Government  officials 
or  paid  by  the  Government  to  so-called  middlemen. 

The  following  vessels  were  purchased  for  use  on  the  Atlantic  and 
Gulf  coasts : 


Name  of  vessel. 

Tonnage. 

Cost. 

Class. 

Carrying  capacity. 

Officers. 

Men. 

Animals. 

2,085 
2,792 
2,194 
5,658 
5,780 
5,673 
5,673 
5,796 
3,732 
3,722 
4,126 
3,656 
5,641 
4,770 

$41,000 
175,  000 
125,  000 
660,000 
660,000 
660,000 
660,  000 
660,  000 
350,  000 
350,  000 
240,  000 
250,  000 
400,  000 
200, 000 

Freighter 

10 
25 
15 
80 
80 
80 
80 
100 
40 
40 
45 
50 
75 

400 

400 

700 

1,000 

1,000 

1,000 

1,000 

1,200 

800 

800 

1,100 

1,300 

2,000 

Port  Victor,  No.  2 

Rita,  No.  3 

do 

Mohawk ,  No.  20 

Combination 

do 

1,000 

Mobile,  No.  21 

1,000 
1,000 
1,000 
1,000 
800 

Massachusetts,  No.  22 

Manitoba,  No.  23 

do 

do  ... 

do 

do 

do 

Michigan,  No.  26 

800 

...do 

50 

Obdam,  No.  30 

Troop  ship 

do 

do 

100 

Berlin,  No.  31 

Cheater,  No.  32 

Total 

61,  298 

5, 431,  000 

720 

12,700 

6,750 

Eight  of  these  vessels  were  provided  with  refrigerators  for  the  trans- 
portation of  fresh  meat,  seven  of  them  having  a  capacity  of  1,000  tons 
each.  Two,  the  Panama  and  the  Rita,  were  captured  by  the  Navy,  and 
were  purchased  by  the  Quartermaster's  Department  after  having  been 
condemned  as  prizes  by  the  proper  courts  and  offered  for  sale. 

All  of  these  were  merchant  vessels,  and  were  temporarily  fitted  up  as 
army  transports  to  meet  the  urgent  demands  of  the  service,  for  which 
purpose  an  expenditure  of  $178,018.37  was  made. 

For  use  in  the  Pacific  Ocean  the  following  steamships  were  pur- 
chased : 


Name  of  vessel. 

Tonnage. 

Cost. 

Carrying 

capacity 

(men). 

4,253 
5,000 

$200,  000 
600, 000 

1,500 
1,700 

REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  137 

The  Scandia  was  fitted  out  as  a  hospital  ship  and  the  Arizona  for  the 
transportation  of  troops  and  supplies  to  Honolulu  and  Manila.  Seri- 
ous complaints  were  made  in  reference  to  the  condition  of  the  Chester, 
upon  which  the  First  United  States  Volunteer  Engineers  were  trans- 
ported to  Porto  Rico,  and  of  the  Berlin  when  it  was  loaded  at  New 
Orleans  with  the  First  United  States  Volunteer  immunes. 

It  was  stated  that  when  the  Sixth  Massachusetts  Volunteers  were 
taken  to  Porto  Rico  on  the  United  States  naval  vessel  Yale  they 
were  subjected  to  discomfort  and  abuse.  The  testimony  before  the 
commission  does  not  sustain  this  charge,  but  shows  that  the  discomforts 
were  no  greater  than  might  have  been  anticipated  for  any  troops  mak- 
ing such  a  trip  under  similar  circumstances. 

TRANSPORTS   FOR  PORTO   RICO. 

The  first  troops  for  the  Porto  Rican  campaign  sailed  on  the  war  vessel 
Yale  from  Guantanamo,  Cuba,  under  the  Commanding  General  of  the 
Army,  on  July  21,  and  landed  at  Guanica,  Porto  Rico,  July  25;  from 
that  date  until  August  26  forty  transports  arrived  at  the  island,  loaded 
with  troops,  munitions  of  war,  and  supplies. 

In  addition  to  these,  the  Gypsum  King  arrived  August  10,  towing  three 
large  lighters  or  barges  consigned  to  Messrs.  Van  Aiken  &  Co.,  con- 
tractors, and  loaded  with  lumber,  bridge  timber,  railroad  iron,  coal, 
and  other  supplies,  and  a  steam  tug.  The  latter  was  transferred  to  the 
Quartermaster's  Department,  and  was  of  great  assistance  in  towing 
lighters  to  and  from  the  transports  to  shallow  water,  in  which  they 
could  be  pulled  to  the  docks. 

The  loading  of  some  of  these  transports  exhibited  carelessness,  and 
in  several  instances  important  supplies  intended  for  the  army  of  Gen- 
eral Shafter  were  found  upon  them. 

Thirty  six  vessels  arrived  at  Porto  Rico  without  invoices  to  show 
their  contents,  causing  much  confusion  and  requiring  the  overhauling 
of  the  entire  cargo  in  order  to  learn  the  contents  of  the  ship.  The  first 
invoice  was  received  with  cargo  No.  37,  that  of  the  Alamo,  which  left 
Newport  News,  Va.,  on  August  9  and  reached  Ponce  on  August  16. 
After  that  date  regular  invoices  accompanied  each  vessel. 

The  first  steam  launch  supplied  by  the  Quartermaster's  Department 
arrived  on  the  Rita,  which  sailed  from  Tampa  August  15,  and  reached 
Ponce  August  23. 

Gen.  James  H.  Wilson,  United  States  Volunteers,  testifies  that  his 
command,  while  en  route  for  Porto  Rico,  was  delayed  two  weeks  in 
Charleston,  S.  C,  by  failure  of  the  transports  to  arrive,  and  that  when 
he  reached  Ponce  the  disembarkation  of  the  troops  and  materials  was 
delayed  by  lack  of  landing  facilities,  so  that  ten  days  were  required 
for  a  work  that  should  have  been  accomplished  in  two  days  had  there 
been  proper  steam  tugs,  launches,  etc.,  available. 


138         INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

II  IK    MANILA    EXPEDITION. 

Major-General  Merritt  testifies  that  the  transports  used  on  the  Pacific 
Ocean  for  conveying  troops  to  Manila  were  carefully  inspected  by  the 
Quartermaster's  Department;  that  every  possible  change  that  was 
necessary  was  made,  and  that  the  vessels  reached  their  destination 
without  severe  sickness  among  the  troops  or  serious  annoyance  of 
any  kind. 

The  first  expedition  for  Manila  sailed  from  San  Francisco,  Oal.,  on 
May  25,  under  command  of  General  Anderson,  with  2,491  officers  and 
men,  upon  three  steamships,  City  of  Sydney,  Australia,  and  City  of 
Peking. 

The  second  expedition,  under  command  of  General  Greene,  with  3,586 
officers  and  men,  sailed  on  June  15  on  the  steamships  China,  Colon,  and 
Zealandia. 

The  third  expedition,  under  command  of  General  Merritt,  with  the 
command  of  General  MacArthur,  consisting  of  4,847  officers  and  men, 
sailed  on  June  25,  27,  28,  and  29  on  the  steamships  Senator,  Morgan 
City,  City  of  Para,  Indiana,  Ohio,  Valencia,  and  Newport 

The  fourth  expedition,  under  command  of  Gen.  Elwell  S.  Otis,  with 
1,682  officers  and  men,  sailed  July  15  on  the  steamships  Peru  and  City 
of  Puebla,  followed  on  July  19  by  the  steamship  Pennsylvania,  with 
1,348  officers  and  men. 

The  last  expedition,  under  command  of  Gen.  H.  G.  Otis,  sailed  on 
July  23  and  29  on  the  steamships  City  of  Rio  de  Janeiro  and  St.  Paul, 
with  1,735  officers  and  men. 

These  vessels  arrived  safely  at  Manila,  and  the  reports  show  that  as 
a  rule  the  health  of  the  men  was  maintained  during  the  long  voyage 
of  over  7,000  miles. 

The  sailing  ship  Tacoma,  with  30  enlisted  men,  19  civilian  teamsters, 
210  horses  and  mules,  44  wagons  and  ambulances,  and  six  months'  sup- 
ply of  subsistence  and  forage,  sailed  from  San  Francisco  on  August  6. 
On  August  21  the  steamship  Arizona,  with  490  officers  and  men  and  4 
women  nurses  on  board,  sailed  from  San  Francisco,  and  on  August 
29  the  steamship  Scandia  sailed  with  troops  for  Honolulu  and  173  offi- 
cers and  men  for  Manila. 

The  entire  movements  show  that  transportation  was  furnished  from 
San  Francisco  to  Manila  for  16,405  persons,  with  their  equipments  and 
supplies. 

CONTRACTS. 

Contracts  covering  millions  of  dollars  were  made  by  the  Quarter- 
master's Department  during  the  period  between  April  1  and  October  1, 
and  although  indefinite  charges  have  from  time  to  time  been  made  of 
fraud  and  collusion,  no  evidence  has  been  produced  before  the  commis- 
sion to  substantiate  these  charges,  although  the  parties  making  them 
have  been  invited  to  appear. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  139 

The  commission  has  made  every  effort  to  reach  witnesses  who  might 
be  supposed  to  have  any  knowledge  upon  this  subject. 

Under  date  of  November  1,  the  New  York  World  telegraphed  the 
president  of  the  commission  that  it  had  collected  many  facts  of  alleged 
influences  exerted  to  affect  the  awarding  of  war  contracts  by  the  Gov- 
ernment and  offered  to  present  to  the  commission  "legal  documents, 
contracts,  articles  of  retainer,  affidavits,"  etc.,  bearing  directly  upon 
contracts  and  efforts  to  influence  their  award,  together  with  the  names 
of  persons  that  could  be  called  as  witnesses  in  relation  to  the  facts  in 
the  World's  possession. 

The  World  requested  the  commission  to  give  the  matter  immediate 
attention  and  added  that  if  this  could  be  done  its  representative  would 
at  once  be  sent  to  Washington  to  present  the  facts. 

On  November  2,  the  commission  through  its  vice-president  notified 
the  World  that  when  it  arrived  in  New  York  it  would  be  very  happy 
to  hear  any  witnesses  that  might  be  produced  by  the  World  or  by  any 
person. 

When  the  commission  reached  New  York  under  date  of  November 
19,  it  notified  the  World  that  it  was  prepared  to  investigate  any  con- 
tract that  had  been  made  by  the  Government,  where  fraud  was  charged 
against  any  officer  of  the  War  Department,  and  would  be  pleased  to 
hear  any  evidence  bearing  upon  such  cases. 

Under  date  of  November  29,  after  the  commission  had  left  New  York 
City,  the  following  reply  was  received : 

[The  World.    Morning  Edition.    Editorial  Department,  Pulitzer  Building,  Park  Row,  N.  Y.] 

New  York,  November  29, 1898. 
Gen.  Grenville  M.  Dodge, 

President  of  the  Commission  appointed  by  the  President  to 

Investigate  the  Conduct  of  the  War  Department  in  the  War  tvith  Spain. 

Dear  Sir  :  The  World  received  in  due  course  your  courteous  note  of  November 
19,  stating  that  "The  commission  is  prepared  to  investigate  any  contract  that  has 
been  made  by  the  Government  where  fraud  is  charged  or  undue  influence  agaiust 
any  officer  of  the  War  Department/'  and  adding  that  "If  the  World  has  any  evi- 
dence bearing  upon  such  cases,  the  commission  would  be  pleased  to  hear  it." 

Knowing  the  great  difficulty  often  experienced  in  establishing  facts  by  legal 
proof,  even  in  a  court  of  justice,  the  World  carefully  considered  and  took  counsel 
on  your  oifer  during  the  nearly  three  weeks  that  elapsed  between  the  making  of  the 
proposition  and  the  meeting  of  your  commission  in  this  city.  It  observed  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  commission  from  day  to  day,  and  could  not  fail  to  perceive  the  pub- 
lic knowledge  of  the  fact  that  your  commission  had  neither  the  power  to  com- 
pel the  attendance  of  witnesses  nor  to  protect  those  who  had  volunteered  their 
testimony. 

The  witnesses  to  the  facts  discovered  by  the  World  in  relation  to  a  trade  in  army 
contracts  were  unwilling  to  submit  to  an  ex  parte  examination  in  these  circum- 
stances. As  their  attendance  could  not  be  compelled,  the  World  deems  it  best  to 
await  the  Congressional  investigation  which  it  hopes  will  be  ordered  and  conducted 
with  a  determined  purpose  and  adequate  authority  to  bring  to  light  all  the  facts 
relative  to  the  "conduct  of  the  War  Department  in  the  war  with  Spain." 
Repectfully,  yours, 

The  New  York  World. 


140        INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

At  a  later  date  the  statement  was  made  that  a  Mr.  W.  II.  Ryan  had 
intimated  that  there  had  been  fraud  or  rascality  in  the  matter  of  con- 
tracts. 

The  only  Mr.  W.  H.  Ryan  known  to  the  commission  was  a  Representa- 
tive-elect from  the  State  of  New  York.  He  was  courteously  invited  to 
appear  before  the  commission,  but  under  date  of  December  12  tele- 
graphed from  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  as  follows : 

I  have  made  no  complaint  personally  or  in  writing  concerning  war  investigation ; 
any  use  of  my  name  verbally  is  unauthorized,  in  writing  is  a  forgery. 

Representative  Ryan  did  not  appear  before  the  commission,  and  the 
parties  making  the  statement  in  reference  to  a  Mr.  Ryan  failed  to  fur- 
nish his  address  when  requested. 

Under  date  of  November  21,  1898,  Mr.  E.  M.  Knox,  of  New  York,  a 
prominent  merchant  engaged  in  the  hat  business,  wrote  to  the  commis- 
sion, charging  that  the  quartermaster's  department  in  Philadelphia  was 
rotten  and  corrupt,  and  stating  that  he  had  made  earnest  and  unavail- 
ing efforts  to  have  the  Quartermaster-General  investigate  the  subject; 
that  the  latter  was  holding  the  evidence  he  had  submitted,  and  urging 
the  commission  to  aid  him  in  obtaining  the  papers  he  had  left  with  the 
Quartermaster- General,  and  then  to  grant  him  a  hearing. 

Under  date  of  November  22  the  commission  offered  to  hear  Mr. 
Knox  on  the  23d  of  November,  and  added  that  if  he  preferred  to  await 
the  return  of  his  papers  it  would  be  gratified  to  hear  him  in  Wash- 
ington. 

The  commission  brought  the  subject  to  the  attention  of  the  Quarter- 
master's Department,  and  requested  the  return  to  Mr.  Knox  of  his 
papers. 

In  the  meantime  it  was  learned  that  the  matter  in  which  Mr.  Knox 
was  interested  was  a  large  contract  for  hats,  which  contract,  it  is  under- 
stood, he  claimed  should  have  been  awarded  to  him. 

The  subject  was  carefully  investigated  by  Col.  James  M.  Moore,  assist- 
ant quartermaster- general,  United  States  Army,  who,  in  his  testimony 
before  this  commission,  fully  demonstrated  that  the  award  of  the  con- 
tract as  made  was  a  proper  one  and  perfectly  free  from  the  very  slightest 
taint  of  fraud. 

Upon  the  return  of  the  commission  to  Washington,  and  after  Colonel 
Moore's  report  had  been  made,  it  again  invited  Mr.  Knox  before  it,  but 
he  declined,  on  the  ground  that  the  Quartermaster-General  had  not 
returned  to  him  all  the  evidence  he  had  left  with  him,  and  he  was, 
therefore,  not  ready  to  testify. 

The  foregoing  were  the  only  specific  cases  submitted  to  the  commis- 
sion, and  in  each  instance,  as  will  be  observed,  the  parties  presenting 
them  failed  to  appear  and  substantiate  their  statements. 

From  all  the  facts  before  the  commission  there  is  no  reason  whatever 
even  to  suspect  that  any  officer  or  agent  of  the  Quartermaster's  Depart- 
ment has  been  actuated  by  other  than  the  purest  motives  in  making 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  141 

contracts  for  supplies  and  transportation,  and  that  in  every  instance 
they  had  in  view  the  best  interests  of  the  great  Government  they  had 
sworn  to  support. 

Comment  has  been  made  in  reference  to  the  contract  with  the  Long 
Island  Railroad  in  regard  to  traffic  between  the  camp  at  Montauk  Point 
and  New  York  City.  This  contract  provided  for  the  transportation  of 
all  persons  connected  with  the  military  service  of  the  United  States  at 
the  rate  of  1  cent  per  mile  and  freight  at  a  discount  of  25  per  cent  oft 
the  regular  published  tariff  freight  rates  of  the  railroad  company;  it 
also  required  that  the  company  should  construct  additional  side  tracks 
where  necessary  and  provide  free  switching  of  cars  to  secure  prompt 
loading  and  unloading. 

The  proviso  which  caused  invidious  comment  was  as  follows : 

And  in  consideration  thereof  the  military  authorities  in  charge  of  said  camp  will 
not  contract  with  or  employ  any  other  carrier  for  transportation  facilities  for  troops 
or  freight  hetween  said  camp  and  New  York  or  points  on  Long  Island,  and  that  no  ves- 
sel owned  or  controlled  hy  private  individuals  or  corporations  shall  he  permitted  to 
land  at  or  use  the  present  or  any  future  docks  on  Montauk  Point  for  passengers  or 
freight  traffic  hetween  said  camp  and  New  York  or  points  on  Long  Island  without 
the  permission  of  the  railroad  company.  It  is  agreed,  however,  that  any  Govern- 
ment transport  or  vessel  may  discharge  and  load  troops  or  supplies  at  such  dock  or 
docks,  and  that  vessels  may  take  or  discharge  passengers  thereat  from  or  to  other 
points  than  those  hereinabove  excepted,  with  the  permission  of  the  military  authorities. 

It  was  claimed  that  this  contract  gave  the  railroad  company  complete 
control  of  the  entire  transportation  from  all  points  to  Montauk  Point. 
The  last  portion  of  the  part  quoted  shows  that  the  Government  reserved 
the  right  to  use  its  transports  and  vessels  as  it  pleased  between  Few 
York  and  elsewhere  and  Montauk  Point,  and  that  from  all  locali- 
ties except  New  York  City  and  points  on  Long  Island  any  vessels 
might  take  or  discharge  passengers  with  permission  of  the  military 
authorities. 

Testimony  before  the  commission  shows  that  the  proviso  prohibiting 
vessels  owned  or  controlled  by  private  individuals  or  corporations  from 
landing  at  the  docks  for  passenger  or  freight  traffic  between  New  York 
and  Montauk  Point  was  especially  inserted  by  the  distinguished  officer, 
since  dead,  who  signed  the  contract,  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the 
landing  of  excursion  parties  or  of  improper  articles  at  Camp  Wikoff. 

TRANSPORTATION   OF   MEDICAL  SUPPLIES  AND   OP   SICK  AND   WOUNDED   SOLDIERS. 

It  is  somewhat  difficult  to  follow  up  the  transportation  of  medical 
supplies. 

Large  quantities  were  purchased  by  the  surgeons  in  charge  of  the 
medical  depots  in  New  York,  St.  Louis,  and  San  Francisco,  carefully 
boxed,  and  transferred  to  the  Quartermaster's  Department  for  trans- 
portation to  the  various  camps  and  to  the  armies  in  the  field  at  Santiago, 
Porto  Rico,  and  Manila. 

So  far  as  railroad  transportation  was  concerned,  the  usual  steps  appear 


142         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

to  have  been  takeu.  The  supplies  were  sent  as  freight,  and  the  great 
delay  in  delivery  at  Tampa  and  Chickamauga  was  mainly  due  to  the 
congestion  of  the  railroads  at  those  places,  to  which  reference  has  been 
made  in  the  foregoing.  The  supplies  were  sometimes  sent  by  express, 
thus  insuring  their  more  prompt  delivery.  It  would  have  been  prefer- 
able in  every  large  shipment  by  railroad  had  an  agent  of  either  the 
Quartermaster's  or  Medical  Department  accompanied  the  supplies  to 
their  destination. 

The  delay  in  some  instances  in  receiving  medical  supplies  at  Santiago 
seems  to  have  been  partially  due  to  carelessness  in  loading  them  on  the 
transports.  This  is  shown  in  the  cases  of  the  steamship  La  Grande 
Duchesse,  which  left  Charleston,  S.  C,  July  20;  upon  unloading  the 
vessel  at  Ponce,  on  July  28,  a  large  supply  of  medical  stores  were  found 
upon  her  destined  for  General  Shafter's  army  at  Santiago.  The  vessel 
was  ordered  to  Santiago  July  31. 

When  the  Mobile,  which  left  Charleston  July  22,  was  being  unloaded, 
on  August  5,  at  Ponce,  five  tons  of  ice  and  a  large  supply  of  medical  and 
hospital  stores,  intended  for  the  army  at  Santiago,  were  found  on  board. 
The  Mobile  was  ordered  to  Santiago  August  7. 

Attention  is  invited  to  the  fact  that  General  Shafter's  telegram  to  the 
Secretary  of  War,  reporting  scarcity  of  medicines  at  Santiago,  is  dated 
August  4, 1898. 

Under  date  of  July  30,  Colonel  Greenleaf  telegraphed  the  Surgeon- 
General  that  there  was  a  large  sick  report  at  Ponce,  Porto  Eico;  that 
tentage,  medical  supplies,  and  doctors  were  lacking,  and  urging  that 
hospital  ships  should  be  sent  there  promptly. 

A  special  outfit  was  provided,  under  orders  of  the  Secretary  of  War, 
to  be  used  by  the  Surgeon-General  as  a  hospital  train.  This  train  was 
made  up  of  ten  tourist  sleepers,  two  kitchen  and  dining  cars,  and  a 
combined  passenger  and  baggage  car.  It  was  furnished  by  the  Medical 
Department,  supplied  with  trained  nurses,  and  kept  exclusively  for 
the  purpose  of  carrying  sick  and  wounded  to  points  designated  by  the 
proper  medical  officers. 

For  the  transportation  of  the  sick  and  wounded  by  sea  the  steamship 
John  Englis  was  purchased,  thoroughly  refitted,  after  some  delay,  with 
all  modern  appliances  and  conveniences  as  a  hospital  ship,  and  trans- 
ferred to  the  Medical  Department. 

On  July  1  Mr.  B.  N.  Baker,  president  of  the  Atlantic  Transport  Line, 
Baltimore,  Md.,  generously  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Government 
the  steamship  Missouri,  with  its  captain  and  crew,  for  use  as  a  hospital 
ship.  Mr.  Baker's  offer  was  promptly  accepted,  and  on  July  15  the 
Quartermaster's  Department  was  requested  to  fit  the  vessel  for  the  pur- 
pose of  transporting  six  or  seven  hundred  sick  or  wounded  men;  that 
department  stated  that  its  officer  in  charge  of  such  work  in  New  York 
reported  that  the  necessary  improvements  could  be  made  within  two 
weeks,  but  it  was  not  until  August  23  that  the  ship  was  ready  to  sail. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION. 


143 


The  steamship  Olivette  was  selected  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Pope,  of 
the  Medical  Department,  for  a  hospital  ship,  to  accompany  the  army  to 
Santiago. 

The  steamers  Seneca  and  Concho  were  used  as  hospital  ships  for  the 
return  of  sick  and  wounded  from  Santiago  in  July.  Their  conditions  for 
this  purpose  were  very  unsuitable.  An  officer  who  was  on  the  Seneca 
reports : 

The  water  supply  aboard  the  vessel  was  beyond  description.  It  smelled  badly 
and  was  tilled  with  something  that  looked  like  iron  rust,  but  which  I  was  told  was 
rotten  wood,  and  was  of  such  a  character  that  I  absolutely  could  not  drink  it. 

A  witness  testifies  that  on  the  steamer  Concho,  during  the  trans- 
portation of  the  sick,  the  water  was  offensive  to  the  sight,  taste,  and 
smell,  and  that  the  sleeping  accommodations  consisted  of  rough  board 
bunks,  without  mattresses,  pillows,  or  blankets. 

Another  witness  testifies  that,  by  consent  of  the  medical  authorities, 
she  went  on  board  the  Seneca  on  July  13,  the  day  before  the  vessel 
started  north  with  sick  and  wounded,  and  acted  in  capacity  of  nurse 
during  the  voyage.  She  states  that  the  captain  of*  the  ship  informed 
her  that  -his  vessel  was  not  clean,  not  fit  for  a  hospital  ship,  and  that 
not  a  soul  had  examined  or  inspected  it  for  hospital  purposes.  She  adds 
that  the  ship  was  overcrowded ;  the  staterooms  on  starting  were  occu- 
pied by  passengers  to  the  exclusion  of  the  sick  j  that  the  two  surgeons, 
one  of  whom  was  ill  nearly  all  the  time,  had  no  surgical  instruments, 
and  that,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  supplies  she  obtained  from  the 
Ked  Cross  Association,  there  was  no  food  on  board  for  the  sick  and 
wounded  other  than  the  regular  army  ration ;  the  staterooms  were 
vacated  after  starting  and  given  up  to  the  sick  and  wounded. 

The  condition  of  the  transports  and  the  treatment  on  board  of  the  sick 
and  wounded  are  discussed  elsewhere  in  the  report  of  the  commission. 

The  following  statement  shows  the  sailing  of  army  transports  between 
July  12  and  November  22, 1898,  from  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico  with  troops, 
dates  of  sailing,  destination,  date  of  arrival,  and  number  of  sick  and 
convalescents  on  board  so  far  as  shown  by  the  records  of  the  Quarter- 
master-General's Office: 


Name  of  vessel. 

Port  sailed 
from. 

Date  of 
sailing. 

Destination. 

Date  of 
arrival. 

Troops  on  board. 

Number 
of  sick 
and  conva- 
lescents. 

Vigilancia 

Do 

Santiago. . 

1898. 
Aug.    8 
Sept.    6 
Aug.  26 

July  24 
Aug.  19 
July  30 

Sept.  15 
July  30 

Sept.    8 

Montauk  Point . 
do 

1898. 
Aug.  14 
Sept.    8 
Sept.    2 

July  30 
Aug.  26 
Aug.  13 

Sept.  21 
Aug.    6 

Sept.  14 

6th  Infantry 

Stragglers 

Orizaba 

do.... 

do 

do 

Paymasters   and 
clerks. 

Do 

do.... 

...do  .. 

Montauk  Point . 
Tampa  and  New 

York. 
New  York 

Half  34th  Michigan. 

331 

Do 

do  ... 

50 

do 

Convales- 

Do  

do.... 

New  York 

cent. 
255 

144 


INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Name  of,,,*,,.    *g£W     ^£ 


Sfiif,  a. 


Do... 

Yucatan. 
Do... 
Do... 


City  of  Washing- 
ton 

Man  too 

Concho 


Do. 


Leona  . . . 
Do... 


San  Marcos . 
Rio  Grande. 


Do.. 


Comal  . 

Alamo . 

Do. 


Cherokee 
Droquois. 


Comanche  . . . 
Matteawan .. 


Miami 

Breakwater. 


Aransas 

D.H.Miller. 


Berkshire. 
Do.... 


Allegheny . 

Do 

Olivette... 


City  of  Macon 
Gate  City.... 


Catania 

Louisiana. 
Knickerbocker 

Hudson... 


Do 

Specialist 


Siboney  .. 


Santiago. 

do  ... 

....do... 
do... 


.4o 


do 

.do 


Ponce 

Santiago . . 
do.... 


.do 


....do 
....do 
Ponce 


....do.... 

Santiago.. 

....do.... 
....do.... 


....do 
....do 


Playa  del 

Este. 
Santiago . . 


...do.... 
...do.... 


...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 


...do.... 
...do.... 


...do... 
...do... 
...do... 


Playa  del 

Este. 
Santiago . . 

do.... 


July  12 

Aug.  13 
July  28 
Aug.  19 
Sept.  22 

Aug.  28 

Sept.  14 
July  22 

Sept.    8 

July  23 
Aug.  17 


July  28 
July  22 

Aug.  13 

July  28 
July  22 
Sept.    8 


Aug.    2 
July  31 

Aug.  13 
Aug.    8 


...do.... 
Aug.  14 

July  21 

Aug.  19 

July  20 
Aug.  25 

July  28 

Aug.  24 
Aug.  15 

Aug.  14 
Aug.    7 

Aug.  17 
Aug.  2 
July  30 

July   21 

Aug.  19 

Aug.  25 


Destination. 


Fort  Monroe. 


Montauk  Point 

Tampa 

Montauk  Point 
New  York 

Montauk  Point 

New  York 

Fort  Monroe... 

New  York 


Fort  Monroe 

Montauk  Point 


Tampa 

Fort  Monroe... 

Montauk  Point 

Tampa 

Fort  Monroe... 
Hew  York 


.do., 
.do.. 


Montauk  Point. 
do 


....do 
....do 


Tampa 

Montauk  Point 


New  York 

Montauk  Point 


Tampa 

Montauk  Point . 

Fort  Monroe 

Montauk  Point. 

Boston 

Montauk  Point 
.....do 

do 

New  York 

Tampa 


Fort  Monroe... 
Montauk  Point 

.....do 


Date  of 
arrival. 


Troops  on  board. 


July  18 

Aug.  18 
Aug.  1 
Aug.  26 
Sept.  26 

Sept.    1 

Sept.  22 
July  28 

Sept.  15 

July  27 
Aug.  22 


Aug.  3 
July  28 

Aug.  20 

Aug.  3 
July  27 
Sept.  16 


Aug.  10 
Aug.    5 

Aug.  18 
Aug.  14 


..do... 

Aug.  20 

July  27 

Aug.  26 

July  25 
Sept.    1 

Aug.    6 

Aug.  31 

Aug.  19 

Aug.  23 
Aug.  21 
Aug.  14 

Aug.  26 
Aug.  7 
Aug.    6 

July  25 

Aug.  26 

Aug.  30 


Number 

of  sick 
and  conva- 
lescents. 


4th  Infantry 

Half  7th  Infantry. 
7   officers;     46  dis- 
charged men. 

4  batteries  and  1 
company  of  the 
Provisional  Engi- 
near  Battalion. 

2  troops  9th  Cav- 
airy,  3  companies 
12th  Infantry,  2 
companies  34th 
Michigan. 

9th  and  10th  Cav- 
alry. 

3  companies  2d  Wis- 

consin; Company 
A,  1st  Illinois; 
Company  H,  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia ; 
Battery  C,  Penn- 
sylvania Volun- 
teer Artillery. 

Came  up  in  ballast. 

No  report  of  what 
was  carried. 

25th  Infantry. 

1st  Cavalrv  and  Bat- 
tery H,  4th  Artil- 
lery. 

13th  Infantry. 

2  battalions  12th  In- 
fantry. 

1st  Infantry,  except 
Company  F. 

11  companies  1st 
Illinois. 

Part  of  9th  Massa- 
chusetts. 

17th  infantry! '.'.'.'.'. 
Troops  of  3d  and  6th 
Cavalry. 

10  officers,  32  men. 

1st  and  2d  battalions 
of  1st  Dietrict  of 
Columbia. 

4  batteries  of  artil- 
lery. 


Sick  and 
wound- 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION. 


145 


Name  of 


Unionist... 
Arkadia... 

Nueces 


Clinton 

Wanderer 


La  Grande   Du- 
chesse. 


Relief  a 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Missouri  a  .. 

Do 

Do 

Tale 

Harvard 

St.  Paul 


Panama  ... 

Do 

Port  Victor 


Mohawk. 
Mobile... 


Manitoba. 
Do.... 


Minnewaska. 


Do 

Mississippi . 


Do 

Roumanian 

Obdam 

Do 

Do 

Berlin 

Do 

Michigan . . 
Do 

Rita 

Chester 

Do 

Montero  ... 
Mexico 

Lampasas  . 


Port  sailed 
from. 


Santiago.. 
do.... 

do.... 


do  .... 
.do.... 


do 


Porto  Rico 
Santiago.. 

Ponce  

do.... 

do.... 

Santiago.. 

Ponce 

Arroyo . . . 
Santiago.. 

do 

do.... 


Ponce  

do.... 

Fort  Mon- 
roe. 
Santiago.. 
do 

Ponce  

....do.... 

Santiago.. 


Ponce  ... 
....do... 


San  Juan  . 
Santiago.. 

Pouce 

do... 

Santiago.. 

do 

....do... 
....do... 
....do... 

Ponce  

....do  ... 
San  Juan . 
Santiago.. 
do 

Ponce  — 


Date  of 
sailing. 


Aug.  26 
Aug.  17 

Aug.  26 


July  23 
Aug.    2 

Aug.    9 


Aug.  13 
Sept.  1 
Oct.  3 
Oct.  22 
Nov.  22 
Sept.  4 
Sept.  29 
Oct.  23 
Aug.  19 
Aug.  22 
Aug.  11 


Sept.  4 
Sept.  30 
Sept.  11 

Aug.  18 
Aug.  12 

Sept.  7 
Oct.    21 

Aug.  25 


Oct.    11 
Sept.    3 


Oct.  22 
Aug.  28 

July  31 
Sept.    1 

Oct.  6 
Aug.  25 
Oct.  5 
Sept.  11 
Oct.    12 

July  27 

Sept.  1 
Oct.  29 
Oct.  12 
Aug.  25 


Destination. 


Montauk  Point 
do 

do 


Tampa 

do 

Montauk  Point 


New  York 

Philadelphia. . . 
Fort  Monroe... 
Philadelphia. .  - 
Fort  Monroe... 
Montauk  Point 
Fort  Monroe... 

New  York 

Montauk  Point 

do 

do 


Fort  Monroe... 

do 

New  York 

Montauk  Point 
...do 

New  York 

do 

Montauk  Point 


New  York. 
do 


Boston 

Montauk  Point 

Newport  News 
New  York 

do 

Montauk  Point 

New  York 

do 

do 

Tampa 

New  York 

do 

Montauk  Point 
do 


Date  of 
arrival. 


July  31     Newport  News 


Sept.    1 
Aug.  23 

Sept.    2 


July  29 
Aug.    8 

Aug.  15 


Aug.  19 
Sept.  5 
Oct.  8 
Oct.  25 
Nov.  26 
Sept.  10 
Oct.  5 
Oct.  31 
Aug.  23 
Aug.  25 
Aug.  15 


Sept.  10 
Oct.  5 
Sept.  17 

Aug.  24 
Aug.  19 

Sept.  13 
Oct.    26 

Aug.  29 


Oct.    17 
Sept.  10 


Oct.  27 
Sept.    4 

Aug.  5 
Sept.    7 

Oct.  11 
Aug.  30 
Oct.  10 
Sept.  18 
Oct.    19 

Aug.    3 

Sept.  6 
Nov.  3 
Oct.  21 
Sept.    I 

Aug.    4 


Troops  on  board. 


1  company  1st  Illi- 
nois. 

Battery  E  1st  and 
Battery  F  2d  Ar- 
tillery. 

1  battalion  24th  In- 
fantry, detach- 
ment 1st  Illinois. 


No  report  of  what 
was  on  board. 

17th  Infantry,  2  bat- 
talions 71st  New 
York. 


3d  and  20th  Infantry 
Half  of  33d  Michigan 
2d  Infantry  anu  4 

companies     71st 

New  York. 

8th  Ohio 

2d  and  8th  Infantry, 
2d  Massachusetts. 

6th  Illinois 

2  battalions  3d  Wis- 
consin. 

2  companies  33d 
Michigan,  2  com- 
panies 1st  District 
of  Columbia,  part 
2d  Cavalry. 

16th  Pennsylvania.. 

Troops  A  and  C  New 
York  Cavalry, 
Sheridan  and  Gov- 
ernor's Troop 
Pennsylvania  Cav- 
nlry. 

6th  Massachusetts.. 

2  companies  9th 
Massachusetts. 

9  companies  2d  Wis- 
consin. 

1st  Illinois 

Mail  service 

Miscellaneous  cargo 

General  Lawton  and 
stragglers. 

No  report  of  what 
was  carried. 

4th  Pennsylvania. .. 

4th  Ohio 

21st  Infantry 

Troop  M,  10th  Cav- 
alry. 


Number 
of  sick 
and  conva- 
lescents. 


Sick. 


Sick. 


246 
262 


255 
175 


400 


191 
252 


Sick  and 
wounded. 


a  Hospital  ship. 


In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  shown  by  the  records  of  the  Quarter- 
master-General, Brig.  Gen.  C.  F.  Humphrey,  United  States  Volunteers, 
7833— vol.  1 10 


146 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


chief  quartermaster  of  General  Sh  after' s  expedition,  under  date  of 
September  15,  1898,  reports  the  following  vessels  as  having  left  Cuba 
between  June  30  and  July  12,  1898: 


Name  of  vessel. 

Date  of 
depar- 
ture. 

Troops  or  civilians  returning. 

Destination. 

July     9 
July     5 
July     8 
June  30 

....do  ... 

Key  West. 
Port  Tampa. 
Do 

do 

D.  H.  Miller 

Civilian    employees,  sick  and  dis- 
charged soldiers. 

Do. 

July     2 
July    3 

July  10 
July    3 
June  30 

Key  West. 
Port  Tampa. 

Civilian   employees,   sick  and  dis- 
charged soldiers. 

Olivette  

Stillwater „ 

do  

Port  Tampa. 
Do. 

Whitney 

Civilian    employees,   sick  and  dis- 
charged soldiers. 

LAND   TRANSPORTATION   OF   THE   COMMAND   DURING  THE   SANTIAGO    CAMPAIGN. 

Owing  to  the  lack  of  necessary  transports,  the  means  of  land  trans- 
portation during  the  Santiago  campaign  was  painfully  deficient. 

The  testimony  shows  that  the  entire  number  of  animals,  wagons,  and 
ambulances  shipped  with  the  expedition  from  Tampa  and  Mobile  was 
as  follows : 

Government  horses 578 

Private  horses 381 

Pack  and  draft  mules 1,  336 

Wagons  from  Tampa 114 

Ambulances  from  Tampa  and  Mobile 7 

Wagons  from  Mobile 84 

General  Shafter  testifies  that  he  could  carry  no  more  on  his  transports 
from  Tampa  j  that  he  realized  that  he  would  have  very  few  ambulances, 
but  that  wagons  could  be  used  for  transportation  both  of  the  wounded 
and  of  supplies,  while  ambulances  could  be  employed  only  for  one  pur- 
pose. General  Humphrey  testifies  that  no  more  land  transportation 
was  taken  simply  because  the  vessels  were  fully  loaded.  Lieut.  J.  M. 
Kennedy,  assistant  surgeon,  appeared  at  the  front  near  Santiago  July  2 
with  ten  ambulances,  which  had  been  brought  over  on  the  Louisiana. 

There  were  eight  pack  trains,  consisting  in  all  of  580  mules,  and  the 
value  of  their  services  in  carrying  provisions  and  ammunition  to  the 
front  was  simply  inestimable. 

The  testimony  shows  that  the  transports  arrived  off  the  south  coast 
of  Cuba  near  Santiago  on  June  21;  that  the  pack  trains  were  landed 
on  June  22 ;  that  the  first  wagons  were  landed  on  June  25,  and  that  the 
landing  of  the  latter  was  continued  more  rapidly  than  they  could  be 
set  up  on  shore,  and  that  in  fact  some  of  those  that  were  landed  were 
never  set  up  at  all. 

General  Chaffee  testifies  that  on  July  1,  at  the  battle  of  El  Caney, 
ten  days  after  the  arrival  of  the  fleet,  there  were  no  ambulances  or 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  147 

wagons  available,  and  that  the  roads  were  so  horrible  that  they  could 
not  reach  the  front.  He  adds  that  only  litters  could  have  been  used  for 
the  wounded,  but  even  these  were  not  on  hand,  as  owing  to  oversight 
none  had  been  landed. 

It  is  plainly  evident  that  this  army  of  17,000  men  disembarked  in  the 
face  of  an  enemy  in  a  hostile  country,  and,  rapidly  thrown  forward 
against  a  well-armed  force,  was  painfully  deficient  in  land  transpor- 
tation, but  in  spite  of  the  absence  of  this  almost  absolutely  necessary 
portion  of  the  equipment  of  a  well-trained  command,  it  drove  the  enemy 
before  it,  captured  their  outposts,  pushed  them  behind  their  main  de- 
fenses, drove  their  fleet  from  Santiago  Bay  to  absolute  destruction  as 
it  faced  the  Navy  of  our  country,  and  finally,  after  most  gallant  fight- 
ing under  a  tropical  sun,  amidst  most  adverse  conditions,  captured  a 
strongly  fortified  city,  and  received  as  prisoners  of  war  over  23,000 
Spanish  soldiers. 

In  addition  to  its  military  operations,  it  performed  a  work  which 
neither  its  commander  nor  others  ever  imagined  would  devolve  upon 
it — that  of  feeding,  at  least  to  a  limited  degree,  the  vast  host  of  men, 
women,  and  children  who  fled  from  Santiago  on  account  of  the  fear  of 
its  bombardment,  and,  passing  through  our  lines,  sought  refuge  in  El 
Oaney;  for  days  nearly  as  many  rations  were  issued  to  these  refugees 
as  to  the  army  itself,  thus  taxing  the  land  transportation  to  its  utmost 
limit. 

The  conclusions  drawn  from  the  foregoing  are  as  follows: 

1.  The  Quartermaster's  Department,  a  month  before  war  was  declared, 
was  neither  physically  nor  financially  prepared  for  the  tremendous 
labor  of  suddenly  equipping  and  transporting  an  army  over  ten  times 
the  size  of  the  Eegular  Army  of  the  United  States. 

2.  That  the  department  devoted  the  ability,  zeal,  and  industry  of 
its  officers  to  accomplish  the  herculean  task  before  it  so  soon  as  funds 
were  made  available  and  war  was  declared. 

3.  That  it  deserves  credit  for  the  great  work  accomplished,  for  the 
immense  quantity  of  materials  obtained  and  issued  within  so  short  a 
period,  and  for  its  earnest  efforts  in  reference  to  railroad  transporta- 
tion and  in  protecting  the  great  interests  of  the  General  Government 
committed  to  its  charge.  Its  officers,  especially  those  at  the  headquar- 
ters of  the  department  and  at  its  depots,  worked  earnestly  and  labori- 
ously day  and  night,  sparing  themselves  in  no  possible  way. 

4.  There  appears  to  have  been  a  lack  of  system,  whereby,  even  as  late 
as  October,  troops  in  camps  and  in  the  field  were  lacking  in  some  arti- 
cles of  clothing,  camp  and  garrison  equipage;  and  hospitals,  at  least  at 
two  important  localities  in  the  South — Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  and  Hunts- 
ville,  Ala. — lacked  stoves,  while  at  Huntsville  fuel  was  wanting. 

5.  There  appears  to  have  been  lack  of  executive  or  administrative 
ability,  either  on  the  part  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  or  the 
railroad  officials,  in  preventing  the  great  congestion  of  cars  at  Tampa 


148         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

and  Chickamauga  when  these  camps  were  first  established,  which  con- 
gestion caused  delay,  annoyance,  and  discomfort  to  the  large  bodies  of 
troops  concentrating  at  those  places. 

6.  There  appears  to  have  been  a  lack  of  foresight  in  preparing  and 
promptly  having  available  at  some  central  locality  on  the  seacoast  the 
necessary  fleet  of  transports  which  it  seemed  evident  would  be  required 
for  the  movement  of  troops  to  a  foreign  shore,  and,  finally,  when  the 
call  came  suddenly  and  the  emergency  was  supreme,  the  department 
appears  not  to  have  fully  comprehended  the  capacity  of  the  fleet  under 
its  command;  not  to  have  supplied  it  with  a  complete  outfit  of  light- 
ers for  the  immediate  disembarkation  of  troops  and  supplies;  to  have 
accepted  without  full  investigation  the  statement  that  the  vessels 
were  capable  of  transporting  25,000  men,  while  really  they  could  not 
and  did  not  transport  more  than  17,000  with  their  artillery,  equipments, 
ammunition,  and  supplies,  and  lacked  sufficient  storage  room  for  the 
necessary  amount  of  wagon  transportation — that  very  important  ele- 
ment in  the  movement  of  an  army  in  the  face  of  an  enemy. 

7.  The  Quartermaster's  Department  should  maintain  on  hand  at  all 
times  a  complete  supply  for  at  least  four  months  for  an  army  of  100,000 
men  of  all  articles  of  clothing,  camp  and  garrison  equipage,  and  other 
quartermaster's  supplies  which  will  not  deteriorate  by  storage  or  which 
can  not  at  once  be  obtained  in  open  market. 

Finally.  In  the  opinion  of  this  commission,  there  should  be  a  division 
of  the  labor  now  devolving  upon  the  Quartermaster's  Department. 

Whether  there  should  be  one  great  department  of  supply,  covering 
the  Quartermaster's  Department  except  transportation,  the  Subsistence 
Department,  and  the  Pay  Department,  and  another  covering  the 
important  problem  of  transportation,  including  the  movement  of  armies 
by  land  and  by  sea  and  the  supply  of  animals,  wagons,  ambulances, 
and  harness,  is  a  subject  for  the  serious  consideration  of  a  board  of 
officers  whose  experience  in  peace  and  war,  at  home  and  in  an  enemy's 
country,  would  render  them  most  competent  to  make  an  exhaustive 
investigation  and  to  present  a  complete  report  upon  this  important 
subject. 

SUBSISTENCE  DEPARTMENT. 

BRIG.  GEN.    CHARLES  P.  EAGAN,   COMMISSARY-GENERAL.    U.  S.  A.,  IN 

CHARGE. 

The  Subsistence  Department  is  charged  with  the  purchasing,  issu- 
ing, and  preservation  ot  subsistence  supplies;  also,  with  the  distribu- 
tion, selling,  and  accountability  therefor.  During  the  past  thirty-five 
years  the  number  of  officers  of  the  Subsistence  Department  has  been 
so  reduced  that  when  war  with  Spain  was  declared  it  had  only  22 
officers,  viz,  the  Commissary-General,  2  colonels,  3  lieu  ten  ant- colonels, 
8  majors,  and  8  captains.  This  number  was  barely  sufficient  to  per- 
form subsistence  duties  for  the  Army  of  about  26,000  officers  and 
enlisted  men.    The  number  was  not  large  enough  to  allow  officers  of 


REPORT   OF    THE    COMMISSION.  149 

the  department  to  serve  with  troops  in  the  field.  Soon  after  the  first 
call  5  officers  of  the  Subsistence  Department  were  appointed  commis- 
saries of  volunteers,  with  the  rank  of  lieutenant-colonel.  Four  of 
these  were  assigned  as  chief  commissaries  of  corps.  The  remaining 
officers  of  the  department  were  engaged  in  purchasing  supplies  and  in 
caring  for  various  State  camps  at  which  the  volunteers  were  first  con- 
centrated for  muster. 

The  subsistence  officers  with  the  troops  in  the  field  were,  with  the 
exception  of  the  4  above  noted,  either  volunteers  or  line  officers  detailed 
for  subsistence  duties,  many  of  whom,  however  zealous,  lacked  the 
knowledge  which  only  experience  can  give. 

GENERAL   ADMINISTRATION. 

Prior  to  the  war  with  Spain  each  geographical  department  had  a 
chief  commissary.  To  him  the  post  commissaries  submitted  requisi- 
tions for  needed  subsistence  supplies;  in  turn  he  requested  purchasing 
commissaries  stationed  in  the  large  centers  of  trade  to  have  shipped 
the  articles  called  for.  It  was  the  duty  of  the  purchasing  commissaries 
to  examine,  test,  and  inspect  the  supplies  and  to  determine  whether  or 
not  they  were  pure  and  up  to  the  required  standard.  Owing  to  the 
small  number  of  officers,  purchasing  commissaries  were  given,  in  some 
cases,  more  than  one  geographical  department  to  supply. 

During  the  war,  instead  of  supplying  26,000  men,  they  supplied 
approximately  275,000.  As  soon  as  the  volunteers  were  concentrated 
in  the  large  camps,  most  of  the  chief  commissaries  were  assigned  to 
depot  and  other  duty 

The  depots  were  under  the  immediate  control  of  the  Commissary- 
General,  and  from  them  there  was  a  report  of  rations  on  hand.  The 
greatest  latitude  was  given  commissaries  with  troops  to  enable  them  to 
avoid  difficulties  that  arose  from  unforeseen  conditions.  Supplies  were 
available,  and  it  was  the  duty  of  the  commissaries  to  see  that  they 
were  issued,  although  they  had  no  control  over  them  from  the  time 
they  were  shipped  from  the  depots  until  delivered  to  the  troops. 

THE   RATION. 

The  ration  is  fixed  by  law.  Additions  have  been  made  to  it  from  time 
to  time,  so  that  at  the  beginning  of  the  war  with  Spain  it  was  liberal 
and  capable  of  giving  great  variety.  Its  proportions  were  such  that  the 
proper  percentages  of  proteids  and  carbohydrates  could  be  obtained, 
giving  the  variety  in  diet  necessary  to  a  well-balanced  ration. 

We  give  below  tables  showing  the  several  rations  issued  by  the  Sub- 
sistence Department. 


150         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

Tablk  I. — The  "(/arrison"  ration,  icith   the  xsiiul  proportion*  of  fresh  and  salt  meats 

a)i<l  c  eye  tables. 


1,000  complete  rations. 


Approxi- 
mate gross 
weignt. 


Meat: 

Pork,  one  tenth 

Bacon,  two-tenths 

Fresh  heef,  seven-tenths,  875  pounds,  or  fresh  heef,  750  pounds,   and 

canned  salmon,  100  pounds 

Flour 

Vegetables : 

Dry  beans  or  pease 

Or  rice  or  hominy 

Fresh  potatoes,  800  pounds,  onions,  200  pounds,  or  potatoes,  700  pounds, 

canned  tomatoes,  300  pounds 

Coffee,  green 

Sugar 

Vinegar  

Candles 

Soap 

Salt 

Pepper,  black 

1,000  rations 

1  ration 


Tablk  II.— The  "field"  ration. 


1,000  complete  rations. 


Net 

Approxi- 

weight. 

mate  gross 
weight. 

Pounds. 

Pounds. 

750 

883 

1,000 

1,125 

150 

162 

1,000 

1,158 

80 

92 

150 

161 

80 

97 

15 

17 

40 

44 

40 

44 

2.5 

3 

3, 307. 5 

3,786 

3.31 

3.79 

Bacon 

Hard  bread 
Beans 


Potatoes,  onions,  and  canned  tomatoes,  when  possible. 
Coffee,  roasted 

Sugar. 


Vinegar 

Candles 

Soap , 

Salt 

Pepper,  black . 


1,000  rations . 
1  ration , 


When  flour  is  issued  instead  of  hard  bread,  40  pounds  of  baking  powder  or  dry  yeast. 
Table  III. — The  "travel"  ration  used  on  journeys  by  railroads,  stages,  or  steamboats. 


1,000  complete  rations. 


Net 
weight. 


Approxi- 
mate gross 
weight* 


(For  first  four  days.) 

Hard  bread 

Beef,  canned 

Beans,  baked,  3-lb.  cans 

Coffee,  roasted , 

Sugar , 

1,000  rations 

1  ration , 

(After  fourth  day  add) 

Tomatoes  (gallon  cans) 

1,000  rations 

1  ration 


Pounds. 

1,000 

750 

450 

80 

150 


2,430 
2.43 


1,000 


3,430 
3.43 


Pounds. 
1,125 
875 
520 
92 
161 


2, 773 
2.77 


4,133 
4.13 


REPORT    OF   THE    COMMISSION. 


151 


Table  IV. — The  "travel"  ration  for  journeys  when  liquid  coffee  is  furnished. 


1,000  complete  rations. 

Net 
weight. 

Approxi- 
mate gross 
weight. 

Pounds. 

1,000 

750 

450 

Pounds. 
1,125 

875 

520 

1, 000  rations 

2,200 
2.2 

2,520 
2.52 

Twenty-one  cents  per  ration  are  allowed  for  purchase  of  liquid  coffee. 

Table  V. — The  "emergency"  ration,  as  authorized  by  General  Orders,  No.  49,  Head- 
quarters  of  the  Army,  A.  G.  O.,  series  of  1896. 


1,000  complete  rations. 


Net 
weight. 


Approxi- 
mate gTOS 
weight. 


Hard  bread 

Bacon 

Pea  meal 

Coffee,  roasted  and  ground 

Saccharin 

Salt 

Pepper,  black 

Tobacco,  plug 

Bags,  wrappers,  etc 


Pounds. 

1,000 

625 

250 

125 

.58 
40 
2.5 
31.25 


1,000  rations 
1  ration 


2, 074. 33 
2.07 


Pounds. 

1,000 

625 

250 

125 

.58 
40 
2.5 
31.25 
100 


2,174.33 
2.17 


Our  investigation  showed  that  rations  as  above  indicated  were  issued, 
and  always  on  hand  in  abundance.  The  department  exercised  great 
vigilance  in  the  inspection  of  all  articles,  and  obtained,  as  far  as  we  can 
ascertain,  the  best  quality  for  the  price  paid. 

In  addition  to  the  regular  ration,  the  Subsistence  Department  had 
for  sale  to  officers  and  enlisted  men  many  articles  in  the  nature  of 
personal  convenience  and  food  delicacies.  The  troops  not  using  all 
the  ration  had  what  is  known  as  "company  savings."  These  the 
department  purchased,  or  they  could  be  disposed  of  anywhere,  money 
thus  obtained  being  added  to  the  company  fund.  From  this  fund,  which 
is  administered  by  the  company  commander  under  regulations  of  the 
War  Department,  purchases  for  the  exclusive  benefit  of  the  enlisted 
men  are  made,  thus  giving  a  greater  variety  to  the  ration.  From 
reports  received  from  officers  serving  in  the  tropics,  it  is  thought  that 
the  ration  would  be  improved  by  adding  more  sugar  and  rice  and 
some  dried  fruits.  With  these  additions  it  is  believed  that  it  in  all 
respects  will  be  suitable  for  any  climate.  The  cost  of  the  garrison 
ration,  based  on  New  York  prices,  during  the  winter  preceding  the 
breaking  out  of  the  Spanish  war,  was  13.68  cents,  and  the  cost  toward 
the  end  of  the  war  was  15.17  cents. 

There  were  sent  to  Cuba  when  the  Fifth  Corps  sailed,  on  June  14, 
approximately  2,000,000  rations,  being  about  four  months'  supplies  for 
16,000  men.    When  reeuforcements  were  sent  on  June  22  about  500,000 


152         INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

additional  rations  were  shipped,  seventy-five  days'  supplies  for  6,400 
men,  and  in  addition,  a  large  supply  of  sales  articles,  all  from  Tampa. 
During  June  and  July  large  quantities  of  the  various  components  of 
the  ration,  as  also  sales  articles,  were  shipped  from  New  York  and 
Chicago. 

A  cargo  of  refrigerated  beef  was  sent  to  Santiago  and  arrived  on 
July  21,  1898,  the  day  after  the  port  was  opened. 

Approximately  2,000,000  rations  (together  with  refrigerated  beef) 
were  sent  to  Porto  Rico,  being  about  four  months'  supplies  for  10,000 
troops. 

The  Hawaiian  and  Philippine  islands  were  kept  fully  supplied.  In 
the  Hawaiian  Islands  beef  was  purchased  from  the  native  butchers. 
This,  judging  from  reports,  was  not  as  satisfactory  as  the  American 
refrigerated  beef  which  the  various  transports  carried.  The  troops  in 
the  Philippines  were  furnished  frozen  beef  from  Australia.  The  Navy 
had  a  refrigerator  ship  laden  with  it,  and  an  arrangement  was  made 
whereby  the  troops  were  to  purchase  from  the  Navy  until  its  supply 
was  exhausted,  at  which  time  the  Subsistence  Department  expected 
a  cargo  of  frozen  beef  to  be  in  Manila  and  the  Navy  was  then  to  obtain 
supply  therefrom. 

The  Commission  has  carefully  investigated  the  subject  of  the  condi- 
tion, quality,  and  quantity  of  the  food  supplied  to  the  Army.  Almost 
without  exception  it  has  been  shown  by  the  testimony  taken  that 
wherever  the  troops  were  ordered,  whether  to  the  various  camps  in  the 
United  States,  or  in  Porto  Rico,  Cuba,  and  Manila,  the  rations  prescribed 
by  law  were  on  the  transports  and  at  the  camps  with  the  soldiers. 

So  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  ascertain  there  was  but  one  occasion, 
that  of  a  day,  in  front  of  Santiago,  when  the  troops  were  seriously 
short  of  rations;  these  had  been  supplied  but  thrown  aside  when  the 
men  went  into  action;  the  condition  of  roads  and  lack  of  transporta- 
tion prevented  prompt  reissue.  At  times  the  vegetable  ration  was  not 
of  good  quality,  the  potatoes  and  onions  being  spoiled.  Condemned  by 
a  board  of  survey  such  vegetables  were  destroyed  and  an  equivalent 
part  of  the  ration  issued.  Some  trouble  occurred  because  such  vegeta- 
bles and  other  damaged  food  were  disposed  of  by  the  compauy  without 
the  warrant  of  a  board  of  survey.  This  was  done  through  ignorance, 
their  officers  not  knowing  what  was  necessary  to  be  done. 

All  the  inspectors  of  the  Army,  who  were  examined  touching  the  quan- 
tity and  quality  of  food,  testified  that  it  was  not  only  abundant  but  of 
unusually  good  quality,  one  of  them  stating  that  "  the  troops  at  Chicka- 
mauga  were  constantly  kept  supplied  with  vegetables,  fresh  bread,  and 
fresh  meat.  Each  company  and  each  command  was  supplied  with  ample 
cooking  arrangements,  the  Buzzacott  stove  being  used.  There  was  no 
lack  of  fuel  for  cooking,  and  if  deficiency  or  irregularity  obtained  in 
properly  rationing  or  feeding  the  soldiers  it  was  due  to  the  ignorance 
and  inefficiency  of  company  and  regimental  officers."  This  language 
was  also  embodied  in  the  annual  report  made  by  the  Inspector-General 


REPORT    OF   THE    COMMISSION.  153 

to  the  General  of  the  Army,  bearing  date  of  November  1, 1898.  The 
inspection  reports  quoted  in  this  annual  report  state  in  substance  the 
same  thing  about  the  meat  and  other  food  furnished,  and  the  Inspector- 
General,  on  page  47,  says :  "The  Commissary  Department  has  conducted 
its  business,  so  far  as  I  have  been  able  to  observe,  in  a  most  satisfactory 
manner  in  this  war;"  and,  on  page  56,  "The  quality  of  the  food  fur- 
nished is  generally  reported  excellent  and  there  has  been  no  complaint 
as  to  the  quantity." 

The  Commission  investigated  personally  the  quality  of  the  food 
issued  at  Jacksonville,  Anniston,  Huntsville,  Knoxville,  Lexington, 
and  Camp  Meade,  interrogating  large  numbers  of  soldiers,  and  hear- 
ing few  complaints  as  to  the  quality  or  quantity  of  rations  issued. 
Some  complaint  was  made  about  the  manner  of  preparing  the  rations, 
but  no  one  testified  that  the  rations  prescribed  by  law  were  not  issued 
regularly,  and  if  any  part  thereof  was  spoiled  they  stated  that  the 
same  was  supplied  on  application  to  the  subsistence  department,  pro- 
vided proper  condemnation  of  the  decayed  food  was  made,  as  pre- 
scribed by  law.  Officers  and  enlisted  men  testified  that  when  camps 
were  moved  the  proper  ration  was  issued. 

RECOMMENDATIONS.. 

At  each  State  camp  of  instruction  an  officer  of  the  Subsistence 
Department  should  be  detailed  for  the  purpose  of  instructing  officers 
and  men  in  the  method  of  making  requisitions,  the  use  of  the  ration, 
and  the  care  of  subsistence  supplies.  Instead  of  a  caterer  furnishing 
meals,  the  men  should  do  their  own  cooking,  using  the  regular  ration 
and  such  articles  as  are  for  sale  by  the  commissary.  Each  regiment 
should  have  an  officer  to  act  as  regimental  commissary,  and  also  a 
regimental  commissary-sergeant. 

All  cooking  and  eating  utensils  should  be  furnished  by  the  Subsist- 
ence Department.  Under  the  present  system  utensils  are  furnished 
by  each  of  three  departments,  thereby  producing  confusion.  So 
important  to  the  welfare  of  a  company  is  a  good  cook  that  it  is  of  the 
utmost  importance  that  some  method  be  devised  whereby  he  may  be 
obtained.  Probably  the  best  method  would  be  to  increase  the  pay  to 
$25  a  month  and  establish  cooking  schools,  where  on  enlistment  men 
could  be  sent  and  taught  the  best  methods  of  army  cooking.  Company 
cooks  should  in  turn  instruct  each  member  of  the  company.  The  army 
cookbook  contains  in  detail  description  of  the  methods  of  garrison  and 
field  cooking.  It  was  liberally  distributed,  but  the  troops  did  not,  as  a 
rule,  avail  themselves  of  the  information  to  be  found  in  it. 

REFRIGERATED  BEEF. 

This  commission  was  organized  the  24th  day  of  September  last.  Up 
to  the  21st  day  of  December  its  members  had  taken  testimony  in 
seventeen  different  towns  and  cities  and  nine  camps.  It  had  also 
received  many  hundred  letters,  communications,  and  newspaper  clip- 


154         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

pings  from  persons  living  in  all  parts  of  the  country.  Examination  of 
numerous  officers  and  enlisted  men  had  been  made  as  to  the  quality 
and  condition  of  the  meat  issued  to  the  troops.  The  testimony,  with 
some  exceptions,  showed  that  the  refrigerated  beef  issued  was  pure, 
sound,  and  wholesome. 

The  question  now  is  not  whether,  under  all  circumstances  and  con- 
ditions, this  beef  can  be  kept  sound.  It  is  liable  to  decay  if  kept  too 
long  or  exposed  for  a  time  to  the  effects  of  heat  and  moisture.  The 
question  is  whether  chemically  treated  meat  has  been  issued  to  the 
soldier. 

The  subject  of  such  meat  seems  to  have  been  first  called  to  the  atten- 
tion of  officers  of  the  Army  by  Mr.  Alex  B.  Powell,  in  a  letter  dated 
May  25,  1898,  copies  of  which  were  sent  to  General  Miles,  General 
Eagan,  and  Hon.  Amos  Cummings,  in  which  he  incloses  the  following 
statement: 

In  conversation  with  Mr.  H.  O.  Armour,  of  the  Kansas  City  Packing  Company,  he 
tells  me  the  Government  anticipates  shipping  fresh  beef,  pork,  mutton,  etc.,  to 
Cuba.  As  I  have  had  long  experience  in  shipping  meats  to  Florida  at  all  times  of 
the  year  by  my  process,  I  beg  to  suggest  that  in  the  climate  of  Cuba  meats  exposed 
after  being  taken  from  the  ice  boxes  will  only  stand  up  a  very  short  time.  I  have  a 
process  which  I  have  been  using  for  several  years  shipping  meats  to  Florida.  It  so 
purines  the  meats  that  they  will  stand  any  climate  for  from  four  to  ten  days>  after 
leaving  the  ice  house. 

I  shipped  all  the  meats  used  at  the  Ponce  de  Leon  and  the  Alcazar,  of  St.  Augus- 
tine, Fla.,  from  the  time  they  opened  up  to  1894,  under  the  management  of  Mr.  O.  D. 
Seavey,  at  present  manager  of  the  Hotel  Champlain,  Clinton  County,  N.  Y.,  who 
knows  all  about  my  process,  if  you  will  kindly  inquire  of  him  the  results.  I  also 
shipped  all  the  meats  used  by  the  Tampa  Bay  Hotel  during  the  management  of  J.  H. 
King;  also  the  St.  James  Hotel,  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  and  many  others  up  to  the  time 
the  Chicago  people  commeuced  to  ship  refrigerator  cars  to  their  agency  there.  In 
fact,  I  shipped  one-half  the  meat  that  went  into  Florida  via  the  Clyde  Steamship 
Line  previous  to  their  having  broad-gauge  railroads  ruuning  into  the' State.  Of  this 
the  agents  of  the  Clyde  Line  will  bear  me  evidence. 

My  mode  of  shipping  was  in  common  barrels,  with  a  simple  bag  covering.  In  many 
cases  it  was  ten  days  on  the  trip,  and  I  never  lost  100  pounds  by  spoiling.  I  also  will 
refer  you  to  Count  De  Barry,  agent  for  Mumm's  Champagne,  New  York,  who  has  a 
residence  in  central  Florida,  who  has  for  the  past  ten  years  up  to  the  present  time 
used  no  meats  that  did  not  come  from  me  by  my  process. 

My  proposition  to  the  Government  would  be  to  process  all  their  fresh  meats  in  the 
cars  at  Tampa,  or  any  other  place  where  the  cars  could  reach.  I  can  process  10  car- 
loads, or  100,000  pounds,  in  four  hours,  at  my  own  expense,  and  put  the  meats  in  a 
condition  to  be  hungup  in  any  part  of  the  ship,  which  will  keep  in  perfect  condition 
for  from  four  to  ten  days.  I  simply  so  purify  the  germs  of  the  meats  that  they  will 
stand  the  destroying  elements  of  any  climate.  My  price  for  doing  it  would  be  one- 
half  cent  per  pound.  Kindly  send  this  to  the  proper  party  and  have  them  investi- 
gate.   I  shall  be  pleased  to  go  to  Washington  to  confer  with  any  party  you  suggest. 

May  27  this  communication  was  referred  by  the  Major- General  com- 
manding the  Army  to  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence.  The 
copy  of  Mr.  Powell's  letter  sent  had  evidently  been  previously  referred 
to  General  Eagan,  for  on  the  2Gth  of  May  he  wrote  him  as  follows: 

Your  letter  of  the  20th  instant  to  the  President  of  the  United  States  upon  the 
subject  of  preservation  and  shipment  of  fresh  beef,  pork,  mutton,  etc.,  to   Cuba  lias 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  155 

been  referred  to  this  office.  In  reply  have  to  say  that  the  subject  of  furnishing 
fresh  beef  in  Cuba  is  now  being  considered.  This  department  is  not  engaging  any 
one  with  methods  to  cure  meats.  If  it  purchases  meat  it  will  be  from  someone  who 
will  furnish  meat  and  guarantee  its  good  condition  on  arrival  and  for  seventy-two 
hours  thereafter,  or  who  will  slaughter  and  deliver  as  required,  wherever  the  troops 
may  be. 

This  correspondence  shows  doubtless  how  the  idea  that  processed  or 
treated  meats  were  being  used  in  the  Army  originated,  and  also  that 
the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence  did  not  entertain  the  propo- 
sition of  Mr.  Powell. 

On  the  21st  day  of  December  last  Maj.  Gen.  Nelson  A.  Miles,  upon 
the  written  request  of  the  president  of  this  commission,  appeared 
before  it.  He  refused  to  be  sworn,  as  all  other  witnesses  had  been 
except  one,  who  affirmed,  stating  that  he  would  make  his  statements 
without  being  sworn,  and  was  responsible  for  what  he  said.  He  pro- 
ceeded, and  for  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  this  investigation  the 
allegation  was  made  that  refrigerated  beef  issued  to  the  troops  had 
been  chemically  treated. 

In  the  statement,  revised  by  himself,  General  Miles  said : 

There  was  sent  to  Porto  Rico  337  tons  of  what  is  known  as  so-called  refrigerated 
beef,  which  you  might  call  embalmed  beef.     *     *     * 

He  proceeded  to  read  a  communication  from  Dr.  W.  H.  Daly,  major 
and  chief  surgeon,  United  States  Volunteers,  on  his  staff,  bearing  date 
of  September  21, 1898,  wherein  Dr.  Daly  stated  that — 

In  the  several  inspections  I  made  in  the  various  camps  and  troopships  at  Tampa, 
Jacksonville,  Chickamauga,  and  Porto  Rico  I  found  the  fresh  beef  to  be  apparently 
preserved  with  secret  chemicals  which  destroy  its  natural  flavor,  and  which  I  also 
believe  to  be  detrimental  to  the  health  of  the  troops. 

The  entire  report  is  as  follows : 

Washington,  D.  C,  September  21, 1898. 
The  Assistant  Adjutant- Generax, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  in  the  interest  of  the  service,  that  in  the  several 
inspections  I  made  in  the  various  camps  and  troopships  at  Tampa,  Jacksonville, 
Chickamauga,  and  Porto  Rico,  that  I  found  the  fresh  beef  to  be  apparently  preserved 
with  secret  chemicals,  which  destroys  its  natural  flavor,  and  which  I  also  believe  to 
be  detrimeutal  to  the  health  of  the  troops. 

While  on  duty  at  headquarters  of  the  army  at  Tampa  at  the  time  of  the  embarka- 
tion of  the  "  Shafter  expedition,"  Colonel  Weston,  the  efficient  chief  commissary, 
showed  me  a  quarter  of  beef  that  had  already,  as  a  test,  been  sixty  hours  in  the 
sun  without  being  perceptibly  tainted,  so  far  as  the  sense  of  smell  could  detect. 

It  is  impossible  to  keep  fresh  beef  so  loug  untainted  in  the  sun  in  that  climate 
without  the  use  of  deleterious  preservatives,  such  as  boric  acid,  salicylic  acid,  or 
nitrate  potash,  injected  into  it  in  quantities  liable  to  be  hurtful  to  the  health  of 
the  consumer. 

At  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  much  of  the  beef  I  examined  arriving  on  the  transports 
from  the  United  States  was  also  of  the  same  character,  being  apparently  preserved 
by  injecting  chemicals  to  aid  deficient  cold  storage. 

"Where  efficient  cold  storage  is  impossible  transporting  beef  alive  is  the 
method  that  should  receive  the  fullest  consideration  by  the  Government  as  being 


158  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

safest  for  the  health  of  the  consumer.  When  detailed  to  take  charge  of  the  trans- 
port Panama,  for  conveying  convalescents  to  the  United  States,  I  obtained  2,000 
pounds  of  fresh  beef  from  the  commissary  at  Ponce.  It  looked  well,  but  had  an 
odor  similar  to  that  of  a  dead  human  body  after  being  injected  with  preservatives, 
and  it  tasted  when  first  cooked  like  decomposed  boric  acid,  while  after  standing  a 
day  for  further  inspection  it  became  so  bitter,  nauseous,  and  unpalatable  as  to  be 
quite  impossible  for  use.  I  was  therefore  obliged,  owing  to  its  condition,  and  the 
just  complaints  of  the  sick  about  it,  and  the  disgustingly  sickening  odor  it  emitted 
when  being  cooked,  and  its  mawkish,  flat  taste  when  served,  and  the  safety  of  my 
patients — 255  convalescent  soldiers  on  board — to  organize  a  board  of  survey,  con- 
demn and  throw  1,500  pounds,  all  we  had,  overboard ;  consequently  the  convales- 
cents were  entirely  without  much-needed  fresh  beef,  making  the  duty  of  bringing 
the  men  to  the  United  States  in  an  improved  condition  a  very  difficult  matter. 

In  my  inspection  of  the  Fourth  United  States  Volunteer  Infantry  at  Jacksonville 
recently  I  observed  the  same  odor  and  taste  upon  the  fresh  beef,  but  not  so  marked, 
and  at  camp  of  Sixth  United  States  Volunteer  Infantry  at  Chickamauga  I  also,  at 
severally  inspections,  observed  it  markedly.  I  there  inspected  a  lot  of  beef  just 
issued  to  that  regiment,  and,  while  it  looked  well,  was  of  a  sickening  odor,  like  a 
human  body  dead  of  disease  and  injected  with  preservatives,  and  when  cooked  was 
quite  unpalatable,  consequently  likely  to  prove  an  efficient  cause  of  ill  health.  The 
men  complained  of  its  insipid  and  mawkish  flavor  that  high  seasoning  could  not 
conceal. 

Believing  that  the  Commissary  Department  has  been  imposed  upon  by  the  misdi- 
rected commercial  spirit  of  ^persons  furnishing  beef,  I  respectfully  recommend  that 
the  matter  be  investigated  by  experts  making  a  quantitative  and  qualitative  chemical 
analysis  of  the  several  preservatives  suspected  to  be  used  by  getting  samples  of  beef 
furnished  for  export  to  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico. 

If  the  question  arises  that  a  report  should  have  been  made  by  me  earlier,  I  beg  to 
say  that  I  have  endeavored,  with  all  my  opportunities,  to  first  inform  myself,  by 
observation,  of  the  conditions  above  noted  sufficiently  to  warrant  my  drawing  the 
attention  of  the  Adjutant-General  at  Headquarters  of  the  Army  to  the  matter. 
Very  respectfully, 

W.  H.  Daly, 
Major  and  Chief  Surgeon,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 

General  Miles  further  said : 

I  do  not  think  that  beef  such  as  was  sent  to  Cuba  or  Porto  Rico  would  be  good 
in  any  country  in  the  stomach  of  any  man. 

If  I  was  furnished  for  any  expedition  in  this  country,  or  any  other,  with  such 
stuff,  I  would  prohibit  the  men  from  taking  it. 

I  do  not  know  what  may  have  been  injected  into  it. 

*  **♦### 

The  understanding  is  that  this  is  a  secret  process  of  preserving  beef. 

This  last  was  in  answer  to  a  question  whether  Dr.  Daly  made  a  chem- 
ical analysis  of  refrigerated  beef.  He  further  said:  "It  may  be  that 
they  are  still  sending  the  stuff  down  there,"  meaning  Porto  Rico.  From 
these  quotations  it  is  apparent  that  General  Miles  distinctly  and 
unqualifiedly  stated  that  the  refrigerated  beef  furnished  to  the  troops 
had  been  chemically  treated,  or  was  "  embalmed  beef." 

Of  the  witnesses  examined  by  this  commission,  General  Miles  and 
Dr.  Daly  are  the  only  ones  who  make  this  charge. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  157 

General  Miles  did  not  state  that  he  personally  inspected  any  refriger- 
ated meat.  He  did  not  refer  us  to  any  witness  who  would  testify  that 
the  beef  issued  to  the  troops  was  embalmed  beef,  unless  his  reading  of 
the  report  made  by  Dr.  Daly  to  him,  the  true  date  of  which  Dr.  Daly 
stated  should  have  been  October  21,  1898,  may  be  considered  such  a 
reference. 

Although  Dr.  Daly  swears  that  he  informed  General  Miles  about  the 
1st  of  August,  1898,  that  he  suspected  that  the  refrigerated  beef  was 
chemically  treated,  it  does  not  appear  that  the  General  informed  you 
or  the  War  Department  that  an  officer  of  his  staff  had  made  this  dis- 
covery, nor  does  it  appear  that  he  at  the  time  ordered  any  of  the 
officers  under  his  command  to  probe  to  the  bottom  an  allegation  which, 
if  true,  concerned  the  health  of  275,000  soldiers  of  the  United  States. 
It  appears  from  the  report  of  Dr.  Daly,  which  he  handed  to  General 
Miles  October  21  last,  that  he  then  specifically  stated  that  the  refriger- 
ated beef  furnished  to  the  troops  was  "  apparently"  chemically  treated. 
It  does  not  appear  that  when  this  charge  was  made,  October  21,  it 
having  been  already  made  to  him  in  August,  1898,  that  General  Miles 
communicated  to  you,  or  the  Secretary  of  War,  or  to  the  Commissary- 
General,  the  belief  or  suspicion  entertained  by  him  that  refrigerated 
meat,  dangerous  to  health,  was  issued  every  day  to  the  troops,  in  fail- 
ure to  do  which  there  was  dereliction  of  duty.  It  is  true  that  on 
September  20  he  had  directed  that  an  order  should  be  issued  asking 
for  reports  relative  to  meats  issued,  but  the  order  specifically  mentions 
"canned  fresh  roast  beef"  and  nothing  else,  and  it  was  the  reports 
received  in  answer  to  this  that  were  presented  in  abstract  by  the 
General  at  the  time  of  his  appearance  before  the  commission  and  since. 

In  his  report  Dr.  Daly  does  not  make  the  all-important  statement 
that  he  had  already  chemically  analyzed  any  meat,  although  he  sug- 
gests that  such  analysis  should  be  made.  He  does  state  that  in  the 
several  inspections  made  by  him  at  Tampa,  Jacksonville,  Chickamauga, 
and  Porto  Eico  he  "found  the  fresh  beef  to  be  apparently  preserved 
with  secret  chemicals."  He  says  that  at  Ponce  the  beef  he  examined 
"  was  also  of  the  same  character,  being  apparently  preserved  by  injected 
chemicals." 

For  months,  as  it  appears,  Dr.  Daly  concealed  the  knowledge  of  the 
commission  of  a  crime  affecting  men  under  his  charge,  whom,  as  an 
officer  and  a  physician,  he  was  bound  to  protect. 

On  the  20th  day  of  January  he  appeared  as  a  witness.  He  was 
duly  sworn,  and  testified  that  he  commanded  the  steam  transport 
Panama  on  her  voyage  from  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  to  Fort  Monroe,  Va. 
She  sailed  about  September  4  last  with  150  convalescent  soldiers  on 
board.  The  day  previous  she  received  about  1,500  pounds  of  refriger- 
ated beef.  There  was  no  refrigerator  aboard,  but  there  was  a  quantity 
of  ice,  and  the  beef  was  put  on  it.  The  meat  did  not  keep.  It  was 
used  until  September  7,  and  on  that  day,  what  remained,  963  pounds, 


158         INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

was  thrown  overboard,  being  decayed,  and  putrid.  A  board  of  survey 
had  condemned  it,  but  neither  the  board,  nor  any  member  thereof, 
nor  Dr.  Daly,  at  that  time  suggested  or  intimated  that  this  beef  had 
been  chemically  treated.  Dr.  Daly  testified  that  previous  to  the  con- 
demnation of  the  beef  he  took  from  a  kettle,  in  which  some  of  it  was 
being  boiled,  two  bottles  of  the  broth,  and  having  corked  but  not  sealed 
the  bottles,  placed  them  in  his  portmanteau  for  safe-keeping.  One  of 
the  bottles  was  broken  and  the  contents  lost.  He  preserved  the  fluid 
contained  in  the  other  bottle  and  on  or  about  September  15,  at  his 
home  in  Pittsburg,  analyzed  it,  obtaining  a  residuum  which  exhibited 
the  characteristics  of  boric  and  salicylic  acid. 

Dr.  Daly  when  he  testified  had  in  his  possession  a  brownish  powder, 
which  he  said  was  the  residuum  from  the  broth  above  mentioned.  He 
consented  that  Professor  Clarke,  chief  chemist  of  the  United  States 
Geological  Survey,  should  analyze  the  substance.  It  was  so  analyzed, 
and  Professor  Clarke  testified  that  traces  of  boric  and  salicylic  acid 
were  found. 

The  meat  sent  aboard  the  Panama  had  been  kept  ashore  some  time 
out  of  a  refrigerator.  It  was  handled  by  several  persons  and  exposed 
to  deterioration  at  Ponce  and  aboard  the  Panama. 

It  is  to  be  further  noted  that  Dr.  Daly  afterwards  saw  other  beef  at 
Chickamauga  and  Jacksonville  which  he  suspected  to  have  been  chem- 
ically treated,  but  he  did  not  take  samples  of  the  beef,  nor  analyze  it, 
nor  did  he  at  the  time  report  his  suspicions  to  any  person,  so  far  as  is 
known  to  the  commission. 

Dr.  Daly  states  that  the  injected  meat  "tasted  when  first  cooked  like 
decomposed  boric  acid."  The  proof  before  us  is  that  boric  acid  in  meat 
does  not  decompose  and  that  it  has  no  taste.  He  speaks  of  the  odor 
emitted  by  the  meat,  but  the  proof  is  that  boric  acid  has  no  odor. 

After  being  delivered  from  the  refrigerator  ship  this  meat  was  on 
shore  under  a  shed.  The  commissary  received  it  as  good  meat  and 
issued  it  as  such,  but  there  was  no  refrigerator  at  Ponce.  The  meat 
was  exposed  to  the  elements  and  to  the  handling  of  many  persons. 

Little  attention  need  be  paid  to  the  statement  made  by  Dr.  Daly 
touching  the  question  of  beef  shown  him  by  Colonel  (now  General) 
Weston  that  had  already,  as  a  test,  been  sixty  hours  in  the  sun  with- 
out being  perceptibly  tainted,  so  far  as  the  sense  of  smell  could  detect, 
for  Dr.  Daly  says  that  he  has  implicit  confidence  in  General  Weston, 
and  that  whatever  the  latter  may  say  about  it  is  true. 

We  insert  here  a  copy  of  General  Weston's  testimony,  which  abso- 
lutely disposes  of  the  charge  that  the  beef  seen  by  Dr.  Daly  at  Tampa 
was  beef  that  was  furnished  by  the  contractors,  or  issued  to  the  troops. 

Question  1.  As  stated  (in  testimony  of  Colonel  Osgood),  four  quarters  of  beef,  said 
to  have  been  prepared  by  meat  process,  were  allowed  to  be  hung  up  on  the  deck  of 
a  transport  sailing  from  Tampa  that  the  preservation  power  of  the  process  might  be 
tested.     Please  state  fully  all  you  know  about  this  matter. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  159 

Reply.  About  June  8, 1898,  the  Comal,  on  which  I  sailed  to  Cuba,  lay  at  Port 
Tampa,  where  I  received  from  Mr.  Edwards  and  Mr.  Powell  a  few  cattle  to  test  by 
exposure  to  the  sun,  the  object  being  to  find  out  how  long  the  beef  would  last  before 
decomposition  would  set  in.  The  beeves  were  cut  up,  and  some,  if  not  all,  covered 
with  burlap.  Mr.  Edwards  said  that  the  beef  had  been  treated  in  a  closed  car  at 
Port  Tampa,  by  a  Mr.  Powell  of  New  York  city.  Mr.  Powell  was  present.  I  talked 
to  him  as  to  the  manner  of  treatment ;  asked  him  if  it  was  gaseous  or  liquid.  He 
said  it  was  a  simple  and  harmless  process,  and  if  the  beef  stood  the  test  and  his  bid 
was  accepted  that  he  would  submit  the  process  to  us,  and  if  not  satisfactory,  we 
needn't  take  it. 

I  took  the  beef  to  test  it,  and  asked  Mr.  Edwards  to  send  some  of  it  to  a  few 
regiments.  I  know  some  was  sent  to  Colonel  Wood's  regiment  (Rough  Riders),  and 
to  some  other  ships  where  the  Third  and  Sixth  Regiments  of  Cavalry  were,  and  to 
explain  that  we  wanted  the  beef  tested  by  exposure  to  the  sun. 

At  this  time  the  troops  were  subsisting  on  the  travel  ration,  the  meat  portion  of 
which  was  canned  beef,  so  that  there  appeared  no  probability  of  the  few  regiments 
I  sent  the  quarters  to,  to  get  it  mixed  up  with  fresh  beef  for  issue,  nor  could  it  be 
taken  for  an  issue,  as  all  of  the  three  beeves  I  had  received,  the  bulk  of  which  I  kept 
on  the  Comal,  wouldn't  have  been  more  tL^n  enough  for  one  day's  ration  for  one  regi- 
ment of  1,200  men. 

The  test  aboard  the  Comal  was  certainly  satisfactory,  as  the  beef,  covered  with 
burlap,  held  out  eighty  hours,  and  I  so  informed  the  Commissary-General  of  Sub- 
sistence under  date  of  June  11,  1898 ;  also  Mr.  Powell,  who  was  present. 

This  beef  was  at  no  time  the  property  of  the  United  States,  nor  was  any  of  it 
issued  to  United  States  troops.  During  the  process  I  examined  the  beef  frequently, 
sometimes  every  two  or  three  hours,  accompanied  by  the  surgeon-general  of  the 
Swedish  or  Norwegian  army,  by  the  doctor  on  board  the  ship,  and  others ;  indeed,  I 
was  so  enthusiastic  over  my  work  I  showed  the  beef  to  almost  every  passer-by. 
Among  others  to  whom  I  showed  the  beef,  was  Major  Daly,  surgeon,  whom  I  had 
observed  with  General  Miles  standing  on  the  bridge  of  the  ship,  to  whom  I  explained 
everything  I  knew  about  it,  namely,  that  it  was  beef  treated  by  Mr.  Powell,  and 
that  we  were  experimenting  with  it,  Mr.  Edwards  and  Mr.  Powell  having  furnished 
it  for  that  purpose. 

Question  2.  Was  any  specially  prepared,  i.  e.,  chemically  treated  beef  received  by 
you,  and  if  any  such  was  received,  was  any  issued  to  troops;  and  if  so,  to  what 
extent,  at  what  place,  and  to  what  troops  ? 

Reply.  No.  No  specially  prepared  beef  was  received  by  me  in  an  official  sense. 
The  beef  referred  to  in  reply  to  question  No.  1  was  received  by  me  for  the  purpose  of 
testing  it  after  the  maimer  indicated  in  the  same  reply. 

Question  3.  Did  you  ever  know  of  any  beef  being  supplied  to  the  Army  which  had 
been  treated  by  any  process  intended  to  delay  decomposition  through  the  action  of 
any  chemical  substance  other  than  salt  and  saltpeter? 

Reply.  No. 

Question  4.  Were  you  at  any  time,  either  before  or  during  the  war  with  Spain, 
asked  or  ordered  to  receive,  for  issue  to  troops,  any  so-called  fresh  beef  which  had 
been  treated  chemically  for  preservation  reasons  ? 

Reply.  No. 

Question  5.  If  you  were  so  asked  or  ordered,  state  when,  where,  and  by  whom  you 
were  so  asked  or  ordered. 

Reply.  No. 

It  may  be  well  briefly  to  describe  the  inspection  of  the  beef  by  the 
officers  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States.  Inspection  of  refrig- 
erated beef  is  provided  for  by  the  act  of  Congress  approved  March  3, 
1891. 


160         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

By  the  third  section  of  this  act  the  Secretary  of  Agriculture  shall 
cause  to  be  inspected,  prior  to  their  slaughter,  all  cattle  which  are  sub- 
jects  of  interstate  commerce,  and  which  are  about  to  be  slaughtered  at 
slaughterhouses  in  any  State  or  Territory  or  the  District  of  Columbia, 
the  carcasses  of  which  are  to  be  transported  to,  or  sold  in,  any  other 
State  or  Territory  or  the  District  of  Columbia,  and  he  may  also  make 
a  post-mortem  examination  of  the  carcasses  of  such  cattle.  The  exam- 
ination is  to  be  made  accordiug  to  rules  adopted  by  the  Secretary  of 
Agriculture,  and  after  such  examination  the  carcasses  which  are  found 
to  be  free  of  disease,  and  wholesome,  sound,  and  fit  for  human  food, 
shall  be  marked,  stamped,  or  labeled  for  identification,  as  may  be  pro- 
vided by  said  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Secretary  of  Agriculture. 

It  is  made  a  criminal  offense  to  forge,  counterfeit,  or  knowingly  and 
wrongfully  alter,  deface,  or  destroy  any  of  the  marks,  stamps,  or  other 
devices  provided  for  in  the  regulations  of  the  Secretary  of  Agriculture 
of  any  such  carcasses.  It  is  unlawful  to  transport  from  one  State  or 
Territory  or  the  District  of  Columbia  into  another  State  or  Territory  or 
the  District  of  Columbia,  or  for  any  person  to  deliver  to  another  for 
transportation,  as  above  stated,  the  carcasses  which  have  been  exam- 
ined in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  sections  3  and  4  of  the  act, 
and  which  on  said  examination  have  been  declared  by  the  inspector 
making  the  same  to  be  unsound  or  diseased.  Inspectors  are  author- 
ized to  give  official  certificates  of  the  sound  and  wholesome  condition 
of  the  cattle,  their  carcasses,  and  products,  and  one  copy  of  every  cer- 
tificate shall  be  filed  in  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  another  copy 
shall  be  delivered  to  the  owner  or  shipper,  and  when  the  cattle  or  their 
carcasses  and  products  are  sent  abroad  a  third  copy  shall  be  delivered 
to  the  chief  officer  of  the  vessel  on  which  the  shipment  shall  be  made. 

Under  this  act  rules  and  regulations  have  been  enacted  by  the  Bureau 
of  Animal  Industry,  and  will  be  found  in  Bulletin  No.  9,  issued  by  that 
bureau.    Dr.  D.  E.  Salmon  is  chief  of  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry. 

We  can  not  quote  in  full  the  complete  regulations  adopted  by  the 
Bureau  of  Animal  Industry.  It  is  sufficient  to  say  that  proprietors  of 
slaughterhouses  must  make  application  to  the  Secretary  of  Agricul- 
ture for  inspection  of  cattle  and  their  products.  This  application  must 
be  in  writing,  and  the  applicant  must  agree  to  conform  strictly  with 
all  lawful  regulations  or  orders  that  may  be  made  by  the  Secretary 
of  Agriculture.  An  official  number  is  given  to  every  slaughtering 
establishment. 

The  Secretary  of  Agriculture  designates  an  inspector  to  take  charge 
of  the  examination  and  inspection  of  animals  and  their  products  for 
each  establishment  which  has  been  officially  numbered,  and  details  to 
such  inspector  such  assistants  or  other  employees  as  may  be  necessary 
to  carry  on  the  work  of  inspection.  The  inspector  and  all  employees 
under  his  direction  have  full  and  free  access  to  all  parts  of  the  build- 
ing used  in  the  slaughtering  of  animals  and  the  conversion  of  their 
carcasses  into  food  products.    Each  employee  must  wear  a  badge.    An 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  161 

antemortem  examination  of  all  animals  arriving  at  the  stock  yard  for 
slaughter  shall  be  made  when  they  are  weighed.  Any  animal  found  to 
be  diseased  or  unfit  for  human  food  is  marked  by  placing  in  the  ear  a 
metal  tag  bearing  "IT.  S.  Condemned"  and  a  serial  number.  Such 
animals  are  placed  in  pens  and  removed  by  a  numbered  permit,  signed 
by  the  inspector,  to  the  abattoir  or  rendering  works,  designated  by  the 
said  inspector,  where  they  shall  be  killed  under  the  supervision  of  an 
employee  of  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry,  and  rendered  in  such 
manner  that  their  products  will  be  unfit  for  human  food.  All  animals 
must  be  inspected  before  they  are  slaughtered,  and  no  animal  shall  be 
allowed  to  pass  the  slaughtering  room  until  it  has  been  inspected. 

After  the  animal  is  slaughtered  each  carcass  is  inspected.  The  head 
of  each  animal  shall  be  held  until  the  inspection  of  the  carcass  is  com- 
pleted, in  order  that  it  may  be  identified  in  case  of  condemnation  of 
the  carcass.  Should  any  carcass  on  the  postmortem  examination  be 
found  to  be  diseased  and  unfit  for  human  food,  it  shall  be  marked  with  a 
metal  condemnation  tag,  and  shall  be  removed  to  tanks  on  the  premises 
and  deposited  therein,  and  rendered  in  such  a  manner  as  to  prevent  its 
withdrawal  as  a  food  product.  Any  person  who  removes  any  tags  may 
be  prosecuted  under  the  acts  of  Congress  of  March  3, 1891,  and  March 
2,  1895.  Carcasses  designed  for  interstate  or  export  trade  will  be 
tagged  by  the  inspector  or  an  employee  designated  by  him  with  a  num- 
bered tag  issued  by  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  and  a  record  of 
the  same  is  sent  to  the  Department  at  Washington. 

This  reference  to  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Bureau  of  Animal 
Industry  will  sufficiently  show  how  perfect  and  complete  is  the  super- 
vision of  the  Government  over  the  meat  products  of  the  country.  It 
is  of  course  barely  possible  that  in  spite  of  this  active  and  thorough 
supervision  the  meat  may  be  tampered  with,  but  it  is  improbable  that 
any  chemical  substances  can  be  applied  to  it  while  it  is  still  in  the 
packing  establishment.  When  this  inspected  and  tagged  meat  leaves 
the  establishment  of  the  packer  for  its  destination  it  is  put  in  a  car 
which  is  prepared  for  refrigerating  purposes,  and  this  car  is  sealed 
with  two  seals,  one  affixed  by  the  packer  and  one  by  the  railroad  com- 
pany. If  intended  for  exportation,  the  meat  is  delivered  from  the  car 
to  the  ship,  on  board  of  which  there  is  a  refrigerator  under  the  charge 
of  men  employed  by  the  packers.  It  can  not  be  said  that  it  is  impos- 
sible that  the  meat  while  on  a  car  or  ship  may  be  tampered  with,  but 
it  is  highly  improbable  that  such  a  thing  would  happen.  The  system 
of  cold  storage  has  been  for  many  years  largely  used  in  all  parts  of 
the  world,  and  without  the  use  of  chemicals  it  has  been  found  sufficient 
to  preserve  slaughtered  meats. 

In  the  contracts  made  by  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence 
for  the  furnishing  of  meat  at  points  on  the  seacoast  of  the  island  of 
Porto  Bico  occupied  by  the  army  of  the  United  States  it  is  provided 
that  refrigerators  are  to  be  supplied  to  all  ships  on  which  such  meat  is 
to  be  transported.  It  is  also  provided  that  the  contractors  shall  have 
7833— vol.  1 11 


162         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

and  operate  refrigerating  buildings  at  such  points  in  the  island  of 
Porto  Rico  occupied  by  the  army  of  the  United  States  as  may  be  neces- 
sary for  carrying  out  the  purpose  of  their  contract.  The  beef  to  be 
furnished  by  the  contractors  is  to  be  of  uniform  good  quality,  from  fat 
steers,  United  States  Government  inspected,  weighing  not  less  tban 
600  pounds  dressed  weight  per  carcass,  and  shall  be  refrigerated, 
chilled,  or  frozen  in  quantities  according  as  it  shall  be  called  for  by  the 
Commissary-General  of  Subsistence  of  the  United  States  Army. 

A  copy  of  this  contract  is  attached  to  the  testimony  of  Brigadier- 
General  Eagan,  and  a  reference  to  it  will  show  that  the  beef  was  to  be 
of  the  best  quality.  By  the  terms  of  the  contract  it  was  to  be  perfectly 
good  and  fit  for  use  seventy-two  hours  after  being  issued  from  the  ship's 
refrigerator,  or  twenty-four  after  being  issued  from  the  refrigerator 
buildings  to  the  proper  officer  of  the  Government. 

This  commission  has  made  earnest  efforts  to  arrive  at  the  truth  of 
the  charge  that  the  meat  furnished  by  the  contractors  to  the  troops 
was  chemically  treated.  We  have  hereinbefore  detailed  at  length  the 
testimony  of  the  single  witness  who,  from  his  own  declared  knowledge, 
advances  the  charge.  On  the  other  side  there  is  a  mass  of  proof  that 
there  is  no  truth  in  the  charge.  We  have  taken  the  testimony  of  many 
witnesses  who,  from  their  opportunities  to  know  the  truth,  were  able  to 
testify  as  to  the  character  and  condition  of  the  meat  issued  to  the  troops. 
The  Navy  uses  when  practicable  refrigerator  beef;  some  of  its  officers 
have  testified  to  its  soundness  and  excellence.  Many  officers,  Govern- 
ment inspectors,  noncommissioned  officers,  cooks,  and  privates,  have 
given  similar  testimony. 

It  is  an  established  fact  that  beef  kept  for  a  long  time  in  cold  storage 
gathers  upon  its  exterior  a  mold  known  as  the  "beard"  or  u  whiskers," 
which  gradually  affects  the  meat  to  a  depth  varying  with  the  length  of 
time  the  growth  has  been  forming.  Removal  of  the  affected  outer  por- 
tion usually  shows  the  meat  below  to  be  sound  and  fit  for  consumption. 
By  the  evidence  presented  to  the  commission  the  meat  has  been  traced 
from  the  animal  on  the  hoof  to  the  commissaries,  who  received  it 
from  the  contractors  and  issued  it  to  the  troops,  all  of  which  seems  to 
negative  the  idea  that  it  had  been  chemically  treated. 

The  commission  has  not  confined  itself  to  merely  verbal  or  written 
proof.  Immediately  upon  hearing  the  testimony  of  Dr.  Daly,  on  the 
20th  of  January  telegrams  were  sent  to  all  issuing  commissaries  in 
Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  and  at  the  various  home  camps  occupied  by  troops, 
asking  that  samples  of  refrigerated  beef  be  at  once  taken,  placed  in 
glass  jars,  securely  sealed,  and  forwarded  to  the  commission.  These 
samples  were  to  be  of  1  pound  weight  from  the  outside  and  1  pound 
weight  from  the  inside  of  a  quarter.  In  response  to  this  request  many 
samples  have  been  received  and  later  sent  to  the  chemists  of  the 
Agricultural  and  Interior  Departments  for  careful  chemical  examina- 
tion.   The  result  of  analysis  has  been  reported  to  us  in  29  cases,  and, 


REPORT   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  163 

as  will  be  seen  by  the  reports  appended,  in  no  specimen  examined  has 
either  boric  or  salycilic  acid  or  other  deleterious  chemicals  been  found. 
In  view  of  the  facts  above  set  forth,  the  commission  is  of  the 
opinion  that  no  refrigerated  beef  furnished  by  contractors  and  issued 
to  the  troops  during  the  war  with  Spain  was  subjected  to  or  treated 
with  any  chemicals  by  the  contractors  or  those  in  their  employ. 

CANNED  MEATS. 

In  considering  questions  concerning  canned  meats  it  is  not  the  duty 
of  the  commission  to  inquire  into  the  character,  kind,  or  condition  of 
all  the  canned  meats  that  may  be  in  use  in  this  country.  Our  specific 
duty  is  to  give  an  opinion  as  to  the  quality  of  those  furnished  the  sol- 
diers during  the  recent  war  with  Spain.  There  has  been  neither 
allegation  nor  proof  before  us  that  boric,  or  salicylic,  or  any  other 
acid  has  been  used  in  the  canned  meats  furnished  to  the  troops,  but 
such  meats  have  nevertheless  been  greatly  criticised,  and  they  have, 
for  that  reason,  been  tested  by  us  and  have  been  analyzed  under  our 
direction,  and  we  have  taken  a  great  deal  of  testimony  as  to  the  mode 
of  their  preparation.  The  canned  meat  is  ordinarily  taken  from  the 
forequarters  of  beeves. 

Under  the  regulations  of  the  Agricultural  Department,  each  article 
of  food  product  made  from  inspected  carcasses  must  bear  a  label  con- 
taining the  official  number  of  the  establishment  from  which  said  product 
came  and  also  contain  a  statement  that  the  same  has  been  inspected 
under  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  March  3,  1891.  A  copy  of  said  label 
must  be  tiled  at  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  Washington,  D.  C,  and, 
after  filing,  said  label  will  become  the  mark  of  identification,  showing 
that  the  products  to  which  it  lias  been  attached  have  been  inspected,  as 
provided  by  these  rules  and  regulations;  and  any  person  who  shall 
forge,  counterfeit,  alter,  or  deface  said  label  will  be  prosecuted  under  the 
penalty  clause  of  section  4  of  the  act  of  March  3,  1891,  as  amended  in 
the  act  of  March  2, 1895.  Each  package  to  be  shipped  from  said  estab-, 
lishment  to  any  foreign  country  must  have  printed  or  stenciled  on  the 
side  or  on  the  top  by  the  packer  or  exporter  the  following : 

FOR  EXPORT. 

(a)  Official  number  of  establishment. 

(b)  Number  of  pieces  or  pounds. 

(c)  Trade-mark. 

In  case  said  package  is  for  transportation  to  some  other  State  or 
Territory  or  to  the  District  of  Columbia,  in  place  of  the  words  "for 
export"  the  words  "  Interstate  trade"  shall  be  substituted. 

The  inspector  of  the  Department  of  Agriculture  in  charge  of  the 
establishment  at  which  the  meat  was  prepared  being  satisfied  that  the 
articles  in  said  packages  came  from  animals  inspected  by  him,  and  that 
they  are  wholesome,  sound,  and  fit  for  human  food,  shall  paste  upon 
such  packages  meat-inspection  stamps  bearing  serial  numbers. 


164         INVESTIGATION   OP   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

In  order  that  the  stamps  may  be  protected  and  to  insure  uniformity 
in  affixing,  inspectors  will  require  of  the  proprietors  of  abattoirs  and 
packing  establishments  the  adoption  of  cases  suitable  for  one  of  the 
two  methods  mentioned  below.  The  stamp  may  be  affixed  in  a  grooved 
space  let  into  the  box  of  sufficient  size  to  admit  it,  similar  to  that 
required  by  the  Internal-Revenue  Bureau  for  the  stamping  of  packages 
of  plug  tobacco.  Stamps  may  be  placed  on  either  end  of  the  package, 
provided  that  the  sides  are  made  to  project  at  least  half  an  inch  to 
afford  the  necessary  protection  from  abrasion. 

The  stamp  having  been  affixed,  it  must  be  immediately  canceled. 

Great  care  is  taken  in  the  securement  of  these  stamps.  They  are 
not  allowed  to  remain  loose  about  the  office  or  the  abattoir  and  strin- 
gent rules  in  this  regard  are  made  for  the  government  of  the  inspector. 
Whenever  any  package  of  meat  products  bearing  the  inspection  stamp 
shall  have  been  opened  and  its  contents  removed  for  sale,  the  stamp  on 
said  package  must  be  obliterated.  Keports  of  the  work  of  inspection 
carried  on  in  every  establishment  shall  be  daily  forwarded  to  the 
Department  by  the  inspector  in  charge  on  such  blank  forms  and  in 
such  manner  as  are  specified  by  the  Department. 

We  take  the  following  description  of  the  preparation  of  this  meat 
from  a  paper  issued  by  the  Agricultural  Department : 

In  preparing  the  meat  for  canning,  large  pieces  are  put  in  vats  of  boiling  water 
and  thus  cooked.  This  softens  the  meat,  makes  it  more  tender,  and  facilitates  the 
separation  of  bone  and  gristle.  After  these  are  removed,  the  meat  is  cut  into  pieces 
of  proper  size  for  the  can.  The  top  is  then  soldered  on  the  can,  but  a  small  hole  is 
left,  through  which  air  and  steam  escape  in  the  heating  of  the  can  which  follows. 
This  heating  also  kills  the  bacteria.  The  hole  is  then  closed  by  a  drop  of  melted 
solder,  and  the  can  is  hermetically  sealed.  The  cans  are  then  tested  to  see  whether 
this  handling  has  been  done  so  as  to  protect  the  meat  from  deterioration.  To  this 
end  they  are  kept  in  a  warm  room  for  a  number  of  days.  If  the  bacteria  have  not 
been  killed,  the  meat  will  decompose,  gases  will  be  produced,  and  the  cans  will 
swell.  The  number  of  cans  that  swell  and  thus  indicate  imperfect  handling  is  said 
to  average  about  one-fourth  of  1  per  cent.  The  meat  in  them  is  thrown  into  the 
waste  heap  with  the  intestines  and  other  refuse  and  made  into  fertilizers. 

This  statement  corresponds  with  oral  testimony  taken  by  us.  As 
appears  from  the  testimony  of  Dr.  W.  O.  At  water,  professor  of  chem- 
istry at  Wesleyan  University  at  Middletown,  Conn.,  it  is  impossible, 
by  the  process  described,  to  remove  from  the  meat  which  goes  into  the 
cans  any  considerable  part  of  the  actual  nutriment.  The  difference 
between  the  meat  as  prepared  in  this  way  and  that  ordinarily  cooked 
in  the  household  is  that  the  canned  meat  does  not  contain  the  bone 
and  gristle,  which  are  not  edible.  According  to  analyses  the  per- 
centage of  protein  in  boiled  beef  is  24  per  cent,  and  canned  26  per  cent. 
The  proportion  of  fat  in  the  canned  meats  analyzed  was  relatively 
smaller,  doubtless  because  leaner  meat  was  used  for  canning.  The 
value  of  meat,  as  of  other  foods  for  nourishment,  depends  upon  its 
digestibility;  that  is,  upon  the  proportion  of  nutritive  material  that  is 
absorbed  from  the  digestive  tract  during  its  passage  through  the  body. 
Numerous  tests  have  been  made  of  the  digestibility  of  fresh  meats  as 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  165 

ordinarily  cooked  for  eating.  The  number  of  experiments  made  with 
canned  meats  is  smaller,  but  there  is  no  reason  to  assume  any  consider- 
able difference  between  the  two. 

Nearly  all  the  protein  of  beef,  as  it  is  ordinarily  eaten,  is  digested 
and  assimilated  by  the  system.  The  high  nutritive  value  of  properly 
cooked  canned  meat  is  therefore  well  settled  by  accurate  experiment. 
In  the  great  stock  yards  in  Chicago,  Kansas  City,  and  elsewhere,  where 
nearly  all  of  the  canned  meat  is  put  up,  all  the  meat  is  inspected  on  the 
hoof  and  at  the  time  of  slaughtering  by  Government  experts,  who  are 
on  the  ground  all  the  time,  and  without  whose  examination  not  au  ani- 
mal is  killed;  and  no  shipment  of  meat  can  be  made  without  inspection 
without  violation  of  Government  regulations.  This  furnishes  a  guar- 
anty for  the  quality  of  the  canned  meat.  In  treating  of  refrigerated 
beef  we  have  minutely  explained  the  process  Of  inspection  as  to  refrig- 
erated meats,  and  the  same  applies  as  to  canned  meat. 

Dr.  Atwater  has  been  conducting  an  extended  investigation  of  the 
nutritive  value  of  food.  The  food  problem  has  also  been  very  carefully 
studied  in  Europe.  Distinguished  scientists  in  France,  Germany,  Rus- 
sia, and  other  European  countries  have  been  engaged  in  this  investi- 
gation. The  value  of  different  foods  for  men  engaged  in  ordinary  occu- 
pations, for  soldiers  in  time  of  peace  and  war,  and  persons  in  various 
other  conditions  of  life  has  been  studied.  In  treating  of  these  ques- 
tions Dr.  Atwater  has  said  that  in  the  cooking  and  canning,  which  is 
in  the  nature  of  boiling  rather  than  roasting,  water  is  expelled,  but  the 
amount  of  nutritive  material  removed  is  very  small  indeed,  so  that  a 
pound  of  ordinary  canned  meat  has,  on  the  average,  much  more  nutri- 
ment than  the  same  weight  of  the  fresh  meat  from  which  it  is  prepared. 
The  removal  of  the  bone  and  part  of  the  water,  while  so  little  nutri- 
ment is  taken  away,  leaves  the  meat  in  a  less  bulky  and  more  concen- 
trated form,  so  that  pound  for  pound  the  canned  meat  has  a  higher 
nutritive  value  than  the  fresh  meat. 

In  a  large  number  of  analyses  of  fresh  and  canned  meats,  collected 
at  Chicago  during  the  World's  Fair,  and  in  other  parts  of  the  country 
before  and  since  that  time,  and  analyzed  under  the  direction  of  Dr. 
Atwater,  these  proportions  of  the  nutritive  ingredients  in  the  canned 
meats  have  been  found  to  be  larger  than  in  the  ordinary  fresh  meats. 
This  is  especially  true  of  the  protein  compounds,  which  are  used  by  the 
body  to  build  up  its  nitrogenous  materials,  as  blood,  muscle,  and  bone. 
Among  the  analyses  made  by  him  some  of  the  largest  proportions  of 
protein  were  found  in  the  boiled  meats.  He  greatly  commends  such 
prepared  meats. 

The  use  of  canned  meats,  according  to  the  proof  before  us,  is  very 
general.  It  has  been  a  part  of  the  ration  in  our  military  service  since 
August  1, 1878,  as  appears  by  order  hereinafter  quoted,  confirmed  by 
General  Order,  No.  8,  February  8,  1888,  also  quoted.  It  is  issued  as  a 
ration  every  ten  days  in  our  Navy.  We  have  had  before  us  a  number 
of  abstracts  of  reports  made  by  officers,  reciting  that  the  tinned  meat 


166         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

issued  to  the  troops  is  unpalatable,  that  it  is  stringy,  that  it  is  coarse, 
flat,  and  tasteless.  On  the  other  hand,  other  officers  and  enlisted  men 
and  citizens  with  equal  opportunities  for  having  knowledge  have  testi- 
fied before  us  that  the  tinned  roast  beef  is  pure,  sound,  and  palatable. 
This  difference  of  opinion  must  to  some  extent  be  accounted  for  by  diver- 
sity in  taste.  We  ourselves  have  tasted  the  contents  of  several  cans  of 
the  meat,  some  of  which  had  been  issued  to  troops  in  Porto  Rico  and 
brought  back  by  them,  some  of  which  were  furnished  to  us  by  the  Com- 
manding General;  three  cases  bearing  the  brand  of  different  packers 
were  sent  at  our  request  by  Captain  Groome,  of  the  First  city  troop  of 
Philadelphia,  and  some  we  purchased  at  random.  Specimens  of  all 
these  samples,  were  furnished  to  expert  chemists  in  Washington  for 
analysis.  The  reports  of  these  analyses  are  appended  hereto,  marked 
Exhibit  P.  In  connection  with  them  will  be  found  a  report  from  Capt. 
A.  E.  Hunt,  of  the  Pennsylvania  Artillery,  in  which  he  transmits  the 
result  of  an  analysis  of  a  can  of  fresh  roast  beef,  taken  by  him  from  a 
case  which  had  been  issued  to  his  battery  in  Porto  Rico,  and  brought 
home. 

There  is  no  doubt  that  when  issued  to  soldiers  in  Cuba  and  Porto 
Rico,  where  it  was  exposed  to  the  heat,  and  where  they  did  not  have  the 
proper  means  of  treating  the  cans,  as  directed  on  the  labels,  and  could 
not  properly  cook  it,  the  meat  was  unpalatable,  especially  to  those 
suffering  from  malaria,  or  convalescent. 

The  result  of  our  own  testing  and  of  all  the  analyses  made  at  our 
instance,  as  also  the  analysis  made  by  Mr.  James  O.  Handy,  chief 
chemist,  Pittsburg  testing  laboratory  (specimen  referred  to  by  Captain 
Hunt),  is  that  the  canned  meat  which  has  been  brought  to  our  attention 
is  pure,  sound,  and  nutritive.  It  has  not  been  found  to  contain  any 
acids  or  any  deleterious  substance,  but  to  be  unadulterated  meat. 
The  testimony  before  us  is  that  the  canned  meat  is  not,  in  general, 
intended  to  be  issued  to  troops  except  as  an  emergency  ration.  The 
preponderance  of  the  proof  is  that  meat  on  the  hoof  and  the  refrigerated 
beef  are  more  acceptable.  A  number  of  officers  and  others  have  testi- 
fied that  the  meat  is  unpalatable.  Its  palatability  greatly  depends 
upon  the  mode  in  which  it  is  cooked. 

In  a  tropical  climate,  carried  on  the  march,  exposed  to  heat,  the  meat 
so  changes  in  appearance  as  to  become  repulsive.  In  the  Navy,  where 
the  meat  is  properly  cared  for,  there  has  been  no  complaint,  so  far  as 
has  appeared  in  evidence  before  us. 

After  careful  consideration  we  find  that  canned  meat,  as  issued  to 
the  troops,  was  generally  of  good  quality,  was  properly  prepared,  and 
contained  no  deleterious  substance.  At  times  probably  material  of  poor 
quality  is  issued;  in  one  of  the  cans  sent  to  us  and  examined  by  the 
chemist  a  large  amount  of  gristle  was  found. 

That  it  was  not  issued  "  under  pretense  of  an  experiment 'Ms  indi- 
cated by  the  fact  that  it  has  been  in  use  in  the  Army  for  more  than 


REPORT   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  167 

twenty  years,  as  shown  by  the  following  extract  from  general  orders 
from  the  Headquarters  of  the  Army  of  the  United  States : 

General  Orders,  )  Headquarters  op  the  Army, 

\  Adjutant-General's  Office, 

No.  59.  )  Washington,  August  1,  1878. 

By  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War  the  following  order  is  published  to  the 
Army: 

I.  The  following  issues  may  be  made  to  troops  traveling  upon  cars  or  transports, 
or  in  the  field,  when  it  is  impracticable  to  cook  their  rations,  viz :  Seventy-five 
pounds  of  canned  fresh  or  corned  beef,  and  sixteen  3-pound  cans  or  six  1-gallon  cans 
of  baked  beans,  or  15  pounds  of  cheese  per  hundred  rations — the  issues  of  canned 
beef  to  be  in  lieu  of  the  meat,  and  the  beans  and  cheese  in  lieu  of  the  vegetable 
ration  authorized  by  existing  regulations  and  orders.  None  of  the  above-mentioned 
articles  will  be  sold  by  companies  or  detachments  as  savings. 


By  command  of  General  Sherman : 


E.  D.  Townsend,  Adjutant-General. 


General  Orders,  )  •  Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

Adjutant-General's  Office, 


No.  8.  )  Washington,  February  8,  1888. 

By  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  paragraph  2150  of  the  regulations  is 
amended  to  read  as  follows : 

2150.  A  ration  is  the  established  daily  allowance  of  food  for  one  person.  For  the 
United  States  Army  it  is  now  composed  as  follows:  12  ounces  of  pork  or  bacon  or 
canned  beef  (fresh  or  corned),  or  1  pound  and  4  ounces  of  fresh  beef,  or  22  ounces  of 
salt  beef;  18  ounces  of  soft  bread  or  flour,  or  16  ounces  of  hard  bread,  or  1  pound 
and  4  ounces  of  corn  meal.  To  every  100  rations,  15  pounds  of  beans  or  peas,  or  10 
pounds  of  rice  or  hominy,  10  pounds  of  green  coffee,  or  8  pounds  of  roasted  (or 
roasted  and  ground)  coffee  or  2  pounds  of  tea,  15  pounds  of  sugar;  4  quarts  of  vine- 
gar, 1  pound  and  8  ounces  of  adamantine  or  star  candles,  4  pounds  of  soap,  4  pounds 
of  salt,  4  ounces  of  pepper ;  and  to  troops  in  the  field,  when  necessary,  4  pounds  of 
yeast-powder  to  the  100  rations  of  flour. 

By  command  of  Lieutenant-General  Sheridan : 

R.  C.  Drum,  Adjutant-  General. 

Official. 

Assistant  Adjutant-General. 

As  respects  the  quality  of  canned  meats  in  general  as  used  in  the 
Army,  the  following  communication  is  indicative  of  what  the  opinion 
has  been  of  those  best  informed  charged  with  the  duty  of  examining 
and  reporting  in  relation  thereto : 

War  Department,  Adjutant-General's  Office, 

Washington,  October  19, 1897. 
Mr.  W.  Clarke  Marshall, 

Produce  Exchange,  6646  Wentworth  avenue,  Chicago,  III. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  communication  of  the 
19th  ultimo,  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  giving  information  regarding  the  proper 
food  to  be  taken  to  the  sufferers  in  Alaska,  and  also  for  the  subsistence  of  the  troops 
there,  and  ascribing  the  sickness  in  that  locality  to  the  use  of  salt  meats,  and  in 
reply  thereto  the  Secretary  of  War  desires  me  to  call  attention  to  the  following 
remarks  of  the  Medical  Department  of  the  Army,  in  which  the  Major-General  Com- 
manding the  Army  concurs : 

"Canned  meats  put  up  by  reputable  firms  are  wholesome  and  have  the  full  nutri- 
tive value  of  the  meat  contents,  and  in  the  absence  of  fresh  meat  are  to  be  preferred 


168         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 

to  any  of  the  three  substitutes  suggested  by  the  writer.  Meat  when  salted  loses  a 
certain  proportion  of  its  albuminoids  and  extractives,  but  what  remains  is  valuable 
as  food  and  has  no  specific  influence  in  the  production  of  scurvy.  With  hard  bread, 
bacon,  pea  meal,  and  an  occasional  issue  of  fresh  beef,  or  in  its  absence  canned  meat, 
a  dietary  of  a  satisfactory  force  value  can  be  provided.  To  these  there  should  be 
added,  for  the  prevention  of  scurvy,  occasional  issues  of  potatoes,  onions,  or  canned 
vegetables,  or  in  their  unavoidable  absence  desiccated  vegetables  and  dried  fruit." 

Very  respectfully, 

(Signed)  W.  H.  Carter, 

Assistant  Adjutant- General. 
Mailed  October  19, 1897. 

All  the  above  in  quotation  is  the  indorsement  upon  the  letter  of 
Mr.  Marshall,  signed  by  C.  Smart,  Deputy  Surgeon-General,  U.  S.  A. 
The  indorsement  of  the  major-general  commanding  is  in  the  following 

words : 

Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C,  October  18,  1897. 
The  major-general  commanding  concurs  in  the  remarks  of  the  deputy  surgeon- 
general,  4th  indorsement. 

(Signed)  J.  C.  Gilmore, 

Assistant  Adjutant- General. 

Reference  has  been  made  to  reports  received  from  Army  officers  and 
transmitted  to  the  commission  by  the  Major-General  Commanding  the 
Army.  These  reports  were  made  in  compliance  with  the  following 
general  order,  issued  in  accordance  with  memorandum  *  submitted  by 

him: 

Adjutant-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  September  20, 1898. 
Commanding  General,  Department  of  the  East, 

Governor's  Island,  New  York: 
Major-General  Commanding  directs  that  each  regiment  of  regular  troops  in  active 
service  in  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico  be  called  upon  for  report  as  to  results  obtained  from 
use  of  canned  fresh  roast  beef  during  campaigns  in  those  countries. 

(Signed)  H.  C.  Corbin,  Adjutant-General. 

(Signed)  H.  O.  S.  H. 

(Same  to  commanding  general,  Department  of  Santiago,  Santiago,  Cuba;  command- 
ing general,  U.  S.  Troops,  Porto  Rico ;  commanding  general,  Camp  Wikoff,  Montauk 
Point,  N.  Y. ;  commanding  general,  Department  of  Gulf,  Atlanta,  Ga. ;  commanding 
general,  Department  Lakes,  Chicago,  111. ;  commanding  general,  Department  of 
California,  San  Francisco,  Cal. ;  commanding  general,  Department  Colorado,  Denver, 
Colo. ;  commanding  general,  Department  Missouri,  Fort  Omaha,  Nebr. ;  command- 
ing general,  Department  Dakota,  Fort  Snelling,  Minn.) 

*  Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Washington,  D.  C.,  September  20,  1898. 

MEMORANDUM   FOR  THE   ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 

The  Major-General  Commanding  directs  that  the  commanding  officer  of  each  regi- 
ment of  regular  troops  that  were  in  active  service  in  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico  be  called 
upon  for  a  report  as  to  the  results  obtained  from  the  use  of  canned  fresh  roast  beef 
during  the  campaigns  in  those  two  countries. 

When  all  these  regiments  have  been  heard  from  the  reports  will  be  sent  to  these 
headquarters  for  the  necessary  action. 

(Signed)  J.  C.  Gilmore, 

Brigadier- General,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  169 

MEDICAL  DEPARTMENT. 

BRIG.  GEN.   GEORGE   M.  STERNBERG,   SURGEON-GENERAL,  U.  S.  A.,  IN 

CHARGE. 

By  paragraph  1392  of  the  Regulations  of  the  Army,  u  the  Medical 
Department,  under  the  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  is  charged 
with  the  duty  of  investigating  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  Army,  and 
making  recommendations  in  reference  thereto,  with  the  duty  of  caring 
for  the  sick  and  wounded,  making  physical  examinations  of  officers  and 
enlisted  men,  and  furnishing  all  medical  and  hospital  supplies,  except 
for  public  animals." 

Prior  to  the  declaration  of  war  (April  21)  no  preparation  for  the 
approaching  conflict  had  been  made  by  the  Medical  Department.  The 
number  of  officers  was  as  it  had  been  in  time  of  peace.  Many  of  the 
older  surgeons  were  on  bureau  and  administrative  duty;  several  of 
the  corps  were  not  in  physical  condition  to  take  the  field.  Under  the 
Revised  Statutes  of  the  United  States  (Sec.  1259)  retired  officers  could 
not  be  called  upon  for  active  service,  and  for  want  of  appropriations  by 
Congress  it  became  impossible,  after  July  15,  1892,  to  employ  civilian 
physicians  under  contract. 

Seven  hundred  and  ninety-one  men  were  in  the  Hospital  Corps  on  the 
1st  of  May,  only  74  more  than  on  the  1st  of  January  preceding,  and  of 
these,  under  existing  laws,  not  to  exceed  100  could  be  hospital  stewards. 
The  privates  had  become  more  or  less  skilled  in  litter  bearing  and  first 
aid  work,  but  had  received  only  a  limited  amount  of  training  as  nurses. 

The  medical  supplies  on  hand  were  only  what  remained  at  the  posts 
of  the  semiannual  issue  of  the  preceding  January,  the  several  purvey- 
ing depots  at  New  York,  St.  Louis,  and  San  Francisco  not  having  as 
yet  received  any  of  the  medicines  and  stores  contracted  for  in  antici- 
pation of  the  regular  issue  of  the  coming  July.  Models  of  improved 
medical  and  hospital  chests  had  been  determined  upon,  but  no  contracts 
for  such  chests  had  been  given  out,  nor  was  it  thought  that  bids  for 
them  could  be  legally  asked  for. 

The  need  of  a  hospital  ship  had  been  made  known  to  the  Secretary 
of  War,  but  no  steps  had  been  taken  to  secure  such  vessel.  Only 
$20,000  had  been  given  to  the  Department  out  of  the  $50,000,000  emer- 
gency fund,  and  the  Secretary  of  War  had  directed  the  Surgeon-Gen- 
eral to  make  no  purchases  until  the  question  of  whether  or  not  there 
was  to  be  war  had  been  definitely  settled. 

More  than  a  week  before  the  President's  proclamation  of  April  23  was 
issued  the  regular  regiments  were  moving  or  under  orders  to  move. 
By  that  proclamation  the  National  Guard  to  the  number  of  125,000  was 
called  out,  and  thirty  days  later  there  was  a  call  for  75,000  more. 

MEDICAL  OFFICERS. 

Each  regular  regiment  had  a  medical  officer  and  each  volunteer 
regiment  a  surgeon  and  two  assistants.    These  medical  officers  of  the 


170         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 

volunteer  force  were,  with  few  exceptions,  unacquainted  with  the  mili- 
tary duties  that  would  necessarily  devolve  upon  them  in  the  field,  how- 
ever well  fitted  they  might  be  to  care  for  the  sick  and  wounded.  The 
act  of  Congress  of  April  22  directed  that  a  chief  surgeon  should  be 
on  the  staff  of  a  commander  of  a  corps,  on  that  of  a  division  com- 
mander, and  on  that  of  the  brigade  commander.  A  liberal  construction 
of  this  provision  of  the  act  Jed  to  the  appointment  by  the  President 
during  the  war  of  seventy-seven  surgeons  from  civil  life,  and  he  also 
commissioned  a  surgeon  and  two  assistant  surgeons  for  each  of  the  regi- 
ments of  United  States  volunteer  infantry,  cavalry,  and  engineers, 
as  it  was  organized.  By  act  of  May  12  fifteen  additional  assistant 
surgeons  of  the  United  States  Army  were  authorized,  as  also  the  employ- 
ment under  contract  of  civilian  physicians,  the  total  number  thus 
employed  being  between  600  and  700. 

None  of  the  medical  men  from  civil  life  commissioned  by  the  Presi- 
dent underwent  any  examination,  nor  did  any  of  the  contract  surgeons 
until  after  October  21.  No  rank  and  but  very  moderate  pay  being  given 
to  the  contract  doctors,  few  men  of  wide  experience  and  matured  judg- 
ment were  found  among  them;  though  among  the  civilians  commis- 
sioned by  the  President  as  corps,  division,  and  brigade  surgeons,  were 
some  of  the  ablest  men  in  the  medical  profession  of  our  country.  The 
testimony  shows  that,  as  a  rule  having  few  exceptions,  the  medical  offi- 
cers of  the  Army  were  faithful,  earnest  workers,  and  to  their  unremit- 
ting efforts  to  properly  and  skillfully  care  for  the  sick  and  wounded, 
often  in  the  midst  of  adverse  conditions,  is  in  large  measure  due  the 
unusually  low  mortality  rate  indicated  in  the  returns. 

At  Camp  Thomas  after  the  1st  of  July,  in  some  degree  at  Montauk, 
and  especially  in  Cuba,  there  was  a  scarcity  of  medical  officers,  due  to 
the  unexpectedly  large  number  of  sick  and  of  wounded,  and  the  break- 
ing down  of  those  on  duty.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  due  provision  by 
law  was  not  made  for  the  commissioning  of  surgeons  and  assistant  sur- 
geons, United  States  Volunteers,  on  the  general  staff  of  the  army  as 
are  the  medical  officers  of  the  regular  establishment.  There  would 
have  been  thus  obtained  competent  men  in  full  number  and  the  best 
interests  of  the  sick  beyond  question  subserved. 

NURSES  AND  NURSING. 

As  already  stated,  there  were  in  the  Hospital  Corps  of  the  Eegular 
Army  on  the  1st  of  May  a  little  less  than  800  men — 99  hospital  stew- 
ards, 100  acting  stewards,  and  592  privates.  By  the  act  of  Congress  of 
June  2,  permission  was  granted  to  increase  the  number  of  hospital 
stewards  to  200,  and  such  increase  was  rapidly  made.  In  the  act 
establishing  the  volunteer  force  (passed  April  26),  a  hospital  steward 
was  authorized  for  each  battalion,  but  no  provision  was  made  for  a  hos- 
pital corps,  though  such  corps  to  number  25  privates  for  each  regiment 
and  50  additional  for  each  division  had  been  asked  for.    The  failure  to 


REPORT   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  171 

provide  for  a  volunteer  hospital  corps  on  the  part  of  Congress  is  much 
to  be  regretted,  since  it  necessitated  the  disbanding  of  the  Hospital 
Corps  in  connection  with  the  regiments  of  the  National  Guard.  Not  a 
few  of  these  had  been  fairly  well  organized  and  some  were  quite  thor- 
oughly trained.  Many  of  the  men  of  these  corps  enlisted  as  privates 
in  the  regiments,  but  many  did  not,  and  of  those  so  enlisting  only  a 
limited  number,  some  by  transfer  to  the  Hospital  Corps  of  the  Eegular 
Army,  and  still  fewer  by  detail,  were  later  of  service  as  hospital  orderlies 
and  nurses. 

In  many  cases  it  was  found  that  former  members  of  the  Hospital 
Corps  of  regiments  of  the  National  Guard,  while  willing  to  care  for  the 
regimental  sick,  would  not  enter  the  regular  service  for  a  term  of  years, 
and  of  those  who  did  so  enter,  among  whom  were  a  few  physicians, 
some  druggists,  and  quite  a  large  number  of  medical  students  and  for- 
mer hospital  attendants,  much  discontent  prevailed  as  soon  as  the  peace 
protocol  was  signed  and  applications  for  discharge  became  numerous. 
The  great  majority  of  the  Hospital  Corps  men  secured  by  enlistment 
and  transfer  had  little  or  no  proper  training  as  nurses,  and  as  a  conse- 
quence were  largely  inefficient.  As  hospitals  were  established  and 
the  sick  became  numerous,  attendants  had  to  be  secured  by  detail  from 
regiments,  some  of  the  men  assigned  to  such  duty  being  of  good  char- 
acter and  anxious  to  serve,  but  the  large  proportion  in  every  respect 
unfit  for  nurses.  As  the  regiments  were  moved  the  men  belonging  to 
them  who  had  been  detailed  for  hospital  duty  were  called  in,  with 
resulting  derangement  of  hospital  organization  and  greater  or  less 
interference  with  the  proper  care  of  the  sick.  The  system  of  securing 
so-called  nurses  by  detail  is  a  bad  one  and  should  be  abolished.  If 
the  nursing  in  semipermanent  camps  and  hospitals  other  than  regi- 
mental is  to  be  done  by  men,  there  should  be  maintained  in  time  of 
peace  a  hospital  corps  of  size  proportionate  to  any  reasonably  to  be 
expected  emergency  demand  j  a  corps  trained  to  properly  care  for  the 
sick  as  well  as  to  dress  and  remove  the  wounded. 

In  the  last  twenty  years  the  value,  the  efficiency,  and  the  availability 
of  well-trained  women  nurses  has  been  demonstrated,  and  it  is  much  to 
be  regretted  that  this  fact  was  not  fully  realized  by  the  medical  officers 
of  the  Army  when  the  war  commenced.  It  is  to  be  remembered 
though  that  in  military  hospitals  in  the  field  women  had  been  employed 
as  nurses,  if  at  all,  only  to  a  very  limited  extent,  and  there  was  good 
reason  for  questioning  whether  a  field  hospital,  with  a  moving  army, 
was  any  place  for  a  woman.  Our  recent  experience  may  justly  be 
held  to  have  shown  that  female  nurses,  properly  trained  and  properly 
selected,  can  be  duly  cared  for  and  are  of  the  greatest  value.  Those 
who  have  been  serving  under  contract  in  our  military  hospitals,  and 
there  have  been  about  1,500  of  them,  have  with  scarcely  an  exception 
done  excellent  work,  and  it  is  to  the  high  credit  of  the  American 
soldier  that  not  a  single  complaint  has  been  made  by  any  nurse  of 
personal  discourtesy. 


17  2         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

These  women  nurses,  with  the  exception  of  those  belonging  to  the 
religious  orders,  and  certain  immunes,  chiefly  colored  women  sent  to 
Santiago  about  the  middle  of  July,  were  selected  by  the  Daughters  of 
the  American  Eevolution,  under  the  official  direction  of  Mrs.  Dr.  McGee, 
of  Washington,  for  several  mouths  past  an  acting  assistant  surgeon, 
United  States  Army,  on  duty  in  the  Surgeon-General's  Office.  Of  the 
members  of  religious  orders,  a  few  over  200  were  Sisters  of  Charity,  12 
Sisters  of  Mercy,  14  Sisters  of  the  Holy  Cross,  12  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph, 
5  Congregated  American  Sisters  (Indian  women  from  South  Dakota), 
quite  a  number  of  St.  Barnabas  Guild,  and  2  Sisters  of  St.  Margaret, 
the  two  organizations  last  mentioned  being  Protestant.  No  nurses 
were  furnished  by  the  Red  Cross  Society  proper,  except  the  few  taken 
by  Miss  Barton  to  Cuba.  Of  the  female  nurses  it  is  reported  that  they 
were  much  overworked,  especially  at  Montauk,  and  13  of  them  died. 

As  early  as  the  27th  of  April  Mrs.  Dr.  McGee  officially  asked  the 
Surgeon-General  if  he  would  accept  the  services  of  female  nurses,  at 
which  time  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolution  had  several 
hundred  applications  from  women  duly  trained.  On  the  13th  of  May 
four  nurses  were  sent  to  the  general  hospital  at  Key  West,  but  as  the 
Surgeon- General  was  unwilling  to  send  women  nurses,  except  when  they 
were  asked  for  by  surgeons  in  charge  of  hospitals,  few  were  placed 
under  contract  before  the  1st  of  July — less  than  50 — and  not  more  than 
100  before  the  15th  of  July,  at  which  date  between  2,000  and  3,000  had 
been  examined  and  approved  by  the  Daughters  of  the  American 
Revolution  and  were  subject  to  contract. 

MEDICAL  SUPPLIES. 

At  the  commencement  of  hostilities  the  Medical  Department  had  few 
medicines  and  practically  no  hospital  furniture.  The  economy  with 
which  it  had  for  years  been  administered,  due  to  lack  of  appropriations 
by  Congress,  except  for  annual  needs  of  the  Army,  had  prevented  the 
accumulation  of  any  reserve  stores.  No  contracts,  even  provisional, 
had  been  made  during  the  months  of  March  and  April  to  provide 
proper  furniture  and  food  stuffs,  funds  not  being  available. 

If -such  contracts  could  have  been  made,  if  in  open  market  supplies 
in  large  amounts  could  have  been  purchased  and  stored  ready  for 
prompt  shipment  as  needed,  much  of  the  complaints  and  wants  of  the 
sick  and  the  surgeons  would  have  been  prevented. 

As  the  regular  regiments  were  mobilized,  the  medical  officers  with 
them  were  ordered  to  take  for  immediate  use  such  medicines  and 
hospital  stores  as  were  at  the  various  posts  at  which  they  had  been 
stationed,  an  order  not  obeyed  in  all  cases,  some  of  the  regiments  as 
they  arrived  at  the  places  of  rendezvous  being  found  to  be  practically 
unsupplied.  The  several  supply  depots  having  but  little  material  on 
hand,  the  Surgeon-General  on  the  3d  of  May  telegraphed  the  governors 
of  the  various  States  asking  that  their  troops  might  take  with  them  the 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  173 

medical  and  hospital  supplies  belonging  to  them  as  national  guard 
organizations.  Sixteen  of  the  States  were  found  to  be  without  such 
supplies  and  a  large  number  of  the  others  had  them  in  but  limited 
quantities,  so  that  most  of  the  volunteer  regiments  on  arrival  at  Camp 
Thomas  or  Camp  Alger  had  neither  medicines  nor  hospital  stores. 

As  no  part  of  the  national  defense  fund  could  be  used  prior  to  the 
declaration  of  war  for  purposes  other  than  coast  defense,  to  secure  in 
advance  meant  direct  violation  of  rules  and  regulations,  the  result  of 
which  might  be,  under  the  existing  system  of  accountability,  official  or 
financial  ruin  or  both. 

By  the  1st  of  May  a  contract  had  been  made  for  the  medical  and  sur- 
gical field  chests,  the  patterns  of  which  had  been  previously  determined 
upon.  Delivery  of  these  chests  was  to  begin  in  a  couple  of  weeks,  but 
in  fact  it  was  the  last  of  the  month  before  any  were  ready,  the  issue  of 
the  various  articles  to  be  packed  in  such  cases  being  correspondingly 
delayed.  To  meet  immediate  wants,  on  May  12  a  few  medicines,  stores, 
articles  of  hospital  furniture,  bedding,  etc.,  were  ordered  to  be  placed 
in  common  chests  and  sent  forward  as  an  advance  outfit  for  regiments, 
twenty- five  of  which  were  ready  at  the  New  York  depot  on  the  16th 
of  May  and  five  at  St.  Louis  on  the  21st.  Authority  to  purchase  nec- 
essary medicines  was  promptly  given  to  officers  in  the  field,  and  such 
purchases  were  made  in  small  quantities  and  at  irregular  intervals. 
To  provide  for  the  wants  of  the  large  number  of  regiments  assembled 
at  Camp  Thomas,  a  special  supply  depot  was  established  May  23  at 
Lytle,  Ga.,  to  which  supplies  were  sent  from  the  St.  Louis  depot,  *the 
first  shipment  in  any  amount  not  reaching  its  destination  until  late  in 
May.  Local  depots  were  opened  at  Tampa,  Jacksonville,  and  other 
places  convenient  to  large  camps;  but,  though  there  were  these  sec- 
ondary distributing  centers  which  received  and  issued  in  the  aggregate 
a  great  amount  of  medicines  and  hospital  supplies,  there  was  very 
widespread  and  persistent  complaints  of  lack  of  what  was  needed  or 
was  thought  to  be. 

A  large  number  of  regimental  officers  and  hospital  surgeons  have 
testified  to  existing  deficiencies.  Commanding  officers,  inspectors,  and 
special  boards  called  attention  again  and  again  to  the  needs  of  the*  sick. 
As  a  rule,  with  comparatively  few  exceptions,  the  most  important 
and  most  necessary  drugs  were  to  be  had,  though  at  times  in  limited 
quantities,  or  could  be  secured  by  purchase  at  some  place  near  by. 

What  were  the  reasons  for  the  existence  of  these  wants?  In  the  first 
place,  the  almost  absolute  lack  of  any  supplies  in  store  when  the  war 
broke  out.  Medicines  could  be  purchased  in  any  quantity  and  without 
delay,  as  could  bedding  and  certain  articles  of  hospital  furniture,  but 
other  articles  of  adopted  pattern,  as  surgical  instruments  or  cots  of 
special  design,  could  not.  Time  was  lost  in  having  manufactured 
standard  chests  of  various  kinds  to  contain  drugs,  stores,  dressings, 
furniture,  etc.,  and  the  making  of  these  articles  never  kept  up  with  the 
demand  for  them. 


174         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Next,  the  too  restricted  supply  table,  which  might  very  properly  have 
had  upon  it  a  number  of  drugs  in  common  use  in  civil  life,  the  issue  of 
which  had  not-been  authorized  by  the  Medical  Department  of  the  Army. 

Next,  the  lack  of  knowledge  on  the  part  of  untrained  medical  officers 
how  to  get  w.hat  they  needed  when  it  was  on  hand  and  ready  for  issue. 

Next,  the  unwise  restrictions  put  upon  medical  officers  by  chief  sur- 
geons, notably  at  Camp  Thomas,  as  respects  the  form  of  requisitions 
and  the  articles  that  might  be  called  for. 

Next,  the  taking  away  of  regimental  supplies  to  fit  up  division  hos- 
pitals, and  the  issue  of  medicines  to  regiments  only  through  such 
hospitals. 

Next,  the  actual  want  of  supplies  at  local  depots  or  the  difficulty  of 
getting  them  out  of  such  depots  on  approved  requisitions. 

Next,  the  necessary  draining  of  scantily  supplied  depots  to  tit  out 
troops  about  to  move. 

Many  times  the  scarcity  was  apparent,  not  real,  articles  being  wanted 
that  could  not  readily  and  safely  be  transported,  and  therefore  were 
not  for  issue,  or  were  of  questionable  value,  or  were  preparations  the 
place  of  which  could  be  supplied  by  articles  already  on  hand  of  like  or 
essentially  the  same  therapeutic  character. 

The  reasons  stated  are  those  which  concern  the  Medical  Department, 
for  which  it  may  properly  be  interrogated.  But  no  small  part  of  the 
troubles  consequent  upon  lack  of  supplies  was  due  to  the  slowness  with 
which  such  supplies  were  transported  and  the  failure  to  properly  deliver 
them,  the  responsibility  for  which  rests  upon  the  Quartermaster's 
Department. 

In  the  earlier  weeks  this  department  objected  very  strongly  to  ship- 
ping by  express,  because  of  the  expense,  and  again  and  again  trans- 
portation by  so-called  fast  freight  occupied  many  days,  at  times  weeks, 
e.  g.,  to  cite  but  one  out  of  the  many  cases  stated  in  evidence,  supplies 
sent  from  the  St.  Louis  depot  to  Ohickamauga  May  17  were  not  received 
by  the  end  of  the  month.  The  stores  were  often  sent  in  comparatively 
small  quantities,  much  less  than  a  carload ;  the  railway  lines  were 
blocked  for  miles  with  unloaded  cars,  and  in  the  absence  of  cards  on 
the  outside  indicating  the  kind  of  freight  within,  medical  stores  could 
be  found  only  by  the  opening  of  many  cars  and  the  overhauling  of 
what  they  held.  In  a  number  of  instances  medical  supplies,  once  even 
to  the  extent  of  a  complete  outfit  of  a  200-  bed  hospital,  were  lost  for 
weeks;  in  a  few  cases  to  be  found  ouly  upon  the  cleaning  out  of  aban- 
doned warehouses. 

Bad  as  the  conditions  were  on  land,  they  were  worse  when  the 
transportation  was  across  the  sea.  Medicines,  stores,  and  hospital 
furniture  were  often  put  in  the  holds  of  transports  for  Cuba  and 
Porto  Eico  under  all  sorts  of  freight.  At  Siboney  and  Daiquiri, 
because  of  the  lack  of  proper  landing  facilities,  and  the  difficulties 
of  finding  ships  and  getting  at  their  contents,  perhaps  a  full  third 
of  the  supplies  taken  aboard  at  Tampa  early  in  June  were  not 
put  on  shore  until  the  middle  of  July,  after  the  surrender  of  Santiago 


REPORT   OF   THE    COMMISSION.  175 

and  the  opening  of  its  harbor,  and  some  of  these  stores  were  carried 
north  to  be  later  brought  back  undisturbed.  On  the  transport 
Grande  Duchesse,  sailing  from  Charleston  on  the  20th  of  July,  and  on 
the  Mobile,  sailing  from  the  same  port  on  the  21st  of  July,  were  large 
quantities  of  medicines  and  hospital  stores  for  the  Fifth  Corps  in  Cuba, 
which  were  carried  to  Porto  Rico,  where  the  vessels  were  detained  for 
seven  and  ten  days,  respectively,  and  did  not  reach  Santiago,  the  Grande 
Duehesse  until. August  2  and  the  Mobile  August  10.  Had  these  medi- 
cines and  hospital  stores  for  the  troops  in  Cuba  been  sent  direct  instead 
of  by  way  of  Porto  Rico  they  would  have  been  received  and  in  the 
hands  of  those  requiring  them  days  before  the  4th  of  August,  when 
General  Shatter  reported  by  telegram  the  extreme  shortness  existing 
and  declared  it  to  be  a  "  chronic  condition."  The  supplies  on  the  Concho 
for  the  troops  in  Porto  Rico  were  so  stored  in  the  hold  that  they  were 
not  gotten  at  until  after  the  ship  had  gone  to  Arroyo,  partially 
unloaded,  and  returned  to  Ponce  a  week  later. 

The  loading,  shipping,  and  unloading  of  medical  stores  are  not  done 
under  the  orders  of  the  Medical  but  of  the  Quartermaster's  Depart- 
ment, and  the  Medical  Department  is  not  responsible  therefor.  The 
blame  for  so  much  of  the  lack  of  medical  supplies  as  was  the  result  of 
slow  transportation  and  failure  to  deliver,  and  it  is  no  small  portion 
thereof,  must  rest  upon  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  the  system 
it  follows,  and  the  officers  belonging  to  it. 

The  lack  of  supplies  in  Cuba  for  six  weeks  after  the  landing  of  the 
expeditionary  force  was  so  great,  and  its  results  at  times  so  threatening, 
that  it  should  be  noticed  somewhat  in  detail.  Just  on  the  eve  of 
embarkation  at  Tampa  there  was  put  upon  the  transports  the  outfit  of 
one  division  hospital  and  a  part  of  another,  and  an  amount  of  medicines 
and  dressings  deemed  sufficient  for  the  needs  of  the  force  expected  to 
be  able  to  capture  the  city  of  Santiago  without  sei  ious  loss,  open  up 
the  harbor,  and  get  away  to  some  other  place,  in  Porto  Rico  or  Cuba. 
Only  seven  ambulances  were  taken,  and  this  by  order  of  General  Shaf- 
ter,  who  has  accepted  the  responsibility  and  frankly  acknowledged  that 
it  would  have  been  better  had  more  been  carried  along.  Even  of  these 
seven,  only  three  were  at  the  disposal  of  the  medical  officers  on  July  1. 
Arrived  on  the  Cuban  coast,  the  division  hospital  outfit  was  landed,  but 
without  tents,  and  as  no  transportation  of  any  kind,  save  the  horses 
of  medical  officers,  was  furnished  for  this  hospital  until  after  its  estab- 
lishment toward  the  front  on  the  third  day,  only  such  supplies  were 
carried  forward  as  could  be  taken  on  the  horses  just  mentioned  and  in 
the  hands  of  the  men  of  the  Hospital  Corps.  The  fragmentary  outfit  of 
the  cavalry  division  was  also  landed  and  moved  forward  in  much  the 
same  way. 

Of  the  regimental  outfits  but  few  were  unloaded,  and  those  taken 
ashore  were,  for  want  of  transportation,  almost  without  exception 
left  behind  when  the  troops  moved  to  the  front,    While  there  were 


176         INVESTIGATION    OF   CONDUCT    OF   WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 

surgical  dressings  enough  for  a  first  treatment  of  the  large  number 
of  wounded  from  the  fights  of  July  1  and  2,  there  was  no  food  for 
the  men  other  than  such  soup  as  could  be  made  out  of  the  commissary 
canned  meat  and  vegetables,  supplemented,  and  largely  so,  by  the 
more  proper  gruel,  milk,  cocoa,  and  rice  furnished  by  the  Eed  Cross 
organization,  and  prepared  and  distributed  by  Miss  Barton  and  the 
nurses  accompanying  her.  The  base  hospital  at  Siboney,  in  working 
order  July  1,  was  quickly  overcrowded  with  wounded,  and  had  scarcely 
enough  medicines  and  stores  for  immediate  use.  The  hospital  steamer 
Olivette  was  fairly  equipped  as  a  floating  division  hospital,  but  could 
only  to  a  very  limited  extent  furnish  medicines  to  the  troops  on  shore. 
By  the  end  of  the  first  week  in  July  the  medical  supplies  were  almost 
entirely  exhausted,  but  large  amounts  of  medicines  and  stores  were 
about  this  time  brought  by  the  Belief  and  later  by  the  Olivette.  These 
supplies,  in  turn,  were  so  quickly  expended  that  on  the  4th  of  August 
the  chief  surgeon  of  the  First  Division  reported  that  for  eleven  days 
the  only  medicines  he  had  on  hand  for  distribution  were  quinine, 
epsom  salts,  and  castor  oil.  An  emergency  purchase  in  open  market 
in  Santiago  was  ordered  and  made. 

Fortunately  for  the  sick,  at  various  times  and  in  many  places  private 
charity  came  to  the  rescue  and  a  large  amount  of  milk  and  ice,  of  deli- 
cacies, of  even  lacking  medicines,  instruments,  and  articles  of  hospital 
furniture  were  supplied  by  the  National  Eelief  Commission,  auxiliary 
Bed  Cross  organizations,  State  and  local  aid  societies,  and  individuals. 
Without  doubt,  at  times  undue  advantage  was  taken  of  the  opportunity 
thus  afforded  surgeons  to  get  what  they  wanted ;  since  no  responsibility 
attached  to  the  receipt  and  expenditure  of  articles  thus  obtained  as, 
there  would  have  been  had  they  been  drawn  on  requisition  from  the 
Medical  Department.  It  was  a  fact  and  one  to  be  regretted,  one  that 
should  not  have  existed,  that  again  and  again  agents  of  private  organ- 
izations had  on  hand  and  ready  for  issue  an  abundance  of  necessary 
and  needed  supplies,  when  officers  of  the  Government,  whose  duty  it 
was  to  furnish  them,  did  not  have  them  and  therefore  could  not  give 
them  out. 

From  the  very  limited  information  furnished  the  commission,  it  would 
appear  that  the  troops  sent  to  Manila  were  fairly  well  supplied  with 
medicines,  dressings,  and  hospital  stores  for  use  en  route  and  after 
arrival  in  the  Philippines. 

SICKNESS   AND   MORTALITY. 

During  the  early  weeks  of  the  occupation  of  the  various  camps  of 
instruction  (Alger,  Thomas,  and  Tampa  being  the  large  ones),  notwith- 
standing the  want  of  shelter,  of  proper  sanitation,  of  well-trained  regi- 
mental officers,  of  competent  cooks,  of  any  knowledge  on  the  part  of 
the  men  as  to  how  to  take  care  of  themselves,  there  was  very  little  sick- 
ness, except  of  a  comparatively  unimportant  character,  as  intestinal 
troubles  of  moderate  severity,  venereal  affections,  the  effects  of  recent 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION. 


177 


vaccination,  a  small  amount  of  measles,  etc.  A  few  regiments  had 
already  had  in  their  State  camps  some  typhoid  fever.  In  the  Fifteenth 
Minnesota,  at  St.  Paul  and  Fort  Snelling,  there  were,  in  August,  260 
cases  out  of  a  total  strength  of  1,323.  A  very  few  cases  of  the  disease 
appeared  in  some  of  the  regiments  soon  after  arrival  at  Ohickamauga 
and  Camp  Alger.  Malarial  diseases  quickly  began  to  prevail,  but  were 
controlled  in  ordinary  degree.  Of  a  little  over  150,000  men,  during  the 
month  of  May,  though  about  6§  per  cent  were  reported  sick,  the  deaths 
were  only  70,  i.  e.,  less  than  1  in  2,000  of  the  men  enrolled. 

In  June  sickness  was  twice  as  great,  but  the  deaths  were  still  few, 
hardly  1  in  1,500  of  the  main  strength.  In  July  the  sick  were  one- 
third  more  numerous  than  in  the  preceding  month,  the  death  rate 
was  three  times  as  great.  In  August  the  sickness  was  nearly  one- 
half  greater  than  in  July,  with  a  mortality  nearly  double.  In  Sep- 
tember the  sickness  had  diminished  nearly  one- third  and  the  death  rate 
about  40  per  cent.  Sixty  per  cent  of  the  sickness  in  July,  August,  and 
September  was  malarial,  typhoid,  and  diarrheal;  and  40  per  cent  of  all 
deaths  were  from  typhoid  fever.  The  mortality  from  diseases  of  all  kinds 
during  five  months  would,  from  the  returns  received,  appear  to  be  less 
than  1  per  cent  of  those  taken  up  on  sick  report.  Of  the  60,969  volun- 
teers at  Camp  Thomas,  first  and  last,  only  354  died  before  leaving  Ohick- 
amauga (0.58  per  cent),  and  only  995  (1.63  per  cent)  up  to  the  2d  of  De- 
cember, as  appears  from  the  returns  tabulated  by  Brigadier- General 
Boynton.  The  malarial  fever,  which  so  generally  affected  the  troops  in 
front  of  Santiago  and  produced  such  intense  debility  and  prolonged 
ill  health,  can  hardly  be  attributed  to  want  of  shelter,  food,  drugs,  or 
medical  attention,  though  there  were  all  these  wants,  since,  according 
to  the  statement  made  by  Major-General  Wood,  himself  a  physician,  it 
was  as  largely  prevalent  among  the  troops  stationed  in  the  locality  after 
the  return  of  the  Fifth  Army  Corps,  though  they  were  properly  sheltered 
and  cared  fcr,  and  many  of  them  were  supposed  to  be  immune. 

Of  typhoid  fever*  at  Camp  Alger,  Camp  Thomas,  Camp  Meade,  Camp 
Wikoff,  Tampa,  Jacksonville,  Santiago,  and  Porto  Eico,  there  were 
reported  13,770  cases,  with  906  deaths,  a  trifle  less  than  7  per  cent,  an 
unusually  low  mortality  rate. 


Statistics  of  typhoid  fever  in  certain  camps  and  districts. 


Cami>  or  district. 


Camp  Wikoff 

Camp  Meade 

Camp  Alger 

Camp  Thomas 

Camp  Tampa,  Fla 

Camp  Jacksonville,  Fla 

Camp  Santiago,  Cuba 

Porto  Rico 

Total 

7833— vol.  1 Il2 


Regimental  hos- 
pitals. 


Admis- 
sions. 


85 

956 

653 

1,380 

55 

1,742 

58 

204 


5,133 


Deaths. 


154 


Field  hospitals. 


Admis- 


24 

1,347 

80 

1,094 

212 

1,825 

116 

343 


5,041 


Deaths. 


31 


74 

18 

227 

3 

25 


378 


General  hospitals. 


Admis- 
sions. 


552 


450 
952 

1,193 

68 
381 


3,1 


Deaths. 


105 


57 
113 

65 


34 
374 


178         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT   OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

From  testimony  presented  it  is  probable  that  the  number  of  eases  was 
decidedly  greater  than  reported,  since  there  is  good  reason  for  believ- 
ing that  at  Camp  Alger,  and  especially  at  Camp  Thomas  and  in  Florida, 
many  cases  diagnosticated  and  treated  as  malarial  were  really  typhoid. 
The  error  of  diagnosis  was  not  made  by  all  surgeons,  but  the  opinions 
of  those  holding  that  the  prevalent  disease  was  not  malarial  were  often 
received  with  scant  favor  by  the  medical  officers  highest  in  authority  at 
the  camps.  In  one  instance,  to  which  attention  has  been  called,  the 
surgeon  in  chief  at  Ghickamauga,  under  a  threat  of  court-martial,  com- 
pelled a  surgeon  to  retract  his  statement  that  typhoid  fever  was  epi- 
demic, though  ill  point  of  fact  it  was  epidemic. 

The  outbreak  and  prevalence  of  this  disease  may  properly  be  attrib- 
uted to  the  combined  operation  of  many  causes.  Large  bodies  of  men 
who  are  not  soldiers,  under  officers  who  have  had  little  or  no  military 
training,  can  not  be  brought  together  and  held  for  many  weeks  in  camp 
and  remain  healthy.  If  the  water  supply  is  not  abundant  or  is  not 
good;  if  the  thoroughly  well-established  rules  of  sanitation  are  not 
observed;  if  the  discipline  of  the  camp  puts  little  restriction  on  drunk- 
enness and  immorality;  if  the  soldier  does  not  know  how  to  live  and 
his  officers  do  not  watch  him  and  teach  him;  if  his  food  is  poorly  cared 
for  and  badly  cooked,  and  he  is  permitted  to  eat  and  drink  anything 
and  everything  that  he  can  find,  sickness  certainly  will  prevail.  If,  as 
at  Camp  Thomas,  a  regiment  can  go  for  ten  days  without  digging  sinks; 
if  the  sinks  dug  are  not  used  or  they  quickly  overflow  and  pollute  the 
ground ;  if  practically  no  protection  is  afforded  against  the  liquor  sellers 
and  prostitutes  of  neighboring  places;  if  commands  are  crowded 
together  and  tents  are  seldom  struck,  or  even  never  during  the  occu- 
pation of  the  camp ;  if  no  one  is  called  to  account  for  repeated  violation 
of  sanitary  orders,  it  can  not  but  be  that  typhoid  fever  once  introduced 
will  spread,  rapidly,  widely. 

How  much  may  be  accomplished  by  intelligent  and  watchful  super- 
vision on  the  part  of  surgeons  and  regimental  officers  and  the  observ- 
ance of  the  well-established  rules  of  camp  sanitation  is  shown  by  the 
record  of  the  Eighth  Massachusetts  Volunteer  Infantry  at  Camp 
Thomas.  This  regiment  was  for  many  weeks  very  healthy,  while  much 
sickness  was  occurring  in  regiments  near  by,  though  the  conditions 
of  camp  site,  of  water,  and  of  drill  were  practically  the  same. 

The  responsibility  for  the  conditions  at  Ghickamauga  rests  upon  those 
who  assembled  over  60,000  raw  levies  and  kept  the  great  mass  of  them 
together  for  weeks,  and  upon  those  whose  duty  it  was  to  inspect,  advise, 
and  order — officers,  medical  and  military,  regimental,  brigade,  division, 
corps,  and  of  the  camp,  and  the  higher  the  authority  the  greater  the 
responsibility. 

Yellow  fever,  as  it  prevailed  in  Cuba,  was  of  mild  type  and  its  mor- 
tality rate  low.  That  its  outbreak  might  have  been  prevented  by  the 
burning  of  all  houses  at  Sibouey,  and  by  more  complete  isolation  of  the 
Cuban  and  Spanish  refugees  is  a  question,  but  certainly  the  chances  of 


REPORT   OF    THE    COMMISSION.  179 

avoiding  the  anticipated  and  much  dreaded  disease  would  have  been 
increased  had  such  measures  been  adopted.  That  it  was  kept  out  of 
our  coast  cities  is  due  to  the  watchfulness  of  national  and  local  quaran- 
tine officers  and  to  the  establishment  and  maintenance  of  a  detention 
camp  at  Montauk. 

The  wounded  were  comparatively  few — 1,581.  How  many  of  these 
died  has  not  as  yet  been  ascertained,  but  all  reports  show  that  the  per- 
centage of  recovery  was  extraordinarily  high,  due  to  the  combined  influ- 
ences of  small-caliber  bullets,  first-aid  dressings,  and  skillful  aseptic 
and  antiseptic  treatment.  Major  operations  were  seldom  required, 
the  whole  number  of  amputations,  excisions,  ligations,  laparotomies, 
and  trephinings  reported  being  but  51.*     Praise  should  be  given  to 

*  Major  surgical  operations,  United  States  Army.  May  to  December,  1898. 

[The  correct  number  of  gunshot  and  shell  Avound,  incurred  during  the  Spanish-American  war  is 
1,581,  as  reported  by  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army.] 

Total  major  operations T 98 

Amputations 34 

•       Hip  joint 3 

Thigh 5 

Leg 10 

Foot 2 

Arm 12 

Arm  (reamputated) 1 

Forearm 1 

Hernia  (Bassini's  17) 18 

Appendicitis - 15 

Laparotomy 9 

Bullet  wound 4 

Intestinal  obstruction 1 

Abdominal  drainage : I 

Not  stated 3 

Urethrotomy 3 

Trephining 7 

Resection  bones 3 

Resection  veins 1 

Neurorrhaphy  (tibial  nerves) 1 

Ligation,  femoral 1 

Ligation,  subclavian  (aneurism) 1 

Floating  cartilage 1 

Skin  grafting 1 

Tracheotomy 1 

Exaction,  middle  third  of  humerus 1 

Bullet  removed  from  wall  of  bladder 1 

It  must  be  noted  that  the  number  of  operations  reported  as  having  been  done  dur- 
ing the  advance  against  Santiago  is  undoubtedly  considerably  underestimated, 
since,  in  the  press  of  work,  record  of  the  surgical  work  then  being  performed  was 
often  impracticable.  While  the  report  of  the  field  hospital,  Fifth  Army  Corps, 
shows  that  516  men  were  received  in  that  hospital  direct  from  the  firing  line,  only 
seven  of  the  cases  so  received  are  noted  as  having  required  operative  surgical  inter- 
ference. It  would  seem  probable,  therefore,  that  in  several  instances  only  such 
operations  as  were  of  special  professional  interest  were  made  matters  of  record, 
although  the  necessity  for  active  operative  treatment  was  largely  abrogated  by  the 
humane  character  of  the  wounds  and  the  maintenance  of  careful  antisepsis. 


180         INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

the  well-trained,  faithful,  hard- working,  and  overworked  surgeons,  who, 
on  the  fighting  line  and  in  the  hospitals,  thoroughly  discharged  their 
duty,  and  who,  as  General  Young  has  said,  "  deserve  the  thanks  of  the 
American  people  for  their  splendid  work." 

The  charge  of  neglect  of  the  wounded,  based  upon  the  infrequent 
dressing  of  their  wounds,  has  had  no  good  basis,  as  it  is  an  established 
rule  of  modern  treatment  that  inspection  and  redressing  are  to  be  post- 
poned until  there  is  observed  either  staining  of  the  dressings  or  rise 
of  temperature.  Stated  generally,  the  less  it  is  disturbed  the  morp 
quickly  and  kindly  a  wound  heals. 

HOSPITALS. 

Each  volunteer  regiment  as  it  came  out  had  its  hospital,  as  a  rule,  it 
is  true,  poorly  equipped.  By  Circular  No.  3,  Surgeon- General's  Office, 
May  18,  such  hospital  was  done  away  with,  and  in  its  place  there  was 
directed  to  be  established  one  of  maximum  capacity  of  200  beds  for 
each  division,  to  which  should  be  sent  all  sick  requiring  treatment 
other  than  that  which  might  be  needed  for  slight  injuries  or  such  ail- 
ments as  permitted  of  the  continuance  of  full  or  at  least  partial  duty. 
All  regimental  outfits  were  ordered  turned  in  and  used  in  the  equip- 
ment of  the  hospital,  medicines  and  dressings  for  minor  affections 
treated  in  camp  to  be  obtained  from  the  hospital  on  requisition 
approved  by  the  division  surgeon.  As  a  brigade  or  division  moved, 
a  corresponding  part  or  the  whole  of  the  hospital  was  to  go  with  it; 
and,  to  insure  ready  mobility,  no  case  that  was  very  serious  or  likely 
to  require  prolonged  treatment  was  to  be  kept  in  a  division  hospital,  but 
sent  to  a  general  hospital. 

In  theory  the  plan  was  a  good  one,  as  it  permitted  of  more  perfect 
classification  of  the  sick,  better  attendance  upon  them  with  fewer 
doctors,  and  a  more  economical  administration ;  as  carried  out  it  worked 
badly.  Because  of  the  scarcity  of  medical  officers  unconnected  with 
regiments  those  so  connected  had  to  be  detailed  for  hospital  duty. 
Eegimental  pride  was  touched  and  strong  opposition  was  at  once 
made.  Medical  officers  protested,  commanding  officers  objected,  and 
State  authorities  and  the  War  Department  were  appealed  to.  The  sick 
would  not  go  to  hospital  as  long  as  they  could  avoid  it;  the  regimental 
surgeon  would  keep  them  as  long  as  possible.  The  single  medical 
officer  on  camp  duty  often  found  in  the  amount  of  work  imposed  reason 
for  doing  no  more  than  was  absolutely  necessary.  Field  and  company 
officers  largely  made  the  excuse  for  neglect  of  sanitation  that  it  was 
the  medical  officer's  business  to  look  after  that  and  two-thirds  of  their 
doctors  had  been  taken  away  from  them. 

Brigade  or  regimental  surgeons  were  put  in  charge  of  the  hospitals 
as  they  were  organized,  who,  as  a  rule,  knew  nothing  of  their  duties  at 
first  and  many  could  not  or  would  not  learn.  Those  assigned  to  ward 
duty  often  felt  that  such  service  was  unbecoming  the  dignity  of  their 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  181 

rank.  Of  trained  hospital  stewards  there  were  very  few ;  rarely  did  an 
attendant  have  any  familiarity  with  the  work  of  a  nurse.  Medicines, 
stores,  tents,  cots,  and  hospital  furniture  in  general,  were  for  a  time 
obtained  with  difficulty  and  in  insufficient  quantities;  in  Camp  Thomas 
this  was  largely  true  up  to  the  last.  Ultimately  in  most  of  the  division 
hospitals  a  fair  degree  of  order  prevailed ;  a  few  were  excellently  admin- 
istered. As  the  imperfections  of  the  system  became  apparent  and  the 
hospitals  overcrowded  the  reestablishment  of  regimental  hospitals  was 
permitted.  That  the  division-hospital  plan  may  succeed  there  must  be 
enough  well-trained  surgeons  to  fill  the  positions  of  officers  in  charge 
and  executive  officers,  and  a  full  number  of  competent  medical  men  to 
discharge  ward  duties,  and  this  without  depleting  the  regiments. 

Nowhere  else  were  the  evils  of  the  system  and  the  unfortunate  results 
of  its  application  as  strongly  evidenced  as  at  Camp  Thomas,  especially 
in  the  hospitals  of  the  First  Division  of  the  First  Corps  and  the  Second 
Division  of  the  Third  Corps.  These  were  almost  always  overcrowded; 
their  officers  in  charge  were  frequently  changed;  their  nurses  were 
limited  in  number,  and,  generally,  indifferent;  their  discipline  was  lax 
and  their  police  bad.  A  large  share  of  the  responsibility  for  the  exist- 
ing conditions  rested  upon  the  chief  surgeons  of  camp  and  corps  and 
the  general  officers  in  command  of  the  same.  These  officers,  medical 
and  military,  knew  or  should  have  known  of  the  state  of  affairs,  and 
knowing  should  have  compelled  a  change.  In  the  case  of  the  hospital 
of  the  First  Division  of  the  First  Corps,  General  Brooke  did  order  the 
chief  surgeon  of  the  camp  to  personally  take  charge  and  put  it  in 
proper  running  order.  Had  well-trained  surgeons  of  the  regular  estab- 
lishment been  placed  in  charge  of  the  Chickamauga  hospitals,  even  but 
for  the  time  required  to  organize  and  set  them  going,  the  after  history 
would  have  been  different.  Unfortunately  it  was  thought  that  such 
surgeons  could  not  be  spared  for  the  duty,  though  they  could  not  have 
been  better  employed  during  the  months  of  June  and  July.  Further, 
it  would  appear  that  for  want  of  medical  inspectors  and  of  due  reports 
from  the  corps  surgeons,  the  Surgeon  General  was  for  a  long  time  una- 
ware of  the  prevailing  confusion  and  distress. 

General  hospitals  were  established  as  became  necessary  at  Key  West, 
Fort  McPherson,  Fort  Thomas,  Fort  Monroe,  Chickamauga,  and  Wash- 
ington, and  the  post  hospitals  in  New  York  Harbor,  at  the  Presidio  at 
San  Francisco,  and  at  Vancouver  Barracks  were  so  enlarged  as  to 
become,  practically,  general  ones.  Organized  and  administered  by  regu- 
lar officers,  these  hospitals  were  in  large  measure  free  from  the  troubles 
of  the  division  hospitals.  Comparatively  few  complaints  were  made  of 
them,  though  some  were  for  a  time  overcrowded,  and  up  to  the  middle 
of  July  the  nursing,  mainly  or  wholly  done  by  men  of  the  hospital  corps, 
was  far  from  satisfactory. 

Large  numbers  of  sick,  after  July  15,  were  sent  to  civil  hospitals, 
chiefly  in  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  with  resulting  relief  of  pres- 


182         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF   WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

sure  upon  the  army  hospitals  and  advantage  to  the  sick,  though  in 
many  cases  the  condition  of  the  patients  transferred  was  such  as  should 
have  prevented  removal.  The  -hospitals  in  New  York  also  received 
many  men  on  furlough  from  Montauk  and  elsewhere,  who,  on  reaching 
that  city,  proved  to  be  physically  unable  to  travel  farther. 

So  great  was  the  number  of  furloughs  granted  in  the  earlier  weeks 
after  the  signing  of  the  protocol  to  sick  and  convalescents  who  were 
not  fit  to  leave  the  hospitals,  that  orders  were  issued  establishing 
boards  of  medical  officers,  whose  duty  it  was  to  carefully  examine  each 
and  every  applicant  for  furlough.  Even  then  the  evil  was  but  partially 
corrected,  for  frequently  men  who  seemed  to  be  strong  enough  to  safely 
leave,  quickly  broke  down  on  the  way  to  their  homes. 

The  sick  at  Montauk  were  so  many,  practically  all  the  army  that  in 
August  and  September  came  back  from  Cuba,  that  the  hospitals  at  that 
place  must  be  specially  considered.  The  establishment  of  a  receiving 
camp,  with  necessary  hospital  accommodations,  was  determined  upon 
late  in  July  and  the  eastern  end  of  Long  Island  was  selected  as  its  site, 
because  of  isolation  and  healthfulness.  In  the  first  week  of  August 
measures  were  taken  to  prepare  the  camp.  Before  a  hospital  tent  was 
up  troops  began  to  come  in  from  Tampa  and  other  places  in  the  South, 
bringing  a  few  sick  with  them. 

To  send  these  men,  over  4,000  in  number,  to  a  camp  intended  as  one 
of  recuperation  for  a  large  force  almost  completely  broken  down,  was, 
medically  considered,  a  mistake,  as  they  would  be  unnecessarily  ex- 
posed to  any  infectious  diseases  that  might  exist  in  camp.  From  an 
administrative  point  of  view  it  was  none  the  less  so,  since  it  increased 
the  number  of  those  who  had  to  be  provided  with  shelter  and  food.  To 
make  matters  worse,  several  thousand  horses  and  mules  were  sent  at 
the  same  time,  the  supplying  of  which  with  forage  added  greatly  to  the 
transportation  difficulties  on  the  railroad  and  at  the  station.  The 
transports  from  Cuba  began  coming  in  less  than  a  week  and  the  hospi- 
tals were  not  ready  for  the  men.  Though  an  enormous  amount  of  work 
was  done  and  the  energies  of  all  in  charge  strained  to  the  utmost,  it 
was  for  weeks  a  constant  struggle  to  provide  shelter  for  the  sick,  the 
number  of  whom  was  vastly  in  excess  of  that  anticipated.  Hospital 
tents  were  put  up  as  fast  as  they  were  received  from  the  Quartermaster's 
Department,  and  that  department,  by  the  16th  of  August,  had  at  Mon- 
tauk 70 L  of  them  ready  for  issue,  sufficient  to  shelter  4,000  men.  Yet 
'  they  did  not  actually  reach  the  ground  and  were  not  put  up  fast  enough, 
and  many  times  it  happened  that  the  sick  were  at  the  hospital  hours 
before  tents  were  ready  for  them. 

Supplies  were  on  hand  in  large  quantities,  furnished  by  the  Govern- 
ment, by  charitable  organizations,  and  by  private  individuals.  Women 
nurses  were  present  before  any  preparations  had  been  made  for  their 
care,  and  they  kept  coming  in  rapidly.  Doctors,  commissioned  and 
contract,  were  on  duty,  if  not  as  early  as  they  were  needed,  soon 
enough  to  prevent  any  serious  neglect  of  the  sick.    The  limited  kitchen 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  183 

facilities  of  the  early  days  were  by  the  21st  of  August  supplemented 
by  the  establishment  of  a  diet  kitchen  by  ladies  of  the  fled  Cross 
Auxiliary  and  representatives  of  the  Massachusetts  Volunteer  Aid 
Association.  No  laundry  was  in  operation  for  a  month  and  large  quan- 
tities of  soiled  bedding,  sheets,  etc.,  were  piled  up,  to  be  later  burned. 
The  sanitation  was  not  that  of  a  well-managed  city  hospital,  but  with 
all  its  defects  it  was  not  bad.  Ward  work  was  much  interfered  with 
by  the  crowds  of  visitors  that  were  daily  at  the  camp.  Discipline  was 
lax  and  there  was  no  proper  and  efficient  hospital  guard.  Eecord 
keeping  was  imperfectly  done  and  much  trouble  was  caused  both 
medical  officers  and  friends  of  patients  by  the  efforts,  often  fruitless, 
to  find  particular  soldiers  known  to  be,  or  supposed  to  be,  in  the 
hospital. 

The  time  of  the  officer  in  charge  and  that  of  the  executive  officer  was 
largely  taken  up  in  attending  to  those  who  were  asking,  begging, 
demanding  furloughs  or  discharges,  and  in  preparing  the  necessary 
papers.  Much  delay,  in  some  cases  actual  suffering  and  positive  risk 
to  life,  were  consequent  upon  the  methods  adopted  to  put  into  the 
hand  of  the  furloughed  man  his  transportation  order  and  ration  money. 
Had  these  been  furnished  by  a  properly  detailed  line  officer  at  the  hos- 
pital, instead  of  at  the  railroad  station,  it  would  have  been  much  better 
for  those  whose  enfeebled  condition  made  it  hard  for  them  to  stand  and 
wait. 

The  history  of  these  Montauk  hospitals  is  the  history  not  of  careful, 
thorough  preparation  and  smooth  administration,  but  of  hurried  adap- 
tation to  extraordinary  demands.  In  less  than  sixty  days  after  the 
time  when  the  site  of  Camp  Wikoff  was  a  waste,  over  10,000  sick  had 
gone  through  the  hospitals — general,  detention,  and  division — over 
4,000  more  had  been  examined,  if  not  treated,  at  their  regimental 
hospitals,  and  neither  typhoid  nor  yellow  fever  had  become  epidemic 
in  the  camp. 

The  hospitals  established  at  a  number  of  places  after  the  middle  of 
August  were  well  supplied  and  properly  administered,  and,  so  far  as 
has  been  seen  and  heard,  there  were  no  good  grounds  for  any  complaints 
respecting  the  care  of  the  sick  in  them. 

FEEDING   THE   SICK. 

Under  regulations  in  force  up  to  the  10th  of  August,  special  food  sup- 
ply for  the  sick  other  than  the  condensed  milk,  beef  extract,  and  tea, 
included  among  the  hospital  stores,  could  be  secured  only  by  purchase 
with  the  money  of  the  hospital  fund.  As  a  consequence,  as  long  as 
there  was  no  fund,  because  of  recent  establishment  of  a  hospital  or  fault 
in  its  management,  very  necessary  articles  of  diet  for  the  sick,  includ- 
ing milk,  as  also  ice,  were  obtained  only  by  contribution  or  with  money 
donated.  Organized  and  individual  charity  furnished  very  liberally 
the  articles  required,  but  there  were  many  complaints,  and  well-founded 
ones,  too,  that  the  sick  were  not  receiving  such  food  and  in  such  quan- 


184         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

tity  as  their  condition  demanded.  Again  and  again  it  was  charged 
that  there  was  actual  starvation,  but  all  testimony  given,  and  it  is  in 
abundance,  proves  the  charge  unfounded.  Typhoid  cases,  even  up  to 
the  time  of  almost  complete  recovery,  were  kept,  and  properly  so,  on 
restricted  diet,  largely  fluid,  and  it  was  chiefly  from  these  patients  and 
non-medical  persons  seeing  them  that  the  complaints  came.  In  a  lim- 
ited proportion  of  the  severe  malarial  cases,  food,  if  taken  and  retained, 
was  imperfectly  assimilated  and  emaciation  necessarily  followed.  Men 
no  longer  under  hospital  treatment,  but  returned  to  their  commands, 
who,  though  convalescent,  were  far  from  well  (and  this  was  the  case 
with  the  vast  majority  of  those  brought  north  from  Cuba),  had  to  live 
ou  the  army  ration,  except  so  far  as  company  funds  made  possible  the 
purchase  of  other  supplies  or  they  were  furnished  by  those  outside  of 
the  Army. 

To  remedy  the  well-recognized  defects  in  number  and  variety  of 
articles  on  the  diet  list  for  the  sick,  measures,  at  first  local,  then  gen 
eral,  were  adopted  to  create  a  fund  for  the  purchase  of  what  might 
be  needed.  The  Key  West  general  hospital  was  on  the  17th  of  May 
allowed  60  cents  a  day  per  man ;  a  like  allowance  was  on  the  16th  of 
June  made  for  those  on  the  hospital  train,  and  on  the  2d  of  August  for 
the  sick  at  Pablo  Beach,  Fla.  In  the  early  part  of  August  75  cents  a 
day  was  allowed  at  Santiago.  On  the  10th  of  August,  by  General  Orders, 
No.  116,  Adjutant-GeneraFs  Office,  it  was  directed  that  at  Montauk,  at 
Pablo  Beach,  Fla.,  and  at  general  hospitals,  as  also  on  hospital  trains 
and  on  hospital  transports,  up  to  60  cents  per  patient  should  be  allowed 
in  commutation  of  ration,  to  constitute  a  special  fund,  from  which  should 
be  purchased  the  entire  diet  of  the  enlisted  men  while  undergoing  med- 
ical treatment.  By  General  Orders,  No.  136,  Adjutant-General's  Office, 
of  September  3,  a  similar  allowance  was  made  to  those  sick  in  post  and 
field  hospitals,  and  the  letters  and  telegrams  of  the  Commissary-Gen- 
eral show  that  it  was  the  intention  that  every  sick  man,  wherever  he 
might  be,  in  hospital  or  in  quarters,  should  have  the  money  allowance 
of  the  ration. 

There  was  some  delay  in  putting  the  new  plan  in  operation,  conse- 
quent in  part  upon  nonreceipt  of  orders,  in  part  upon  the  reluctance 
with  which  some  medical  officers,  chiefly  regimental,  assumed  increased 
pecuniary  responsibilities,  with  associated  vouchers  and  returns.  As 
soon  as  this  delay  was  over  there  was  no  more  trouble  about  supplying 
the  sick  with  proper  diet  and  in  full  quantity.  Indeed  the  fund  created 
by  the  commutation  of  rations  at  the  maximum  amount  allowed — 60 
cents — was  not  seldom  found  to  be  unnecessarily  large. 

That  the  food  supplied  might  be  so  prepared  as  to  meet  the  wants  of 
the  various  classes  of  sick,  in  addition  to  the  regular  kitchens,  special 
diet  ones  were  established  in  the  general  and  later  in  the  division  hos- 
pitals, at  Montauk  even  in  the  regiments,  such  kitchens  being  often 
under  charge  and  supervision  of  ladies  belonging  to  relief  and  aid 
societies  in  the  vicinity. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  185 

TRANSPORTATION  OF   SICK  AND  WOUNDED. 

Becognizing  the  fact  that  if  there  should  be  a  war  with  Spain  mili- 
tary operations  would  be  carried  on  in  Cuba,  and  consequently  sick 
and  wounded  brought  back  by  sea,  the  Surgeon-General,  early  in  April, 
urged  the  fitting  up  of  a  hospital  ship;  but  no  action  was  taken  at  the 
time.  Very  soon  after  the  declaration  of  war  each  of  several  ves- 
sels was  inspected  with  reference  to  its  fitness  for  use  as  a  hospital 
transport.  As  no  one  could  be  secured  under  charter,  the  steamer  John 
Englis  was  purchased  on  the  18th  of  May.  Plans  for  her  fitting  up 
were  submitted,  but  for  ten  days  or  more  held  under  consideration  by 
the  Quartermaster-General,  the  estimated  cost  being  considered  too 
great. 

It  was  not  until  the  4th  of  June  that  the  work  of  preparing  her  was 
actually  begun,  under  the  supervision  of  Naval  Constructor  Bowles. 
Every  effort  was  made  to  get  the  ship  ready  as  quickly  as  possible,  but 
it  was  the  2d  of  July  before,  as  the  hospital  ship  Relief,  she  was  able 
to  leave  New  York  for  Cuba,  carrying  the  regular  supplies  for  twenty 
regiments  for  a  half  year  and  in  addition  a  quantity  of  the  more  impor- 
tant medicines,  stores,  dressings,  etc.;  in  all,  an  equipment  of  a  750-bed 
hospital  for  six  months.  Her  outfit  was  most  complete,  more  than 
$130,000  being  spent  upon  it.  Arriving  at  Siboney  July  7,  she  dis- 
charged her  cargo  of  over  700  tons  weight,  and  on  the  19th  of  July  left 
with  135  wounded  on  board,  who  were  in  due  time  landed  at  New  York. 
From  this  time  on  she  has  been  in  constant  use,  carrying  sick  and 
transporting  medical  supplies. 

As  during  the  time  in  July  that  she  was  at  Siboney  sick  and  con- 
valescents were  being  shipped  away  on  ordinary  transports,  not 
properly  prepared  for  use  as  hospital  vessels,  and  as  when  she  left 
there  was  a  large  number  of  sick  to  be  sent  north  as  quickly  as  possi- 
ble, much  complaint  has  been  made  that,  though  she  could  properly 
carry  and  care  for  250,  scarcely  more  than  half  that  number  of  men 
were  takeu.  Apparently  a  just  complaint,  in  fact  it  was  not  such. 
Yellow  fever  was  prevailing,  and  had  the  Belief  taken  cases  of  this 
disease  and  become  infected,  as  probably  she  would  have  been,  her 
usefulness  as  a  hospital  ship,  for  a  considerable  time  at  least,  would 
have  been  at  an  end.  To  prevent  such  a  condition  occurring  the  sur- 
geon in  charge  decided,  and  wisely,  too,  that  in  view  of  an  existing 
uncertainty  of  diagnosis  he  would  not  take  any  cases  of  fever  of  any 
kind,  and  therefore  sailed  with  only  a  limited  number  of  patients,  all 
wounded.  During  the  two  months — July  15  to  September  15 — the 
Belief  transported  1,234  sick,  of  whom  49  died,  and  251  wounded,  of 
whom  10  died. 

When  the  Fifth  Corps  left  Tampa  for  Cuba  the  transport  Olivette 
was  set  apart  as  a  floating  hospital,  being  supplied  with  the  outfit  of  a 
division  hospital.  Taking  up  the  sick  from  the  transports  en  route, 
after  arrival  at  Siboney  the  wounded  from  the  engagement  of  the  24th 


186         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

of  June,  and  later  patients  from  the  shore  hospital,  the  Olivette  sailed 
for  New  York  on  the  9th  of  July  with  270  wounded.  Returning  to 
Santiago  with  a  considerable  quantity  of  medical  supplies,  she  sailed 
again  on  the  15th  of  August  with  203  sick  and  convalescents,  who  were 
carried  to  Boston.  On  the  31st  of  August  she  sank  at  the  wharf  at 
Fernandiua,  Pla. 

A  third  steamer,  the  Missouri,  tendered  to  the  Government  on  the 
1st  of  July  by  Mr.  B.  N.  Baker,  was  properly  fitted  up  and  late  in 
August  sent  to  Cuba,  returning  to  Montauk  with  250  sick.  She  is  still 
in  service. 

By  the  liberality  of  the  citizens  of  Boston  and  its  vicinity  the  Massa- 
chusetts Volunteer  Aid  Association  was  enabled  to  well  equip  a  hospital 
ship,  the  Bay  State,  which  proved  to  be  of  great  value  in  transporting 
a  large  amount  of  medicines  and  stores  furnished  by  the  society,  and 
in  bringing  back  sick  from  Santiago  and  Porto  Rico,  330  in  number,  of 
whom  only  4  died.  This  vessel,  for  which  the  Massachusetts  Vol- 
unteer Aid  Association  paid  $50,000  purchase  price,  and  $113,000  for 
outfit,  was  employed  to  the  great  advantage  of  the  sick,  as  well  as  of 
the  Medical  Department  of  the  Army,  until  November  15,  when  she 
was  sold  to  the  Government. 

TRANSPORTS. 

The  unexpectedly  large  number  of  wounded,  the  severe  sickness  that 
rapidly  developed,  and  the  fear  of  and  actual  outbreak  of  yellow  fever, 
made  it  necessary  in  Cuba  to  early  and  frequently  send  off  hospital 
patients  and  convalescents,  the  large  proportion  of  them  on  ordinary 
transports.  Much  and  at  times  very  serious  complaint  was  made  of 
the  unfitness  of  the  vessels,  of  their  lack  of  cleanliness  and  sanitary 
provision,  the  bad  quality  of  the  water  supplied,  and  the  want  of  doc- 
tors, nurses,  medicines,  and  hospital  stores. 

From  evidence  submitted,  the  conclusion  must  be  reached  that 
many  of  the  complaints  were  well  founded.  Inspection  of  ships  at 
Siboney  and  Santiago  prior  to  the  establishment  of  a  board  on  August  4 
was  imperfectly  made,  if  made  at  all.  Overcrowding  there  was,  at 
times  not  because  of  putting  on  board  too  large  a  number  of  sick,  but 
because  convalescents  and  supposedly  well  men  while  in  transit  fell 
sick  in  unexpectedly  large  proportion.  On  some  of  the  ships  numbers 
of  civilians  were  either  permitted  to  take  passage  or  managed  to  get  on 
board  shortly  before  the  sailing,  their  presence,  unprovided  for,  adding 
largely  to  the  difficulties  of  caring  for  the  sick.  Doctors  and  nurses 
were  few,  but  there  was  only  a  small  number  of  them  that  could  be 
spared  from  service  on  shore.  Much  of  the  time  in  the  earlier  weeks 
there  was  great  scarcity  of  medicines  and  stores  with  the  troops;  as  a 
consequence  little  could  be  supplied  to  those  on  shipboard. 

Further,  and  most  important,  it  was  believed  by  all  in  authority, 
military  and  medical,  that  in  view  of  expected  engagements,  later  of  the 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  187 

danger  of  yellow  fever,  and  all  the  while  of  the  extreme  debility  of  the 
men,  it  was  highly  desirable  that  every  sick  or  wounded  soldier  should 
be  sent  away  as  soon  as  possible,  even  at  the  cost  of  a  few  days'  incon- 
venience, or  it  might  be  actual  privation. 

So  far  as  related  to  the  fitting  up  of  the  24  transport  vessels  employed 
in  this  transfer  of  sick  and  wounded  from  Cuba,  their  cleanliness  and 
water  supply,  the  responsibility  for  any  existing  deficiencies  rested 
upon  the  Quartermaster's  Department ;  while  upon  the  Medical  Depart- 
ment was  the  responsibility  for  want  of  food  supplies  and  medicines, 
for  lack  of  doctors  or  nurses,  and  for  any  avoidable  failures  to  properly 
care  for  the  sick. 

Both  departments  have  found  excuse  in  the  conditions  prevailing  at 
Tampa  and  in  Cuba.  But  these  conditions  could  not  excuse  every- 
thing, e.  g.,  the  not  having  fresh  sweet  water,  or  sending  men  on  board 
without  proper  clothing  and  without  knives,  forks,  spoons,  and  plates. 

To  two  transports  in  particular,  the  Seneca  and  the  Concho,  general 
attention  was  strongly  drawn  by  reports  published  soon  after  the  arri- 
val of  the  vessels  at  New  York.  The  facts  were  as  stated — the  ships 
had  too  many  sick,  and  the  sick  had  not  enough  doctors  and  nurses ; 
medicines  and  supplies  were  in  insufficient  amount;  beds  and  bedding 
neither  in  quantity  nor  quality  were  such  as  the  sick  should  have  had; 
the  water  supply  was  not  pure  and  fresh.  But  it  must  be  remembered 
that  a  large  number  of  those  on  board  were  at  the  time  of  leaving 
Cuba  thought  to  be  able  to  care  for  themselves  and  not  to  need  any 
medical  attention,  and  all  such  men  were  by  law  entitled  to  only  the 
ordinary  ration.  Again,  it  is  in  evidence  that  there  were  many  more 
passengers  on  these  vessels,  officers,  civilians,  employees,  etc.,  than 
were  put  on  board  by  medical  officers  to  be  provided  for  by  the  Medical 
Department. 

RAILROAD   AMBULANCE   TRAIN. 

On  the  16th  of  June  a  well-appointed  hospital  train  of  Pullman— later 
tourist — sleepers  and  service  cars  was  put  on  the  road,  and  remained 
in  constant  use  thereafter.  Its  full  carrying  capacity  was  270,  and 
under  careful  management  it  proved  of  great  value  in  transferring  sick 
from  camps  and  division  hospitals  to  various  general  hospitals.  In 
two  and  a  half  months  it  had  carried  nearly  2,000  patients,  with  but  4 
deaths  en  route. 

AMBULANCES. 

As  far  as  can  be  determined,  full  regulation  supply  of  ambulances 
was  not  provided,  certainly  not  for  many  weeks  after  the  troops  were 
assembled  in  camps.  At  most  places  no  serious  consequences  resulted, 
as  there  were  enough  to  answer  the  requirements. 

At  Montauk,  where  in  time  there  were  48,  only  about  half  of  them, 
perhaps,  in  good  working  order,  more  would  have  been  of  service  and 
should  have  been  on  hand;   but  in  Cuba,  where  they  were  really 


188         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

needed,  ambulances  were  almost  wholly  wanting.  When  the  Fifth 
Corps  was  ready  to  leave  Tampa,  the  Medical  Department  had  a  fully 
equipped  train  of  40.  By  command  of  Major  General  Shatter  it  was 
left  behind,  and  the  expedition  landed  with  only  3  ambulances,  10 
more  being  received  some  days  later,  after  the  fights  of  the  1st  and  2d 
of  July.  The  result  was  that  at  first  transportation  was  lacking  for 
what  supplies  were  gotten  on  shore,  the  medical  wants  of  the  troops 
were  not  as  well  satisfied  as  the  material  on  hand  would  have  per- 
mitted, and  a  large  number  of  wounded  were  subjected  to  unnecessary 
hardship  and  suffering.  It  should  be  remembered,  however,  that  the 
roads  between  the  fighting  line  and  the  base  hospitals  were  such  that 
the  moving  of  wounded  in  ambulances  would  have  been  hardly  less 
trying  and  painful  than  it  was  in  wagons. 

GENERAL   CONCLUSIONS  AND  RECOMMENDATIONS. 

To  sum  up,  in  brief,  the  evidence  submitted  shows : 

1.  That  at  the  outbreak  of  the  war  the  Medical  Department  was,  in 
men  and  materials,  altogether  unprepared  to  meet  the  necessities  of  the 
army  called  out. 

2.  That  as  a  result  of  the  action  through  a  generation  of  contracted 
and  contracting  methods  of  administration,  it  was  impossible  for  the 
Department  to  operate  largely,  freely,  and  without  undue  regard  to 
cost. 

3.  That  in  the  absence  of  a  special  corps  of  inspectors,  and  the 
apparent  infrequency  of  inspections  by  chief  surgeons,  and  of  official 
reports  of  the  state  of  things  in  camps  and  hospitals,  there  was  not 
such  investigation  of  the  sanitary  conditions  of  the  army  as  is  the 
first  duty  imposed  upon  the  Department  by  the  regulations. 

4.  That  the  nursing  force  during  the  months  of  May,  June,  and  July 
was  neither  ample  nor  efficient,  reasons  for  which  may  be  found  in  the 
lack  of  a  proper  volunteer  hospital  corps,  due  to  the  failure  of  Congress 
to  authorize  its  establishment,  and  to  the  nonrecognition  in  the  begin- 
ning of  the  value  of  women  nurses  and  the  extent  to  which  their 
services  could  be  secured. 

5.  That  the  demand  made  upon  the  resources  of  the  Department  in 
the  care  of  sick  and  wounded  was  very  much  greater  than  had  been 
anticipated,  and  consequently,  in  like  proportion,  these  demands  were 
imperfectly  met. 

6.  That  powerless  as  the  Department  was  to  have  supplies  trans- 
ferred from  point  to  point,  except  through  the  intermediation  of  the 
Quartermaster's  Department,  it  was  seriously  crippled  in  its  efforts  to 
fulfill  the  regulation  duty  of  "furnishing  all  medical  and  hospital 
supplies." 

7.  That  the  shortcomings  in  administration  and  operation  may  justly 
be  attributed,  in  large  measure,  to  the  hurry  and  confusion  incident  to 
the  assembling  of  an  army  of  untrained  officers  and  men,  ten  times 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  189 

larger  than  before,  for  which  no  preparations  in  advance  had  been 
or  could  be  made  because  of  existing  rules  and  regulations. 

8.  That  notwithstanding  all  the  manifest  errors,  of  omission  rather 
than  of  commission,  a  vast  deal  of  good  work  was  done  by  medical  offi- 
cers, high  and  low,  regular  and  volunteer,  and  there  were  unusually 
few  deaths  among  the  wounded  and  the  sick. 

What  is  needed  by  the  medical  department  in  the  future  is — 

1.  A  larger  force  of  commissioned  medical  officers. 

2.  Authority  to  establish  in  time  of  war  a  proper  volunteer  hospital 
corps. 

3.  A  reserve  corps  of  selected  trained  women  nurses,  ready  to  serve 
when  necessity  shall  arise,  but,  under  ordinary  circumstances,,  owing 
no  duty  to  the  War  Department,  except  to  report  residence  at  deter- 
mined intervals. 

4.  A  year's  supply  for  an  army  of  at  least  four  times  the  actual 
strength,  of  all  such  medicines,  hospital  furniture,  and  stores  as  are  not 
materially  damaged  by  keeping,  to  be  held  constantly  on  hand  in  the 
medical  supply  depots. 

5.  The  charge  of  transportation  to  such  extent  as  will  secure  prompt 
shipment  and  ready  delivery  of  all  medical  supplies. 

6.  The  simplification  of  administrative  "paper  work,"  so  that  medical 
officers  may  be  able  to  more  thoroughly  discharge  their  sanitary  and 
strictly  medical  duties. 

7.  The  securing  of  such  legislation  as  will  authorize  all  surgeons  in 
medical  charge  of  troops,  hospitals,  transports,  trains,  and  independent 
commands  to  draw  from  the  Subsistence  Department  funds  for  the  pur- 
chase of  such  articles  of  diet  as  may  be  necessary  to  the  proper  treat- 
ment of  soldiers  too  sick  to  use  the  army  ration.  This  to  take  the 
place  of  all  commutation  of  rations  of  the  sick  now  authorized. 

Convalescent  soldiers  traveling  on  furlough  should  be  furnished 
transportation,  sleeping  berths  or  staterooms,  and  $1.50  per  diem  for 
subsistence  in  lieu  of  rations,  the  soldier  not  to  be  held  accountable  or 
chargeable  for  this  amount. 

PAY  DEPARTMENT. 

BRIG.  GEN.  T.  H.  STANTON,  PAYMASTER-GENERAL,  U.  S.  A.,  IN  CHARGE. 

The  Pay  Department  has  charge  of  the  supply  and  distribution  of 
and  accounting  for  funds  for  the  payment  of  the  Army,  and  such  other 
financial  duties  as  are  especially  assigned  to  it. 

Previous  to  the  declaration  of  war,  payments  were  made  to  the  Army 
by  check  and  in  currency  sent  by  express.  After  the  organization  of 
the  volunteer  force  it  was  not  found  practicable  to  pay  by  this  method, 
consequently  all  payments  in  the  field  were  made  by  paymasters  in 
person,  in  cash,  which  has  required  an  immense  amount  of  work,  as 
the  troops  have  been  scattered  over  two  hemispheres. 

The  corps  of  paymasters  was  increased  by  seventy-two,  and  these 


190        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

officers  and  their  clerks  entered  the  service  with  little  or  no  knowledge 
of  army  accounts.  A  school  of  instruction  was  organized,  in  which 
each  was  made  familiar  with  the  necessary  forms  to  be  used  in  pay- 
ments, and  the  principles  of  making  and  rendering  accounts;  and  as  a 
result  each  officer  entered  upon  his  duties  with  a  fair  knowledge  of  the 
business  before  him.  This  preparation  has  enabled  the  troops  to  be 
paid  promptly  and  intelligently,  resulting  in  fewer  errors  than  would 
otherwise  have  occurred. 

The  principal  delay  in  the  payment  of  troops  was  in  Cuba  and  Porto 
Rico.  In  Cuba  the  colonels  of  some  of  the  regiments  did  not  desire 
their  regiments  paid  there,  and  Major-General  Shatter,  commanding 
the  army  there,  approved  their  requests.  The  Pay  Department  had  in 
Cuba  31  paymasters  and  $1,500,000,  and  paid  about  one-third  of  the 
United  States  forces  on  that  islaud,  the  other  two-thirds  being  paid 
after  their  arrival  at  Montauk.  There  has  been  complaint  made  as 
to  the  payment  of  the  army  in  Porto  Rico.  Ten  paymasters,  with 
$1,500,000,  were  sent  there.  They  were  stopped  at  Santiago,  and  Major- 
General  Miles,  Commanding  the  Army,  telegraphed  not  to  have  them 
sent  to  Porto  Rico,  as  the  money  might  be  infected,  although  it  had 
never  been  landed  from  the  vessels. 

In  view  of  this  request  it  was  decided  not  to  send  these  funds  to  Porto 
Rico,  and  new  paymasters  and  new  money  were  sent  from  New  York  to 
make  the  payments  to  troops  there;  this  caused  the  delay  of  which 
complaint  was  made.  Except  as  above,  there  have  been  no  complaints 
presented  to  the  commission  against  this  department,  and  it  is  evident 
that  for  the  nonpayment  of  troops  it  was  not  in  any  instance  primarily 
responsible.  The  Paymaster- General  testified  that  there  was  no  time 
during  the  continuance  of  the  war  at  which  he  did  not  have  the  money 
and  the  officers  ready  and  willing  to  pay  in  accordance  with  law  and 
the  customs  of  the  service.  So  far  as  the  commission  can  ascertain, 
all  the  officers  of  the  Pay  Department  have  performed  their  duties 
promptly  and  efficiently. 

THE  ENGINEER  DEPARTMENT,  AND  CORPS  OF  ENGINEERS. 

BRIG.    GEN.    JOHN    M.    WILSON,     CHIEF    OF    ENGINEERS   U.    S.   A.,    IN 

CHARGE. 

The  Corps  of  Engineers  is  charged  with  the  improvement  of  rivers 
and  harbors;  construction,  care,  and  operation  of  canals;  construction 
and  maintenance  of  works  of  defense,  including  the  operation  of  sub- 
marine mines;  the  construction  and  repair  of  light-houses,  and  numer- 
ous other  special  and  minor  duties. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  war  the  Corps  of  Engineers  consisted  of  109 
officers  and  a  battalion  of  engineer  soldiers  organized  into  four  com- 
panies, with  a  maximum  authorized  strength  of  500  enlisted  men, 
although  the  maximum  legal  strength  was  752,  organized  into  live 
companies. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION. 


191 


G-UN  AND   MORTAR  BATTERIES. 

The  possibility  of  war  impressed  itself  so  fully  upon  the  chief  of  this 
corps  that  on  January  25,  1898,  all  officers  having  charge  of  the  con- 
struction of  seacoast  defenses  were  directed  to  mount,  as  rapidly  as 
possible,  all  guns  and  carriages  then  on  hand  or  received  later,  even  if 
it  should  be  at  the  disadvantage  of  incomplete  work,  the  object  being 
to  have  the  guns  available  for  service.  The  carrying  out  of  these 
instructions  entailed  considerable  hardships  and  inconveniences  in  the 
North  Atlantic  forts,  where  snow  to  a  great  depth  covered  the  ground. 
Every  effort  was  made  during  the  ensuing  two  months  to  get  in  place 
every  possible  piece  of  ordnance  that  could  be  obtained  for  the  batter- 
ies at  that  time  under  construction. 

The  first  allotment  for  coast-defense  purposes  from  the  appropria- 
tion for  national  defense  was  made  March  17,  1898,  and  amounted  to 
$2,975,000,  of  which  all  but  $250,000  was  devoted  to  the  construction 
of  additional  gun  batteries.  Telegraphic  orders  for  the  construction 
of  these  works  were  issued  the  same  day,  and  in  several  instances 
ground  was  broken  the  day  following.  Additional  allotments  were 
made  from  time  to  time  from  the  appropriation  for  national  defense  for 
the  construction  of  additional  gun  batteries,  both  permanent  and 
temporary. 

A  summary  of  the  work  accomplished  in  the  construction  of  gun  and 
mortar  batteries  during  the  period  of  the  war  is  as  follows,  the  first 
table  giving  the  condition  of  the  permanent  seacoast  armament  prior 
to  the  outbreak  of  hostilities,  the  second  the  condition  August  1,  1898: 


12-inch. 

10-inch. 

8-inch. 

Mortars. 

Rapid- 
fire. 

10 
5 
9 

44 

32 

6 

9 
1 

88 
72 
72 

0 

5 

4 

Total 

24 

82 

33 

232 

9 

II. 

Armament  in  place 

Ready  for  armament 

Under  construction 

Total 


16 

70 

35 

144 

27 

28 

7 

64 

37 

19 

22 

104 

80 

117 

64 

312 

In  addition  to  the  permanent  armament,  temporary  batteries  for  old- 
type  rifled  and  smoothbore  seacoast  guns  and  for  modern  siege  guns 
and  for  modern  8-inch  B.  L.  rifles  on  improvised  carriages  were  erected 
at  various  points  either  wholly  defenseless  or  deficient  in  armament. 
Seventy-five  emplacements  of  this  character  were  built  and  armed  dur- 
ing the  war  at  21  different  harbors. 


L92         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 
SUBMARINE-MINE   DEFENSES. 

On  March  28  the  following  instructions  to  all  officers  of  the  Corps  of 
Engineers  in  charge  of  torpedo  defenses  were  issued: 

Office  oi'  the  Chief  of  Engineers,  United  States  Akimy, 

Wash  in  (/ton,  March  £8,  1S98. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  request  that  you  will  endeavor  to  organize  a  corps  of 
ahont  120,  more  or  less,  patriotic  citizens,  who,  without  promise  of  pay,  will  be  ready  to 
give  you  their  services  in  case  of  a  sudden  emergency  under  which  immediate  action 
may  be  demanded. 

These  citizens  should  consist  of  expert  electricians,  civil  engineers,  machinists, 
telegraph  and  telephone  experts,  steam  fitters,  cable  men,  in  fact  men  who  are  will- 
ing to  aid  in  an  emergency,  and  whose  youth,  brains,  and  mechanical  ingenuity 
will  be  of  great  help  to  you  in  a  crisis. 

This  corps  should  be  organized  into  convenient  divisions,  according  to  the  class  of 
work  to  be  performed,  such  as  land  telegraph  or  telephone  work,  submarine-mine 
work,  expert  electrical  work,  etc. 

The  divisions  should  be  further  organized  into  convenient  squads  with  regard  to 
further  classification  of  work. 

The  divisions  and  squads  should  be  assigned  to  the  charge  of  the  most  expert  and 
capable  men  as  commanders. 

A  scheme  of  this  kind  already  put  in  operation  covers  four  divisions  of  four  squads, 
each  classified  according  to  the  nature  of  the  work,  and  embracing  all  branches  of 
electrical  and  steam  engineering  work  and  of  signal  work. 

You  are  also  requested  to  endeavor  to  have  this  organization,  at  its  own  expense, 
equip  itself  with  tools  ready  for  an  emergency,  everything  boxed  for  a  sudden  move- 
ment, and  you  are  also  requested  to  find  out  just  where  you  can  place  your  hands 
upon  all  materials  necessary  for  equipping  and  working  the  mines  now  under  your 
control,  and  assisting  in  the  defense  of  the  various  harbors  in  the  engineering  dis- 
trict under  your  charge. 

Arrangements  of  this  character  have  been  made  for  one  or  two  of  the  most 
important  districts,  and  it  is  hoped  that  you  may  be  able  to  accomplish  something 
of  the  same  character. 

Far  more  is  now  expected  of  the  Corps  of  Engineers  than  ever  before,  and  even 
with  the  very  limited  funds  and  materials  at  its  command  I  am  satisfied  that  it  will 
be  able  to  accomplish  important  results  when  the  crisis  comes. 

Upon  receipt  of  a  telegram  from  me  to  go  ahead,  you  will  be  authorized  to  make 
purchases  of  materials  required  and  to  employ  such  persons  as  are  necessary,  and  I 
will  endeavor  to  get  an  allotment  for  payments. 

Your  rolls  should  fully  cover  the  name,  character  of  employment,  rate  of  pay,  and 
time  of  all  persons  who  may  aid  you  when  called  upon. 
Very  respectfully, 

John  M.  Wilson, 
Brigadier-General,  Chief  of  Engineers,  U.  S.  Army. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  war  there  was  on  hand  at  various  harbors  a 
fairly  sufficient  number  of  mine  cases  and  of  operating  casemates,  but 
practically  no  cable,  explosives,  operating  apparatus,  search  lights,  or 
any  of  the  multitude  of  minor  articles  necessary  for  successfully  plant- 
ing and  operating  the  mines.  An  allotment  of  $250,000  from  the 
appropriation  for  national  defense, 'made  March  17,  1898,  was  applied 
at  once,  under  telegraphic  orders,  to  the  purchase  and  distribution 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  193 

of  the  most  necessary  articles  of  torpedo  material,  especially  cable. 
Pending  the  acquisition  of  sufficient  standard  material,  the  following 
instructions,  under  date  of  April  3,  were  issued  for  torpedo  harbor 
defenses. 

Headquarters  Corps  of  Engineers,  United  States  Army, 

Washington,  April  3,  1898. 

Sir  :  The  emergency  which  has  been  anticipated  appears  to  be  almost  upon  us. 

I  received  yesterday  an  allotment  of  funds  for  torpedo  service,  and  at  once  ordered 
by  telegraph  the  purchase  of  materials ;  it  will  probably  take  three  months  to  obtain 
what  will  be  needed  for  one-fourth  of  our  coast  line. 

In  the  meantime  you  must  make  the  best  possible  torpedo  defense  for  the  harbors 
in  your  charge,  with  the  materials  iu  hand  and  such  temporary  expedients  as  you 
can  devise. 

You  can  telegraph  Major  Knight  *  asking  when  he  can  furnish  what  is  absolutely 
necessary  to  complete  the  system,  so  far  as  the  mines  you  have  available  are  con- 
cerned; and  if  his  reply  does  not  indicate  that  you  can  get  them  in  a  week  or  ten 
days  then  you  are  authorized  to  purchase  whatever  is  absolutely  necessary  in  open 
market  wherever  you  can  obtain  it,  reporting  purchases  and  cost  to  this  office. 

You  are  requested  to  commence,  on  receipt  of  this  letter,  preparations  for  planting 
mines  and  to  go  as  far  as  possible  in  your  work  without  interfering  immediately 
with  main  channels ;  you  are  authorized  to  employ  all  necessary  help,  to  adopt  tem- 
porary expedients  of  any  kind  deemed  proper  by  you,  and  to  understand  that  all 
necessary  power  and  responsibility,  so  far  as  law  and  regulations  will  admit,  are 
now  committed  to  you. 

Be  as  economical  as  possible,  and  remember  that  there  are  numerous  harbors 
besides  those  in  your  charge,  in  regard  to  which  similar  orders  will  be  sent. 

It  is  not  the  fault  of  the  Corps  of  Engineers  that  we  are  not  fully  prepared,  but  it 
will  be  its  fault  and  that  of  each  district  officer  in  case  we  do  not  at  once  take 
advantage  of  the  limited  means  now  at  our  command. 

I  requested  yesterday  that  orders  be  sent  to  Willets  Point  to  send  to  you  noncom- 
missioned officer  and  privates  to  aid  you  in  your  torpedo  work.  I  would  gladly  send 
more,  but  already  over  one-third  of  the  battalion  has  been  named  for  these  details. 

Use  every  effort  in  this  emergency ;  arrange  for  boats ;  set  up  operating  apparatus 
in  casemates;  arrange  mooring  anchors;  lay  your  cables  and  junction  boxes;  pre- 
pare your  compound  plugs;  get  your  mines  ready;  purchase  what  is  absolutely 
necessary  for  the  mines  you  now  have  that  you  can  not  procure  at  once  from  Major 
Knight ;  extemporize  temporary  mines,  employ  all  the  help  you  want,  but  go  ahead 
and  show  what  the  Corps  of  Engineers  can  do  when  an  emergency  arises  for  which 
our  country  is  unprepared. 

Very  respectfully,  John  M.  Wilson, 

Chief  of  Engineers,  TJ,  S.  Army. 

It  was  the  foresight  indicated  by  these  letters  that  enabled  the  corps 
so  promptly  to  protect  our  principal  harbors  with  proper  torpedo  defense, 
which  had  great  effect  in  satisfying  the  commercial  interests  of  the 
country  that  they  were  safe  from  successful  attack. 

April  21  the  order  to  plant  mines  was  given,  and  by  the  close  of  the 
month  practically  nearly  every  harbor  of  importance  was  defended  by 
at  least  a  preliminary  line  of  mines,  the  material  of  which,  in  part,  had 
to  be  improvised  from  local  sources. 

The  purchase  and  shipment  of  standard  submarine-mine  apparatus 

*  The  officer  in  charge  of  the  torpedo  depot  at  Willets  Point,  N.  Y, 
7833— VOL.  1 13 


194        INVESTIGATION    OF   CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

of  all  kinds  were  pushed  with  the  greatest  possible  energy,  and  the  tor- 
pedo lines  at  each  harbor  were  constantly  extended,  improved,  and 
maintained.  The  conditions  under  which  some  of  this  work  was  carried 
on,  particularly  in  the  early  stages,  were  most  trying,  unusually  stormy 
and  cold  weather  prevailing  and  rendering  work  on  the  water  disagree- 
able and  hazardous.  In  connection  with  the  submarine-mine  defenses 
it  was  necessary  to  prescribe  special  regulations  for  the  navigation  of 
friendly  vessels  and  to  maintain  a  fleet  of  patrol  boats  to  enforce  them. 
Owing  to  the  deficiency  in  a  trained  personnel,  it  was  practicable  to 
assign  only  a  few  engineer  soldiers  to  each  harbor,  the  total  number 
distributed  to  some  25  harbors  being  156.  Reliance  was  largely  placed 
upon  civilian  electricians,  mechanics,  and  laborers.  This  civilian  force 
was  organized  in  part  from  volunteers  prior  to  the  time  when  funds 
became  available. 

Among  the  principal  items  of  torpedo  material  purchased  during 
the  war  may  be  named  44  search  lights,  150  tons  explosives,  400  miles 
cable,  1,650  mine  cases,  1,500  compound  plugs,  17  sets  operating  appa- 
ratus, besides  a  vast  multitude  of  minor  miscellaneous  articles,  weighing 
in  the  aggregate  many  hundred  tons. 

In  consequence  of  the  destruction  of  the  Spanish  fleet  under  Admiral 
Oervera  and  the  signing  of  the  protocol,  the  work  of  clearing  harbors 
and  channels  of  the  mines  was  commenced  early  in  August  and  restric- 
tions upon  commerce  removed  as  rapidly  as  possible. 

EQUIPMENT  OF  ENGINEER  TROOPS. 

On  April  16  orders  were  sent  to  prepare  all  available  pontoon  material 
for  a  sudden  call,  and  on  April  29  the  entire  available  equipment  at 
Willets  Point  and  West  Point  embarked  for  Florida  with  Company  E, 
battalion  of  engineers.  All  available  intrenching  tools  were  sent  at 
the  same  time.  For  many  years,  for  want  of  funds,  the  pontoons  and 
intrenching  material  at  the  engineer  depot  had  been  steadily  deterio- 
rating, so  that  the  amount  available  on  the  first  call  was  barely  equal  to 
the  demand.  Allotments  of  $10,000  and  $3,000  from  appropriation  for 
national  defense  were  made  April  20  and  May  4  and  at  once  applied  to 
increasing  the  stock  of  pontoon  material  and  intrenching  tools.  The 
various  deficiency  acts  subsequently  passed  rendered  available  addi- 
tional funds  for  equipment  of  engineer  troops,  and  the  Department  was 
at  all  times  able  to  respond  promptly  to  every  requisition  for  sup- 
plies. An  additional  bridge  train  was  sent  to  Tampa  for  use  of  the 
expeditionary  force,  and  a  large  assortment  of  intrenching  tools,  special 
tools,  drawing  and  surveying  instruments  and  materials  were  issued 
during  the  period  of  the  war. 

ENGINEER   BATTALION. 

As  stated  above,  the  authorized  enlisted  strength  of  the  Engineer 
Battalion  prior  to  hostilities  was  500  men,  organized  into  four  com- 


REPORT    OF   THE    COMMISSION.  195 

panies.  Owing  to  the  diplomatic  situation  it  was  deemed  prudent  to 
represent  the  advisability  of  increasing  the  strength  of  the  battalion 
to  its  maximum  legal  strength,  viz,  750,  and  application  was  accord- 
ingly made  March  21.  Under  date  of  April  4  the  Secretary  of  War 
authorized  the  enlistment  of  202  additional  men  and  one  additional 
company,  making  the  strength  of  the  battalion  702.  Subsequently  the 
act  of  Congress  for  increasing  the  Eegular  Army  in  time  of  war  brought 
the  strength  of  the  battalion  to  752.  Two  companies,  of  100  men  each, 
accompanied  the  expedition  to  Cuba  and  rendered  valuable  service 
with  the  Army.  One  company  of  about  125  men  was  dispatched  to 
Manila,  P.  I.  The  remainder  were  employed  on  the  torpedo  defenses 
and  at  the  engineer  depot,  Willets  Point,  assisting  in  the  shipment  of 
the  torpedo  material  and  material  for  equipment  of  engineer  troops. 

Wherever  officers  of  this  corps  have  been  assigned  to  duty  the  testi- 
mony shows  that  they  have  acted  with  great  promptness  and  to  the 
great  benefit  of  the  service.  The  testimony  of  commanding  officers  of 
campaigns,  troops,  and  camps  has  been  in  high  praise  of  the  services 
of  the  Corps  of  Engineers.  This  commendation  has  been  because  of 
the  efficient  preparations  made  before  the  beginning  of  the  war  with 
Spain  for  any  emergency,  the  energy  displayed  by  the  officers  of  the 
Department  and  the  esprit  de  corps  that  permeates  the  entire  force. 

ORDNANCE  DEPARTMENT. 

BRIG.  GEN.  D.  W.  FLAGLER,  CHIEF  OF  ORDNANCE,  U.  S.  A.,  IN  CHARGE. 

The  duties  of  the  Ordnance  Department  are,  procuring,  by  purchase 
or  manufacture,  and  distributing  the  necessary  ordnance  and  ordnance 
supplies  for  the  Government,  and  the  establishment  and  maintenance 
of  arsenals  and  depots  for  their  manufacture  and  safe-keeping. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  war  the  Ordnance  Corps  consisted  of  1  brig- 
adier general,  3  colonels,  4  lieutenant-colonels,  10  majors,  22  captains, 
14  first  lieutenants,  1  ordnance  storekeeper  with  rank  of  major,  1  ord- 
nance storekeeper  with  rank  of  captain,  104  ordnance  sergeants  and 
488  enlisted  men.  The  act  of  Congress  approved  July  8, 1898,  added 
to  the  regular  establishment  1  colonel,  1  lieutenant-colonel,  2  majors,  2 
captains,  and  6  first  lieutenants,  and  authorized  the  appointment  of  a 
chief  ordnance  officer  with  the  rank  of  lieutenant-colonel  for  each  army 
corps,  and  a  chief  ordnance  officer  with  the  rank  of  major  for  each 
division  organized. 

This  increase  was  not  large  enough  to  furnish  the  officers  needed  by 
the  Department  for  the  discharge  of  the  greatly  increased  duties.  It 
must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  efficient  ordnance  officer  is  a  specialist 
who  must  be  trained  by  experience  and  can  not  be  improvised. 

The  work  of  the  department  was,  of  course,  greatly  increased  by 
the  war  with  Spain.  W  en  it  was  seen  that  war  was  probable  the 
necessity  of  a  rapid  completion  of  the  system  of  coast  defenses  was  at 


196         INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

once  appreciated.  The  Ordnance  Department,  in  connection  with  the 
Engineer  Department,  made  strenuous  efforts  to  provide  for  defenses 
needed,  the  first  steps  being  taken  in  February  before  any  appropria- 
tion was  available.  From  the  9th  of  March  the  work  of  completing  the 
armament  for  the  coast  defenses  was  pushed  with  all  possible  dispatch, 
night  shifts  being  employed,  the  force  increased  at  the  gun  factory,  and 
the  completion  of  guns  and  forgings  hastened. 

Not  much  could  be  done  to  hasten  the  deliveries  of  the  larger  seacoast 
guns,  the  time  required  for  manufacturing  the  forgings  and  the  finish- 
ing and  assembling  of  the  guns  being  too  great.  Attempts  were  made 
to  induce  the  manufacturers  who  had  contracts  for  mortars  to  expedite 
their  work.  Five  additional  10-inch  guns  were  obtained  from  the  Beth- 
lehem Iron  Company  under  their  contract. 

The  manufacture  of  carriages  could  be  hastened  and  proper  steps 
were  taken  to  complete  those  necessary  for  the  guns  on  hand  and  in 
process  of  manufacture.  With  rapid-tire  guns  it  was  possible  to 
accomplish  more,  and  they  were  purchased  as  fast  as  satisfactory 
offers  to  furnish  them  could  be  obtained  from  American  and  foreign 
manufacturers. 

When  war  seemed  imminent  the  supply  of  powder  and  projectiles  on 
hand  for  coast  defense  was  inadequate.  Manufacturers  of  these  were 
conferred  with  and  the  necessities  of  the  nation  explained  to  them,  the 
result  being  that  they  increased  their  plants,  and  in  some  cases  employed 
outside  establishments,  thus  multiplying  their  capacity. 

The  results  of  all  these  attemps  to  rush  the  completion  of  the  coas 
defenses,  in  its  various  ordnance  branches,  was,  as  had  been  foreseen, 
inadequate.  The  making  of  heavy  guns,  mortars,  carriages  for  the  same, 
and  the  projectiles  necessary  for  their  use  requires  plants  whose  instal- 
lation is  a  matter  of  time.  These  once  installed  and  in  working  order, 
the  time  required  for  the  necessary  work  is  so  long  and  the  difficulties 
inherent  in  the  manufacture  so  great  that  a  large  increase  in  the  out- 
put can  not  suddenly  be  made. 

The  experience  of  the  late  war  supports  what  has  been  so  often  said 
by  the  ordnance  specialists,  that  the  coast  defense  of  the  country  must 
be  provided  for  before  an  emergency  arises. 

The  details  as  to  the  supplies  of  ordnance  and  ordnance  stores  on 
hand  at  the  beginning  of  the  war  are  given  in  the  replies  of  the  Chief 
of  Ordnance  to  the  inquiries  of  the  commission. 

SMALL  AEMS. 

On  April  1,  1898,  the  small  arms  with  which  the  Army  was  provided 
was  the  rifle  and  carbine,  caliber  .30,  and  revolver,  caliber  .38. 
There  were  on  hand  April  1 : 

Rifles,  caliber  .30 53,508 

Carbines,  caliber  .30 14, 875 

Revolvers,  caliber  .38 4, 517 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION. 


197 


There  were  received  up  to  September  1 : 

Rifles,  caliber  .30 26,728 

Carbines,  caliber  .30 1, 140 

Revolvers,  caliber  .38 5, 850 

And  there  were  issued  to  troops  up  to  September  1: 

Rifles,  caliber  .30 53, 571 

Remaining  on  hand 27, 665 

Carbines,  caliber  .30 11,  715 

Remaining  on  band 4, 300 

Revolvers,  caliber  .38 9, 515 

Remaining  on  hand 852 

The  National  Guard  was  armed  largely  with  the  S.  B.  L.  rifle  and 
carbine,  caliber  .45,  and  revolver,  caliber  .45.  Of  these  there  were  on 
hand,  received,  and  issued  up  to  September  1  as  follows : 


On  hand 
Apr.  1. 


Received. 


Issued. 


On  hand 
Sept.  1. 


Rifles,  caliber  .45 . 

Carbines,  caliber  .45.. 
Revolvers,  caliber  .45 


265,  895 
7, 983 
1,645 


3,526 


16, 300 


84, 391 
3,276 
13,  363 


185, 030 
4,705 

4,582 


The  volunteers  were,  with  few  exceptions,  provided  with  the  Spring- 
field B.  L.  rifle  and  carbine,  caliber  .45,  and  the  caliber  .45  revolver,  as 
the  Department  did  not  have  on  hand  enough  caliber  .30  arms  for  the 
purpose  5  nor  could  it  manufacture  them  fast  enough  to  supply  the 
demand.  The  manufacture  was  hastened,  and  as  the  arms  were  fur- 
nished the  volunteers  were  supplied  with  them,  there  being  put  in  their 
hands  up  to  December  8,110,000  rifles  and  carbines,  caliber  .30. 

The  putting  of  the  caliber  .45  rifle  in  the  hands  of  troops  has  been 
much  criticised  during  and  since  the  war.  It  was  done  because  there 
was  need  of  immediately  arming  them,  and  as  the  country  did  not  pos- 
sess the  requisite  number  of  the  caliber  .30  rifles  the  weapons  on  hand 
had  to  be  used.  Further,  in  the  opinion  of  certain  general  officers,  the 
caliber  .45  rifle,  with  smokeless  powder,  was  more  destructive  than  the 
caliber  .30  arm,  and  was  a  simpler,  less  complicated  weapon. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  war  the  Eegular  Army  was  furnished  with 
small-arms  ammunition  in  which  the  smokeless  powder  was  used,  all 
the  caliber  .30  ammunition  being  of  this  character.  The  Ordnance 
Department  had  been  for  two  or  three  years  experimenting  on  powder 
for  the  caliber  .45  cartridge  and  had  succeeded  in  finding  what  it 
wanted,  but  as  the  capacity  for  making  such  powder  in  this  country  is 
limited,  the  first  efforts  were  directed  toward  supplying  a  sufficient 
amount  of  it  for  the  ammunition  for  the  caliber  .30  arm.  The  Chief  of 
Ordnance  testifies  that  in  about  two  months  he  was  able  to  get  it  for 
the  .45-caliber  cartridge  from  private  manufacturers,  and  after  this  time 
it  was  used  in  the  making  of  nearly  all  the  caliber  .45  ammunition. 


198        INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH   SPAIN. 

The  troops  armed  with  the  caliber  .45  rifle  at  the  time  of  the  engage- 
ments at  Santiago  had  black  powder,  as  also  had  those  in  Porto  Rico 
aud  the  Philippine  Islands.  In  the  fights  abont  Santiago  the  use  of 
black  powder  was  severely  condemned  by  the  officers  in  command. 
The  smoke  located  the  position  of  the  troops.  The  men  armed  with 
the  caliber  .45  rifle  and  using  the  black  powder  were  withdrawn  from 
the  actions  on  the  1st  and  2d  of  July.  The  light  batteries  at  Santiago 
also  had  black  powder  at  the  engagements  of  July  1  and  2,  and  it  was 
found  that  the  smoke  of  the  discharges  made  an  excellent  mark  for 
the  enemy's  artillery  fire. 

The  advantages  of  smokeless  powder  were  fully  understood  by  the 
Ordnance  Department,  aud  the  initial  steps  were  taken  for  its  use  with 
both  small  arms  and  artillery.  The  ammunition  for  field  guns  in  the 
hands  of  troops  and  in  store  at  the  beginning  of  the  war  was  black 
powder,  because  it  was  on  hand  and  economy  required  that  it  should 
be  used  for  peace  purposes.  When  the  war  came  the  Department  was 
unable  to  at  once  furnish  smokeless  powder  for  the  field  guns,  but  the 
manufacture  of  it  was  promptly  begun,  and  in  a  short  time  a  supply  of 
it  was  available. 

For  the  troops  armed  with  the  caliber  .45  rifle — and  these  were,  as 
has  been  stated,  practically  all  the  volunteers — so  little  ammunition 
was  supplied  up  to  the  middle  of  July  that  not  even  ten  black-powder 
cartridges  per  man  could  be  issued  for  target  practice. 

EQUIPMENT. 

The  Department  did  not  have  on  hand  at  the  beginning  of  the  war 
any  large  supply  of  infantry,  cavalry,  artillery,  and  horse  equipments. 
The  buildings  for  a  plant  for  their  manufacture  had  been  erected  at  Rock 
Island  Arsenal,  but  the  plant  itself  had  not  been  installed  through  fail- 
ure to  obtain  the  necessary  appropriation. 

In  the  first  issues  of  equipments  to  troops  there  was  some  delay 
caused  by  the  lack  of  proper  plant  for  their  manufacture,  and  as  they 
were  not  on  the  market  as  articles  of  commerce  they  could  not  be  pur- 
chased at  once.  Steps  were  immediately  taken  to  correct  the  evil ;  the 
plant  was  installed  at  Rock  Island  Arsenal,  and  the  number  of  employees 
there  increased  from  400  on  April  13  to  2,900  on  August  31.  At  this 
latter  date  the  Department  was  turning  out  6,000  sets  of  infantry  equip- 
ments per  day. 

An  element  in  the  production  of  delay  at  first  in  issuing  equipment 
to  the  volunteer  troops  was  the  fact  that  many  sets  of  such  equipments 
had  been  issued  to  the  National  Guard  of  the  several  States.  These 
were  reported  as  serviceable,  and  when  the  National  Guard  was  called 
out  as  volunteers  it  was  presumed  they  would  be  properly  equipped 
from  the  stores  in  the  hands  of  the  State  authorities.  It  was  found, 
however,  that  a  large  proportion  of  these  stores  were  not  in  fit  condi- 


REPORT    OF   THE    COMMISSION.  199 

tion  for  field  service,  and  they  had  to  be  replaced,  thus  making  an 
unexpected  call  upon  the  resources  of  the  Department. 

The  greatest  difficulty  and  confusion  in  the  supply  of  equipment  to 
the  troops  was  experienced  at  Camp  Thomas.  The  chief  of  ord- 
nance had  recommended  the  establishment  of  a  depot  at  that  place,  but 
his  recommendation  was  not  complied  with,  the  general  commanding 
the  camp  not  concurring  because  of  the  proximity  of  the  arsenal  at 
Columbia.  Tenn.,  which  arsenal,  however,  was  soon  used  for  other  pur- 
poses. Had  such  depot  been  established  the  confusion  and  delays  in 
the  matter  of  equipment  of  the  troops  there  would  undoubtedly  have 
been  much  lessened. 

SUMMARY. 

The  testimony  before  the  commission  shows  that  the  Ordnance  Depart- 
ment was  untiring  in  its  work  both  before  and  during  the  war,  and  that 
every  effort  was  made  by  its  officers  to  properly  arm  and  equip  the 
troops.  The  delays  that  occurred  were  none  of  them  of  serious  import, 
and  it  was  beyond  the  power  of  the  Department  to  prevent  them. 

The  great  work  of  this  department  must  be  done  in  times  of  peace 
before  war  comes.  Guns,  mortars,  carriages,  small  arms,  ammunition, 
and  equipments  must  be  decided  upon  in  advance,  the  plants  for  their 
production  established,  and  a  supply  accumulated  sufficent  for  the 
probable  needs  of  the  country.  There  is  no  time  after  war  is  declared 
in  which  to  make  this  provision.  It  is  a  great  work,  requiring  careful 
study  and  investigation  on  the  part  of  the  officers,  a  wide  compre- 
hension as  to  the  probable  needs  of  the  country,  and  the  disbursing  of 
large  sums  of  money.  The  work  of  preparing  for  war  can  be  done  no 
faster  than  appropriations  will  permit,  and  a  very  important  duty  of 
the  Chief  of  Ordnance  is  submitting  to  Congress  the  proper  recommen- 
dations and  estimates  for  appropriations  to  carry  on  the  work  of  his 
department  in  the  best  manner. 

The  testimony  before  the  commission  shows  that  the  Ordnance 
Department  had  in  the  past  fully  appreciated  the  situation ;  that  it 
had  so  far  as  lay  in  its  power  provided  for  the  contingency  of  war  5 
that  its  chief  had  placed  before  Congress  the  necessary  data  to  enable 
that  body  to  judge  knowingly  of  the  needs  of  the  department  to  do  its 
appointed  work;  that  he  had  in  his  recommendations  as  to  the  dis- 
tribution of  money  appropriated  anticipated  the  conditions  which  war 
would  bring,  had  urged  that  the  making  of  guns  and  carriages  might 
take  precedence  of  that  of  other  articles  which  require  less  time  to 
manufacture,  and  that  the  necessary  plants  might  be  established  to 
meet  the  demands  that  would  immediately  follow  a  declaration  of  war. 

RECOMMENDATIONS. 

The  commission  would  urge  that — 

1.  An  amount  of  arms,,  ammunition,  and  equipments  should  be  kept 


200        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

constantly  in  store  to  secure  the  prompt  outfitting  of  any  force  that 
may  reasonably  be  expected  to  be  suddenly  called  out. 

2.  That  the  shops  at  the  various  arsenals,  especially  those  at  Rock 
Island,  should  be  thoroughly  equipped  for  any  work  that  they  may  be 
required  to  do,  and  maintained  in  a  condition  of  complete  preparation. 

THE  SIGNAL  CORPS. 

BRIG.  GEN.  A.  W.  GREELY,  CHIEF  SIGNAL  OFFICER,  U.  S.  A.,  IN  CHARGE. 

The  Chief  Signal  Officer  is  charged,  under  the  Secretary  of  War, 
with  the  direction  of  the  Signal  Bureau ;  with  the  control  of  the  officers, 
enlisted  men,  and  employees  attached  thereto;  with  the  construction, 
repair,  and  operation  of  military  telegraph  lines;  with  the  supervision 
of  such  instruction  in  military  signaling  and  telegraphy  as  may  be 
prescribed  in  orders  from  the  War  Department;  with  the  procurement, 
preservation,  and  distribution  of  the  necessary  supplies  for  the  corps. 
He  has  charge  of  all  military  signal  duties,  and  of  books,  papers,  and 
devices  connected  therewith,  including  telegraph  and  telephone  appara- 
tus and  the  necessary  instruments  for  target  ranges  and  other  military 
uses;  of  collecting  and  transmitting  information  for  the  Army,  by  tele- 
graph or  otherwise,  and  all  other  duties  pertaining  to  military  signaling. 

On  account  of  the  very  meager  appropriation  to  this  branch  of  the 
service  prior  to  the  commencement  of  hostilities,  this  corps  was  not  in 
condition  for  war.  General  Greely  says  that  u  the  approach  of  the 
war  found  eight  available  officers  and  fifty  men  of  the  Signal  Corps 
widely  scattered — from  Oregon  to  Texas  on  the  south  and  New  York 
on  the  east.  There  were  not  more  than  two  men  at  any  station,  and 
only  $800  was  available  for  war  expenses." 

For  the  amount  of  work  to  be  done,  and  done  promptly,  there  was  no 
department  in  the  Army  so  utterly  helpless  as  the  Signal  Corps.  This 
condition  of  affairs  was  not  its  fault.  The  facts  stated  in  the  last 
annual  report  of  the  Chief  Signal  Officer  will  show  that  he  did  all  that 
he  could  to  have  the  corps  in  better  shape,  and  urged  that  much  of  the 
work  be  done  in  peace  that  was  required  in  an  emergency.  The  long  line 
of  Atlantic  coast,  the  Gulf  coast,  and  the  Pacific  coast,  with  their  many 
harbors  and  harbor  defenses,  were  not  supplied  with  proper  telegraph 
cables  for  electrical  interconnection  between  adjacent  fortifications. 

General  Greely  says : 

These  harbor  defenses,  save  two  or  three  experimental  stations,  had  no  electrical 
installation  for  the  fire-control  system,  an  absolutely  necessary  adjunct  of  disap- 
pearing guns.  Under  this  system  the  range  officers,  located  a  long  distance  from 
the  batteries,  determine  every  minute  or  less  the  position  of  the  enemy's  ships  and 
communicate  this  information  to  the  officer  who  controls  the  firing.  The  control 
officer  plots  the  positions  and  at  a  suitable  instant  causes,  through  the  firing  officers, 
the  mortars  to  be  discharged  or  one  or  all  the  guns  to  rise,  deliver  their  fire,  and 
then  disappear  in  their  pits. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  201 

All  our  modern  fortifications  were,  with  the  exceptions  named,  with- 
out this  connection  between  the  range,  the  control,  and  the  firing 
officers.  To  establish  this  communication  was  the  work  to  be  done, 
and  to  be  done  at  once. 

In  addition  to  this  the  volunteer  and  regular  troops  that  had  been 
called  out  and  mobilized  had  to  have  their  camps  equipped  with  tele- 
graph or  telephone  lines,  connecting  the  brigade,  division,  and  corps 
headquarters.  The  permanent  military  telegraph  lines  along  the  Mex- 
ican frontier,  or  running  to  the  heart  of  the  great  Indian  reservations, 
aggregating  900  miles,  had  to  be  regularly  operated  by  the  corps. 
These  duties  confronted  the  Signal  Corps  before  there  was  a  gun 
fired.  The  chief  signal  officer  and  the  officers  and  men  under  his  com- 
mand were  equal  to  every  emergency,  and  the  work  was  so  quickly 
and  successfully  done  that  there  has  not  been  a  complaint  filed  from 
any  .source  before  this  commission.  The  officers  who  have  testified 
before  us  about  the  workings  of  this  corps  have,  without  a  single 
exception,  complimented  in  the  highest  terms  the  skill,  efficiency, 
energy,  and  courage  of  the  corps. 

What  the  corps  did  we  will  briefly  state.  It  is  due  these  gallant 
men  that  we  should  go  into  more  extended  detail,  but  we  refer  those 
who  want  to  examine  this  work  more  fully  to  the  testimony  and  to  the 
various  reports  of  the  officers  of  the  Signal  Corps.  On  April  5  the 
Secretary  of  War  allotted  from  the  national- defense  fund  $23,700  for 
New  York  Harbor.  Other  important  harbors  were  subsequently  pro- 
vided for  from  the  same  fund.  Cables  were  immediately  laid  to  con- 
nect adjacent  fortifications  in  many  of  the  most  important  harbors. 
Electrical  installation  was  provided  for  all  the  important  modern  bat- 
teries. Skilled  men  to  operate  these  various  appliances  were  provided. 
The  force  was  supplemented  by  the  addition  of  45  trained  sergeants 
and  about  50  detailed  men,  partly  instructed.  The  Volunteer  Signal 
Corps  was  organized  under  acts  of  Congress  approved  May  18  and 
July  7.  There  were  mustered  into  service  under  these  acts  115  officers 
and  about  1,000  men. 

One  provision  of  the  acts  of  Congress  was  of  great  advantage  in 
securing  the  best  men  for  this  service,  to  wit,  that  two- thirds  of  the 
officers  and  enlisted  men  should  be  skilled  electricians  or  telegraphers. 
Highly  trained  officers  in  the  prime  of  life  were  secured,  and  the 
remarkable  fact  is  reported  that  not  one  of  them  was  either  invalided 
or  obliged  to  quit  his  duties  during  the  war,  though  they  served  at 
Santiago,  in  Porto  Rico,  and  at  Manila.  This  Volunteer  Signal  Corps 
built  and  equipped  over  250  miles  of  telephone  and  telegraph  lines  in 
the  different  camps  in  the  United  States,  bringing  all  the  various 
headquarters  in  close  communication. 

When  war  commenced  and  the  fleets  started  for  Cuba  and  the  trans- 
ports to  Manila,  the  Signal  Corps  was  on  hand.     The  men  of  this  corps 


202         INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

cut  the  cables,  often  displaying  great  courage  in  doing  their  work 
under  the  enemy's  guns.  At  Santiago  they  located  Cervera  and  the 
Spanish  lines.  They  landed  with  the  troops,  laid  their  telegraph  lines, 
following  the  line  of  battle  as  it  advanced,  kept  up  communication 
with  the  base  of  operation  almost  from  the  tiring  line,  and  when  the 
two  days'  fighting  that  resulted  in  the  capture  of  Santiago  occurred 
General  Shafter  said  he  had  telegraphic  communication  with  all  his 
division  commanders  from  his  headquarters  to  the  firing  line.  After 
the  capture  of  Santiago  and  before  the  news  of  the  surrender  had 
reached  all  parts  of  the  United  States  this  corps  had  coupled  the 
broken  cable,  and  the  President  of  the  United  States  was  able  to  learn 
promptly  the  details  of  the  surrender  at  Santiago.  The  same  suc- 
cessful work  was  accomplished  at  Porto  Eico,  and  also  at  Manila, 
except  the  cable.  The  total  amount  of  money  available  for  the  Signal 
Corps  for  eighteen  months,  ending  December  31,  1898,  aggregated 
$G09,000. 

In  addition  this  corps  was  charged  with  the  censorship  of  all  dis- 
patches passing  over  the  cable  lines,  the  delicate  and  responsible  duties 
connected  with  which  were  faithfully  discharged. 

During  the  past  twenty-five  years,  owing  to  the  rapid  development 
of  artillery  and  small  arms,  great  changes  have  taken  place  in  modern 
warfare,  whereby  lines  of  battle  of  opposing  forces  are  formed  at  such 
great  distances  apart,  the  movements  of  assaulting  columns  have  be- 
come so  much  more  dangerous,  the  determinations  by  scouts  or  armed 
reconnoissances  of  the  position  and  strength  of  an  enemy  have  been 
rendered  so  difficult,  that  the  services  of  the  Signal  Corps  during  time 
of  war  have  become  of  inestimable  value. 

The  work  accomplished  by  the  Signal  Corps  was  of  great  aid  to  the 
army  in  the  field  and  very  efficient  in  maintaining  communication  in 
all  of  the  camps. 

CAMPS  AND  THEIR  SANITATION. 

CAMP   GEORGE  H.   THOMAS. 

On  April  15,  1898,  by  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  a  part  of 
the  Eegular  Army  was  ordered  to  rendezvous  at  Chickamauga  Park, 
selected  by  the  Commanding  General  of  the  Army  as  a  place  for  the 
assembling  of  a  portion  of  the  troops  intended  for  use  in  the  anticipated 
war  with  Spain.  On  the  23d  of  the  same  month  the  encampment  was 
designated  as  Camp  George  H.  Thomas. 

Chickamauga  Park,  as  is  well  known,  is  situated  about  9  miles  from 
the  city  of  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  in  the  State  of  Georgia,  and  is  the 
property  of  the  United  States.  When  this  property  was  purchased  as 
a  reservation  to  commemorate  the  great  three  days'  battle  of  1863, 
fought  thereon,  it  was  contemplated  that  it  might  be  used  as  a  place 
for  assembling  troops  in  case  of  war.     The  means  of  communication 


REPORT   OP   THE    COMMISSION.  203 

between  Chattanooga  and  the  park  were  and  are  a  good  macadam  turn- 
pike and  the  Chattanooga,  Eome  and  Southern  Eailway  Company, 
which  has  a  single  track  only.  The  Southern  Railway  runs  along  near 
the  western  boundary  of  the  park,  and  some  troops  were  unloaded  and 
loaded  at  Eossville,  a  station  about  3  miles  distant.  Other  troops  were 
brought  upon  the  Atlantic  and  Western  Railway  to  Ringgold,  about  6 
miles  away. 

The  park  contains  about  7,000  acres,  two-thirds  of  which  is  wooded 
largely  with,  oak  trees,  the  balance  being  cleared  or  open  land.  The 
wooded  portion  had  been  thoroughly  cleaned  of  underbrush,  and  the 
trees  are  a  sufficient  distance  apart  and  the  surface  is  sufficiently 
smooth  so  that  loaded  wagons  can  be  driven  over  nearly  every  part  of 
it,  and  is  so  open  that  the  sun  can  shine  upon  the  ground  almost  every- 
where at  some  hour  of  the  day.  The  surface  of  the  park  is  gently 
rolling  and  is  effectively  drained  in  nearly  every  part.  The  height  of 
the  different  portions  above  the  sea  level  varies  from  720  to  940  feet. 
It  has  no  very  rough  or  precipitous  places,  and  the  ground  occupied  by 
the  troops  was  easy  of  access  and  sufficiently  level  for  comfort  and 
convenience.  It  is  traversed  in  various  directions  by  about  24  miles  of 
good  macadam  roads,  making  transportation  unusually  easy.  The  soil 
is  of  a  clay  loam  upon  a  foundation  of  limestone,  which  comes  near  the 
surface  in  most  places  and  quite  so  over  a  large  part  of  the  wooded 
portion.  The  strata  of  this  limestone  rock  run  at  all  angles  from  per- 
pendicular to  horizontal  and  are  loosely  connected  with  each  other. 

The  climate  was  reputed  to  be  dry  and  not  excessively  or  uncom- 
fortably hot  in  summer,  and  the  locality  free  from  typhoid  fever  and 
other  infectious  diseases  and  generally  healthful.  As  soon  as  it  was 
decided  to  use  the  park,  preparations  were  commenced  for  the  reception 
and  care  of  the  troops.  Storehouses  for  quartermaster's  and  commis- 
sary's stores  and  corrals  for  animals  were  rapidly  constructed.  The 
terminal  facilities  at  Battlefield  Station,  which  is  situated  at  Lytle,  on 
the  southern  border  of  the  park,  at  that  time  were  very  limited  j  but 
the  railroad  people  showed  commendable  activity  in  putting  in  addi- 
tional sidings  for  the  largely  increased  traffic  which  was  to  come.  The 
railroad  facilities,  although  in  time  fairly  sufficient,  were  never  as  ample 
as  was  desirable.  This  lack  was  hot  so  great  as  to  be  serious  or  to 
materially  affect  the  desirability  of  the  park  for  a  camp  site.  Ten  store- 
houses, 20  by  100  feet,  for  the  commissary  stores  and  a  sufficient  num- 
ber for  quartermaster's  supplies  were  rapidly  constructed. 

The  park  commissioners  immediately  commenced  the  sinking  of  wells, 
and  the  work  was  rapidly  pushed  forward  until  forty-five  in  all  were 
ready  for  use.  The  needs  of  the  coming  forces  appeared  to  be  appre- 
hended by  all  the  departments  to  which  were  committed  the  duty  of 
preparation. 

Enough  tentage  for  the  troops  was  furnished  except  to  the  hospitals, 
where  the  supply  was  sometimes  very  inadequate.  Transportation  was 
usually  sufficient. 


204        INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

Rations  were  good  in  quality  and  abundant  in  quantity. 

Medicines  and  medical  supplies  were  at  times  deficient.  Laundry- 
work  for  the  hospital  was  done  at  Chattanooga.  An  adequate  and 
satisfactory  refrigerating  plant  for  the  reception  and  preservation  of 
fresh  beef  was  erected  by  the  beef  contractors.  A  large  bakery  with  a 
capacity  of  60,000  loaves  per  day  was  built,  and  in  a  reasonable  time 
after  the  establishment  of  the  camp  it  was  in  operation  and  furnished 
excellent  bread. 

Most  of  the  regular  troops  were  encamped  on  the  open  ground  and 
most  of  the  volunteers  in  the  woods  heretofore  described.  Regiments 
and  brigades  were  usually  placed  quite  close  together — closer  than 
was  desirable  or  necessary,  as  there  was  ample  space.  The  reasons 
assigned  for  placing  the  troops  in  the  woods  were  that  in  hot  weather 
the  shade  would  be  grateful  and  the  open  ground  would  be  left  for 
drilling  and  tactical  maneuvers. 

MOVEMENT  OF  TROOPS. 

The  first  regiment  of  the  Regular  Army  arrived  about  the  middle  of 
April  and  the  others  followed  in  rapid  succession  until  7,283  officers 
and  men  were  in  the  park.  The  first  volunteer  troops  arrived  about 
the  middle  of  May  and  were  quickly  followed  by  others,  until  by  May 
31  there  were  44,227  present.  Some  days  as  many  as  five  or  six  regi- 
ments arrived,  taxing  the  railroads  and  camp  transportation  to  the 
utmost.  When  the  Chattanooga,  Rome  and  Southern  Railway  was 
unable  to  handle  all  the  troops  arriving  they  were  unloaded  at  Rossville 
and  some  of  the  artillery  and  cavalry  at  Chattanooga  and  all  marched 
into  camp. 

On  June  30  there  were  58,548  troops  in  camp;  on  July  31  43,823 
troops;  on  August  31  there  were  13,161  troops;  total  number  of  troops 
that  arrived  at  Camp  Thomas  was  69,459  volunteers  and  7,283  regulars. 

The  average  number  in  camp  during  May,  June,  and  July  was  46,947. 

On  May  7  the  First  Army  Corps  was  constituted  and  May  16  Maj. 
Gen.  John  R.  Brooke  was  placed  in  command  of  it,  being  already  in 
command  of  the  camp.  The  Third  Army  Corps  was  constituted  the 
same  date,  and  May  16  placed  under  the  command  of  Maj.  Gen.  James 
F.  Wade.  All  the  regular  troops  left  for  Tampa  in  the  early  part  of 
May. 

Ernst's  Brigade,  of  Wilson's  Division,  left  Camp  Thomas  July  8  for 
Porto  Rico;  the  balance  of  the  First  Division,  First  Corps,  with  General 
Brooke  in  command,  left  July  23  for  the  same  place. 

During  the  latter  part  of  August  quite  a  large  number  of  troops 
were  ordered  to  their  several  States  and  subsequently  mustered  out. 
Those  remaining  were  disposed  of  as  follows,  viz,  on  August  21  and 
22,  the  Second  and  Third  Divisions  of  the  First  Corps  were  sent  to 
Lexington,  Ky.,  and  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  respectively. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  205 

Early  in  September  what  was  left  of  the  Third  Corps  was  transferred 
to  Anniston,  Ala.,  and  subsequently  made  part  of  the  Fourth  Corps. 
At  the  end  of  September  there  was  but  a  small  detachment  of  troops 
left  in  camp. 

Maj.  Gen.  John  E.  Brooke  commanded  the  camp  from  April  20  to 
July  23 ;  Maj.  Gen.  James  F.  Wade  from  July  23  to  August  2,  and  Maj. 
Gen.  J.  C.  Breckinridge  from  August  2  until  its  practical  abandonment. 

WATER   SUPPLY. 

At  the  time  the  first  troops  arrived  at  the  park  there  were  nine  deep- 
drilled  wells,  besides  several  wells  at  farmhouses  and  a  number  of 
cold  springs  which  had  been  considered  pure.  These  springs  and 
wells  were  cleaned  out  and  the  wells  provided  with  pumps  by  the 
park  commissioners  before  the  water  was  used.  These  wells  and 
those  subsequently  sunk  were  piped  to  the  bottom  with  six-inch  iron 
tubing,  which  projected  two  or  three  feet  above  the  surface  of  the 
ground.  The  pipes  above  the  ground  were  protected  by  stone  laid  in 
cement  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  surface  drainage  getting  into 
the  wells. 

The  principal  springs  outside  the  park  are  Crawfish  Springs,  capacity, 
say,  15,000,000  gallons  per  day,  distance  1J  miles;  Blue  Springs,  dis- 
tance, 3  miles;  Ellis  Springs,  distance,  4  miles.  All  furnished  good  and 
abundant  water.  The  water  supplied  the  camp  was  obtained  from 
the  springs  above  mentioned,  hauled  in  barrels  furnished  by  the 
Quartermaster's  Departmen  to  the  different  regimental  organizations 
from  the  nine  wells  in  existence  in  the  park  before  the  arrival  of 
the  troops,  and  thirty- six  more  that  were  rapidly  sunk  in  convenient 
localities,  and  from  Chickamauga  Creek.  The  wells  furnished  one 
barrel  per  minute  by  vigorous  pumping.  The  use  of  Crawfish  Springs 
was  discontinued  about  July  1  on  account  of  disagreement  with  the 
owner  as  to  compensation,  and  the  direct  supply  from  that  source 
was  cut  off. 

The  park  commissioners  put  in  a  water  system  at  Chickamauga 
Creek,  where  it  touches  the  park  on  its  northern  and  eastern  corner. 
An  intake  was  constructed  at  that  point,  a  power  house  erected  and 
furnished  with  steam  pumping  machinery,  with  a  capacity  of  1,800,000 
gallons  per  day,  and  a  reservoir  with  a  capacity  of  17,000  gallons  was 
erected  some  distance  from  the  pump  house  upon  an  elevation  suffi- 
ciently high  so  that  the  water  could  be  distributed  through  the  various 
portions  of  the  park  by  gravity.  The  water-pipe  line  was  about  10 
miles  in  length  and  extended  to  the  camps  of  numerous  regiments. 
Chickamauga  Creek  has  its  source  some  20  miles  distant  from  the 
park,  in  the  highlands,  and  is  fed  by  numerous  springs,  the  most 
important  of  which  are  Pond,  Gowdy,  Owen,  Lee,  and  Crawfish.  The 
anxiety  to  furnish  the  water  to  the  troops  at  the  earliest  possible 


206         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

moment  prevented  putting  the  pipes  into  the  ground  at  first,  but  as 
soon  as  possible  and  as  far  as  practicable  this  was  done. 

In  the  meantime  the  heating  of  the  pipes  by  the  sun's  rays  made  the 
water  very  warm  and  unpalatable.  The  water  supply  was  a  cause  of 
much  anxiety  and  comment  by  officers  and  men  during  the  entire  occu- 
pancy of  the  camp,  and  much  testimony  has  been  taken  respecting  it. 
We  visited  the  park  October  28  and  examined  the  source  ofsupply  at 
Chickainauga  Creek ;  also  the  wells  and  some  of  the  springs.  The 
banks  of  the  Creek  are  composed  of  a  reddish  loam,  readily  soluble, 
which  makes  its  waters  always  usually  more  or  less  roily,  and  after 
heavy  rains  quite  muddy.  Cave  Creek,  which  drains  a  large  portion 
of  the  camp  occupied  by  the  troops,  naturally  ran  into  Chickamauga 
Creek  at  a  point  near  the  intake  pipe  of  the  water  system.  Before  any 
water  was  pumped  a  ditch  was  cut  from  Cave  Creek  at  a  point  about 
60  feet  above  where  it  entered  Chickamauga  Creek  to  a  point  in  said 
creek  60  feet  below  where  the  intake  pipe  was  placed.  A  dam  was 
constructed  across  the  natural  channel  of  Cave  Creek,  thus  diverting 
its  water  into  the  ditch. 

It  appears  from  the  testimony  that  the  top  of  the  dam  washed  off 
once  or  twice  during  the  heavy  rains,  but  that  no  water  was  pumped 
at  those  times.  We  do  not  think  that  the  water  supply  was  con- 
taminated by  the  drainage  through  Cave  Creek.  A  careful  examination 
of  the  camp  sites  and  general  formation  of  the  ground  leads  to  the 
conclusion  that  the  waters  of  Chickamauga  Creek  at  the  intake  were 
not  contaminated  from  the  park. 

All  the  chemical  and  bacteriological  examinations  made  of  this  water 
of  which  we  have  knowledge  show  that  it  was  not  a  source  of  infection 
and  might  have  been  used  with  safety.  The  fact  remains,  however, 
that  the  water  was  quite  unsatisfactory  and  repugnant  to  most  of  the 
troops.  Many  of  them  refused  to  drink  it,  and  at  last  its  use  was  inter- 
dicted unless  boiled.  Boiling  as  a  rule  was  found  to  be  impracticable, 
or,  at  least,  was  not  generally  adopted  and  soon  ceased  almost  entirely. 
The  hot  weather  made  the  water  very  warm  and  the  heavy  rains  made 
it  muddy  and  unpalatable.  Filters  were  used  to  a  limited  extent,  but 
their  use  amounted  to  but  little,  as  they  soon  clogged  with  the  large 
amount  of  solid  substances  which  were  held  in  suspension  in  the  water. 

At  first  all  the  wells  in  the  camp  furnished  cool  and  pure  water,  but 
later  some  of  them  became  contaminated  and  their  use  was  discontinued. 
Whether  any  of  those  which  were  not  discontinued  were  contaminated 
may  be  a  mooted  question,  but  the  evidence  before  us  does  not  warrant 
the  statement  that  such  was  the  fact.  A  very  considerable  quantity  of 
the  water  used  for  drinking  during  July  and  August  was  drawn  from 
the  springs  above  mentioned,  which  were  located  outside  of  the  park, 
the  procuring  of  which  was  at  times  a  serious  inconvenience.  There 
were  but  few  bathing  houses,  soldiers  generally  bathing  below  the 
intake  in  Chickamauga  Creek.     The  troops  washed  their  clothing  in 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  207 

water  obtained  from  the  pipe  system,  from  the  wells  and  springs,  and 
in  Ohickamauga  Creek. 

The  water  supply  at  Camp  Thomas  was  at  times  insufficient  for  com- 
fort, especially  when  the  largest  number  of  troops  were  there.  At 
these  times  of  shortness  of  water  considerable  inconvenience  and  dis- 
comfort were  caused,  but  it  did  not  amount  to  distress.  It  is  very 
difficult  to  determine  from  the  evidence  to  what  extent  impure  water 
contributed  to  the  production  of  sickness,  but  it  is  probable  that  it  did 
to  a  considerable  degree.  The  men  would  drink  any  clear  water  with- 
out much  thought  as  to  its  source,  and  it  appears  that  they  used  water 
which  was  known  to  be  impure  and  which  was  forbidden.  In  some 
cases  this  practice  was  induced  no  doubt  by  disinclination  to  drink 
the  roily  water  from  Ohickamauga  Creek. 

SANITATION. 

Many  causes  conspired  to  make  the  sanitary  condition  of  Camp 
Thomas  very  imperfect  and  at  times  decidedly  bad.  In  the  woods  where 
most  of  the  troops  were  located  the  soil  was  very  shallow,  so  that  sinks 
could  not  generally  be  dug  on  an  average  of  more  than  3  or  4  feet, 
which  was  not  over  one-half  of  the  regulation  depth,  before  rock  would 
be  struck.  When  the  heavy  rains  came  in  July  the  sinks,  owing  to  the 
character  of  the  soil,  which  would  not  allow  seepage  of  liquids  through 
it  and  the  rock  underneath,  filled  with  water  and  overflowed,  carrying 
the  fecal  matter  over  the  surface  of  the  ground  to  a  greater  or  less  dis- 
tance. The  earth  was  only  slightly  absorbent,  and  when  thrown  into 
the  sinks,  as  some  was  supposed  to  be  many  times  during  the  day, 
it  would  absorb  but  little  of  the  liquid  contents  and  do  but  little  if 
any  good. 

At  first  but  a  small  quantity  of  disinfectants  were  used  in  or  about  the 
sinks,  as  the  regulations  prescribed  that  they  should  not  be  furnished, 
and  the  necessity  for  their  use  did  not  seem  to  be  fully  appreciated. 
Even  after  their  use  became  urgent  great  difficulty  in  procuring  them 
was  experienced,  and  it  was  not  until  August  that  lime  and  other  dis- 
infectants were  furnished  in  sufficient  quantities.  It  is  much  to  be 
regretted  that  so  much  delay  occurred  in  this  important  matter. 
Another  potent  cause  of  the  insanitary  condition  of  the  camp  was  fur- 
nished by  the  men  defecating  in  the  woods  in  close  proximity  to  their 
tents.  The  pollution  varied  in  different  localities,  but  was  at  first  quite 
general,  and,  with  the  sinks,  was  no  doubt  a  prolific  soure  of  infection. 
Vigorous  efforts  were  made  to  put  a  stop  to  such  an  unsoldierly  and 
dangerous  practice,  but,  although  materially  lessened,  it  was  never 
wholly  suppressed. 

The  camping  places  proper  of  the  various  regiments  were,  with  few 
exceptions,  well  policed  and  kept  in  good  sanitary  condition,  excepting 
the  sinks,  which  were  very  often  too  near  the  quarters  of  the  men,  and 


208        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

were  not  inclosed  for  some  time  after  the  establishment  of  the  camp. 
Much  of  the  refuse  of  the  camps  and  corrals  was  drawn  to  various 
places  more  or  less  remote  and  burned,  and  it  does  not  appear  that  any 
neglect  to  do  this  was  a  serious  cause  of  uuhealthfulness  of  the  troops. 
Some  of  the  regiments  burned  their  kitchen  refuse  in  their  kitchen 
fires. 

During  the  existence  of  the  camp  as  many  as  600  licenses  to  hucksters 
were  granted.  A  system  of  inspection  of  what  they  had  for  sale  was 
adopted,  and  all  articles  supposed  to  be  deleterious  to  the  men  were 
excluded;  but  there  can  not  be  much  doubt  that  the  large  quantities 
of  pies,  cakes,  fruits,  etc.,  eaten  were  the  cause  of  much  sickness, 
especially  intestinal  disorders.  Many  of  the  regiments  maintained  can- 
teens, from  which  were  sold  large  quantities  of  beer,  quantities  so  large 
that  the  health  of  the  men  must  necessarily  have  been  injuriously 
affected.  Passes  to  Chattanooga  were  allowed  to  from  two  to  six  men 
per  day  per  company.  That  place  offered  full  facilities  for  indulgence 
of  appetite  in  many  directions,  and  the  dissipation  of  the  men  who 
visited  that  city,  with  or  without  permission,  worked  much  injury  to 
the  command. 

The  weather  was  extremely  hot  up  to  July  1,  and  after  that  very 
rainy,  which  was  unexpected  and  unprecedented,  and  caused  great 
discomfort  to  all  and  suffering  and  sickness  to  some.  The  rapid 
decomposition  of  kitchen  and  other  refuse  contributed  materially  to 
the  development  of  disease. 

When  the  insanitary  condition  of  the  camps  became  known,  the 
troops  should  have  been  moved  into  the  open  ground,  and  if  neces- 
sary the  places  for  drilling  and  tactical  manceuvers  sacrificed.  In 
not  doing  this  the  various  commanders  of  the  camp  were  in  error. 
In  excuse  it  may  be  said  that  it  was  daily  expected  by  the  various 
commanders  up  to  August  15  that  a  large  portion  of  the  troops  would 
be  ordered  away  from  the  Park  to  Cuba  or  Porto  Rico.  The  evidence 
shows  that  the  various  commanding  officers  of  the  camp  promulgated 
proper  orders  for  sanitation,  and  that  daily  inspections  were  made,  and 
it  is  equally  in  evidence  that  these  orders  were  not  obeyed,  and  that 
these  inspections  failed  of  securing  their  proper  result,  and  the  insani- 
tary conditions  continued  to  an  unusual  extent.  One  of  the  great 
causes  of  in  sanitation  was  the  inexperience  of  the  men,  who,  not  regard- 
ing the  restrictions  imposed  upon  them  as  reasonable  or  necessary, 
paid  little  attention  to  the  sanitary  orders  issued. 

Making  due  allowance  for  the  stated  causes  of  insanitation,  the 
responsibility  for  the  failure  to  materially  lessen  the  evils  which  existed 
must  rest  upon  the  several  commanders  and  chief  medical  officers  of 
the  camp  and  corps. 

Myriads  of  flies,  rapidly  propagated  by  the  favorable  conditions  of 
heat,  moisture,  kitchen  and  other  garbage  and  the  excreta  of  men  and 
animals,  infested  the  camp  in  all  its  parts  and  caused  great  annoyance 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  209 

and  discomfort  to  man  and  beast,  and  was  one  of  the  assigned  causes 
of  the  spread  of  typhoid  fever. 

The  instruction  in  company  and  regimental  drill  and  brigade  and 
division  movements  was  carried  on  as  the  weather  and  the  health  of 
the  command  permitted. 

On  the  whole,  the  camp  was  unsatisfactory  by  reason  of  the  existence 
of  conditions  which  we  have  enumerated.  In  August,  when  it  was 
apparent  that  no  more  troops  would  be  needed  for  active  service,  the 
men  became  discontented,  and  the  order  for  breaking  it  up  was  hailed 
with  great  satisfaction. 

The  better  condition  of  the  camps  that  succeeded  Oamp  Thomas  and 
the  other  early  ones  was  the  result  of  dearly  bought  and  consequently 
appreciated  experience. 

Considering  the  area  of  the  open  spaces  and  the  rocky  formation  of 
the  ground  in  the  wooded  portions,  and  considering  the  water  supply, 
we  are  of  opinion  that  Chickamauga  Park  can  not  comfortably  accom- 
modate more  than  20,000  troops  at  once  for  any  great  length  of  time. 

As  bearing  upon  the  healthfulness  of  this  locality,  it  may  be  stated 
that  Surgeon  Hepburn,  of  the  Eighth  United  States  Volunteer  Infantry, 
at  present  post  surgeon  at  Oamp  Thomas,  under  date  of  January  28, 
1899,  reports  that,  from  October  8,  1898,  to  January  20,  1899,  there 
were  1,150  troops  there;  that  there  had  been  during  that  time  111 
separate  cases  treated  in  the  hospital  and  not  a  death  had  occurred 
from  disease,  nor  a  case  of  typhoid  fever  developed. 

CAMP   ALGER. 

Oamp  Alger  was  established  May  18,  after  a  report  to  the  Quarter- 
master-General dated  May  8,  as  to  its  suitableness,  by  Oapt.  M.  O. 
Martin,  assistant  quartermaster,  United  States  Army,  concurred  in  by 
Captain  Seyburn,  on  duty  at  the  headquarters  of  the  Army.  The 
report  says : 

I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  a  tract  of  land,  containing  upward  of  1,400  acres — 
meadow,  pasture,  and  woodland — can  be  obtained  for  camping  purposes  at  a  distance 
of  about  2  miles  from  Falls  Church,  Va.  This  tract  is  owned  by  Mr.  C.  L.  Campbell, 
is  well  watered,  and,  I  think,  contains  enough  cleared  land  for  the  camping  of  an 
army  corps.  It  is  about  300  feet  higher  than  Washington  and  is  the  only  large  tract 
which  I  have  been  able  to  find  in  one  body  and  within  reasonable  distance  of  this  city. 
It  lies  between  1  aud  3  miles  of  three  different  stations  on  a  branch  of  the  South- 
ern Railway,  which  will  put  in  the  necessary  sidings  and  provide  free  of  cost  the 
necessary  land  on  its  right  of  way  for  storehouses,  etc. 

On  May  8  the  recommendations  were  approved  by  the  Quarter- 
master-General and  by  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Oamp  Alger  was  about  1J  miles  from  Dunn  Loring,  a  station  on  a 

branch  of  the  Southern  Railway,  as  above  stated,  and  7  miles  from 

Washington,  and  about  5  miles  distant  from  Fort  Myer.     The  surface 

of  this  tract  is  rolling,  partly  wooded,  with  cultivated  clearings  and 

7833— vol.  1 14 


210        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

with  good  drainage.  The  soil  is  of  clay  and  sand  and  nearly  impervious 
to  water.  Immediately  after  the  selection  of  this  camp  preparations 
were  made  for  the  reception  of  troops  by  the  erection  of  storehouses  at 
Dunn  Loring,  where  the  Southern  Railway  put  in  extra  sidings  to 
accommodate  the  increased  traffic.  The  Second  Army  Corps  was 
constituted  May  7,  and  May  16  Maj.  Gen.  W.  M.  Graham  was  assigned 
to  the  command,  and  the  troops  which  were  to  compose  the  corps  were 
ordered  to  this  camp.  General  Graham  arrived  May  19  and  assumed 
command,  which  he  exercised  during  the  existence  of  the  camp.  This 
corps  was  composed  wholly  of  volunteers.  The  troops  commenced 
arriving  the  18th  of  May,  and  by  the  last  of  that  month  there  were 
18,309  officers  and  men  in  camp.  On  the  last  day  of  June  there  were 
23,511  officers  and  men,  on  the  last  day  of  July  there  were  22,180,  on 
the  last  day  of  August  the  troops  present  at  this  camp  and  Camp  Meade 
were  21,456. 

Total  number  of  troops  that  went  to  Camp  Alger  31,195. 

August  2  one  division  of  the  corps  marched  to  Thoroughfare  Gap, 
80  miles  distant,  and  remained  in  camp  there  for  about  one  month. 

Duffield's  brigade  left  camp  June  15  and  Garretson's  brigade  July  5, 
both  for  Santiago. 

Early  in  September  the  remainder  of  the  corps  was  transferred  to 
Camp  Meade,  near  Middletown,  Pa. 

The  supply  of  transportation  for  this  corps  was  somewhat  limited  at 
first  but  subsequently  was  abundant.  The  water  supply  was  also 
quite  limited  and  never  was  sufficient  for  other  uses  than  cooking  and 
drinking,  and  not  that  until  about  the  25th  of  June,  when  about  forty 
wells  had  been  sunk.  There  were  no  adequate  bathing  facilities  nearer 
than  tliie  Potomac  River,  which  was  7  miles  distant.  The  troops  were 
encamped  both  in  the  open  and  wooded  portions.  Those  in  the  latter 
did  not  seem  to  suffer  on  account  of  their  position.  The  sinks  were 
generally  properly  policed,  of  the  regulation  depth,  and  were  very  soon 
inclosed. 

The  woods  were  quite  badly  polluted  by  the  excreta  of  the  men ;  but 
the  commanding  officer  issued  stringent  sanitary  regulations  and  used 
great  efforts  to  see  that  they  were  obeyed.  His  efforts  were  fairly  suc- 
cessful. The  troops  were  well  supplied  with  tentage.  The  camps  of 
the  different  regiments  were  well  policed,  and  the  refuse  properly  dis- 
posed of  by  burning.  The  rations  were  abundant  in  quantity  and  good 
in  quality.  Field  bakeries  were  established  in  the  camp  and  at  Dunn 
Loring  on  August  2,  from  which  the  corps  was  supplied  with  excellent 
bread.  As  heretofore  stated,  on  the  1st  of  August  it  was  decided  to 
reduce  the  number  of  troops,  one  division  being  sent  to  Thorough- 
fare Gap,  and  about  two  weeks  later  it  was  decided  to  move  the 
whole  corps.  Early  in  September  that  was  accomplished.  During  the 
existence  of  this  camp  the  weather  was  exceedingly  hot  and  some  por- 
tion of  the  time  very  rainy,  both  of  which  conditions,  with  myriads  of 


REPORT    OP   THE    COMMISSION.  211 

flies  which  infested  the  camp,  were  the  causes  of  much  discomfort  to 
the  men.  The  health  of  this  locality  is  reputed  to  be  as  good  as  any  in 
the  section  of  country  about  Washington. 

The  number  of  deaths  from  May  18  to  October  11  was  71,  and  at 
Thoroughfare  Gap  34.  This  death  rate  is  not  abnormal,  and,  judging 
from  it,  the  locality  can  not  be  considered  unhealthful.  The  Seventh 
Illinois  .Regiment,  which  was  encamped  there  during  the  whole  time, 
lost  but  one  man  up  to  the  14th  day  of  December,  a  record  probably 
not  equaled  by  any  other  regiment  in  the  service.  The  establishment 
of  Camp  Alger  is  justifiable  upon  the  report  as  to  the  suitableness  of 
the  site,  but  considering  the  scarcity  of  water  and  the  want  of  facilities 
for  bathing,  we  are  of  opinion  that  it  was  very  undesirable,  and  was  not 
abandoned  too  soon. 

CAMP   CUBA  LIBRE,  JACKSONVILLE,  FLA. 

Maj.  Gen.  Fitzhugh  Lee  selected  this  camp  and  established  it  May 
29.  Its  abandonment  was  begun  October  23,  the  corps  being  trans- 
ferred to  Savannah,  Ga.  This  camp  was  located  from  2  to  4  miles 
from  the  business  portion  of  Jacksonville,  near  the  banks  of  the  St. 
Johns  River,  upon  a  sandy  plain,  sparsely  covered  with  pine  trees. 
The  ground  is  generally  level  and  the  soil  of  such  a  character  that 
sinks  could  be  dug  to  the  required  depth  and  the  liquid  portion  of  the 
contents  absorbed.  There  was  one  division  of  about  10,000  men 
encamped  immediately  upon  the  banks  of  the  St.  Johns  Eiver,  the 
balance  of  the  command  being  in  the  interior.  This  division  con- 
structed a  system  of  troughs  for  sinks,  through  which  water  was 
pumped  and  the  excrement  carried  into  the  river  and  thence  by  the 
tide  to  the  sea,  an  admirable  and  convenient  sanitary  arrangement. 

One  division  of  the  Seventh  Corps,  formerly  Schwan's  division,  Fourth 
Corps,  was  for  a  time  at  Miami,  but  was  brought  to  Jacksonville  as  soon 
as  the  unhealthful  situation  of  Miami  was  definitely  ascertained. 

The  strength  of  the  Seventh  Corps,  June  30,  was  19,156  officers  and 
existed  men;  July  31,  24,102;  August  31,  28,842. 

The  total  number  of  troops  which  went  to  Camp  Cuba  Libre  was 
28,842,  all  volunteers. 

Number  of  deaths  from  May  26  to  September  30,  246. 

This  camp  and  Jacksonville  were  visited  October  17  to  20  and 
carefully  inspected.  The  camp  was  clean  and  the  officers  and  men 
mostly  cheerful  and  well  contented,  although  anxious  to  move  either 
to  Cuba  or  home.  Many  of  the  regiments  made  low  houses  of  boards 
from  4  to  6  feet  in  height,  upon  which  were  mounted  their  tents, 
making  practically  a  two-story  tent.  The  lower  story  was  very  con- 
venient for  storage,  and  added  much  to  the  comfort  and  health  of  the 
men.  The  water  supply,  which  was  abundant  and  good,  was  fur- 
nished from  the  city  waterworks  of  Jacksonville,  and  was  carried  by 
pipes  to  the  camps  of  the  various  regiments.     Bathing  houses  were 


212        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

erected,  ami  their  use  contributed  much  to  tbe  comfort  and  healthful- 
ness  of  tbe  men.  Tbe  sanitary  arrangements  were  excellent,  and  were 
so  from  nearly  tbe  first  establishment  of  the  camp.  The  hospital 
arrangements  were  ample  and  good,  the  rations  good  in  quality  and 
sufficient  in  quantity.  The  discomfort  from  heat  during  the  months  of 
August  and  September  was  considerable. 

It  was  wise  to  move  the  corps  to  Savannah  at  the  time  it  was  done, 
for  reasons  hereinbefore  stated  in  regard  to  camping  troops  too  long  iu 
one  place,  and  also  for  the  morale  and  contentment  of  the  men. 

A  camp  for  convalescents  was  established  at  Pablo  Beach,  about 
12  miles  from  Jacksonville,  where  about  1,400  men  were  treated. 

While  there  are  many  favorable  things  that  may  be  said  about  the 
camp  at  Jacksonville,  that  it  would  be  much  better  not  to  encamp 
troops  in  the  State  of  Florida  during  the  summer  months,  except  as  a 
military  necessity  to  do  so. 

CAMP   AT   FERNANDINA,   FLA. 

Two  members  of  the  commission  were  detailed  to  examine  the  aban- 
doned camp  site  at  Fernandina  and  report  whac  facts  they  could  ascer- 
tain ill  regard  to  it.  Charges  of  corruption  iu  connection  with  the 
selection  of  the  site  of  this  camp  had  been  made;  investigation  proved 
them  to  be  unfounded.  This  camp  was  occupied  by  the  Third  Divi- 
sion of  the  Fourth  Corps,  under  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  L.  H.  Carpenter, 
from  July  3  to  about  the  middle  of  August,  when  this  division  was 
moved  to  Huntsville,  Ala. 

The  report,  which  expresses  our  views  of  this  camp,  is  as  follows : 

In  compliance  with  tbe  instructions  of  the  commission,  we  have  the  honor  to 
report  that  we  visited  Fernandina,  Fla.,  on  the  18th  instant,  and  made  a  careful  and 
critical  inspection  of  the  site  occupied  as  a  camp  by  the  troops  lately  stationed  at 
that  town,  and  found  the  conditions  to  be  as  follows: 

The  Florida  Central  and  Peninsular  Railroad,  leading  into  Fernandina,  is  a  well- 
equipped  one-track  road,  with  sidings  at  the  town  amounting  in  all  to  about  two 
miles.     Its  facilities  for  receiving  and  delivering  troops  appear  to  be  very  good. 

The  facilities  for  embarking  and  disembarking  troops  by  water  are  also  very  good, 
there  being  a  dock  front  over  a  half  mile  long,  with  a  minimum  low-water  depth  over 
the  bar  at  the  mouth  of  the  harbor  of  not  less  than  17  feet  and  a  rise  of  tide  of  6  feet. 

Tbe  location  of  the  camp  is  excellent,  probably  quite  equal  to  any  site  for  the 
purpose  that  could  have  been  selected  on  the  Florida  coast.  The  ground  is  rolling, 
its  maximum  elevation  about  60  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  with  no  swamp 
except  a  tidal  salt  marsh  beyond  the  highest  ground.  The  sea-batbing  facilities  are 
excellent. 

We  visited  and  walked  over  a  large  portion  of  tbe  area  occupied  by  the  troops, 
and  although  there  had  been  a  severe  storm  the  night  before  oar  arrival,  the  ground 
was  practically  dry. 

We  carefully  examined  the  site  of  the  camp  of  the  Third  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
which  it  has  been  reported  was  a  tropical  jungle,  worthless  land  until  cleared,  and 
upon  which  the  troops  worked  like  slaves  to  clear  it  until  it  was  fit  for  camping. 
While  your  committee  can  not  state  the  condition  of  this  land  when  the  troops 
arrived,  it  found  no  jappearance  of  a  tropical  jungle  here  or  in  the  vicinity.  There 
were  no  evidences  of  there  having  been   serious  work   in  preparing  the   camps, 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  213 

although,  as  is  usual,  there  were  small  bushes,  vines,  low  palms,  etc.,  scattered  here 
and  there  over  the  camp  site  and  the  adjacent  land.  Altogether  the  committee  was 
most  favorably  impressed  with  the  character  of  the  site  selected. 

We  were  informed  that  it  had  been  occupied  by  about  16,000  troops. 

We  visited  and  obtained  from  the  county  clerk  of  Nassau  County,  Fla.,  Mr.  George 
E.  Wolff,  a  map  showing  the  lands  occupied  by  the  troops,  and  his  official  certificate 
as  to  the  ownership  of  the  land.  This  certificate  states  that  the  greater  part  of  the 
lands  occupied  reverted  to  the  State  of  Florida  in  June,  1897,  by  reason  of  unpaid 
taxes,  and  that  no  one  by  the  name  of  Alger  ever  controlled  any  lands  in  the  count y 
of  Nassau,  as  shown  by  the  records,  and  that  the  land  occupied  by  the  Third  Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers  at  Fernandina  as  a  camp  was  at  the  time  the  property  of  the 
State  of  Florida. 

The  distance  of  the  site  of  the  camp  from  town  is  from  1  to  1£  miles.  The  water 
was  piped  without  expenditure  to  the  camp  from  Fernandina,  being  from  an  arte- 
sian well  about  600  feet  deep.  The  supply  was  unlimited.  The  water  had  a  slight 
sulphur  taste,  which  it  is  said  some  of  the  troops  disliked,  and  occasionally  used 
surface  water. 

The  locations  of  the  hospitals  as  pointed  out  to  us  were  on  high  ground,  well 
drained,  and  apparently  well  selected. 

The  time  the  site  was  occupied  by  the  troops  was  from  July  21  to  August  15,  in  all 
about  three  weeks. 

The  mayor  of  Fernandina  informed  us  that  Major  Hendley,  the  surgeon  in  charge 
of  the  camp,  had  stated  to  him  just  before  the  troops  left  that  the  number  of  sick 
was  540.  Your  committee  therefore  has  the  honor  to  report  that,  in  its  opinion, 
the  camp  was  well  selected;  that  probably  the  site  was  equal  in  all  respects  to  any 
other  that  could  have  been  found  on  the  Florida  coast;  that  from  the  information 
they  obtained  and  what  they  saw  it  was  far  from  being  a  tropical  jungle,  and 
that  the  certificate  of  the  county  clerk  indicates  that  no  Government  official  was 
interested  in  the  land;  that  the  amount  of  work  done  in  clearing  the  underbrush 
was  no  greater  than  might  have  been  expected  at  almost  any  locality  in  the  South 
selected  for  camping  purposes;  that  the  site  was  well  drained,  the  water  for  drink- 
ing and  cooking  purposes  good,  and  the  bathing  facilities  at  the  sea  beach  excellent. 

Appended  to  the  report  was  the  certificate  in  footnote  below : 

State  of  Florida,  County  of  Nassau: 

I,  George  E.  Wolff,  clerk  circuit  court  and  custodian  of  public  records  in  and 
for  Nassau  County,  Fla.,  hereby  certify  that  I  have  carefully  searched  the  public 
records  of  said  county,  and  find  that  R.  A.  Alger  does  not  own  or  control,  directly 
or  indirectly,  any  land  on  the  island  of  Amelia,  Nassau  County,  Fla.  I  further  cer- 
tify that  the  records  show  that  fee  simple  title  to  the  lands  lately  occupied  by  the 
military  camps  at  Fernandina,  as  indicated  by  maps  hereto  attached  and  made  a 
part  of  this  certificate  (red  lines  of  said  map  indicating  water  pipes  of  said  camp), 
are  vested  in  the  several  persons  and  corporations  as  follows: 

Fernandina  Development  Company,  Florida  Town  Improvement  Company,  S.  A. 
Swann,  S.  D.  Swann,  Fred.  W.  Haward,  A.  T.  Williams,  M.  B.  Self,  W.  H.  Hendricks, 
Mrs.  D.  M.  Hammond,  W.  C.  Yulee,  P.  Edwards. 

That  I  further  certify  that  the  greater  part  of  said  lands,  as  indicated  by  green 
coloring  on  said  map,  reverted  to  the  State  of  Florida,  June,  1897,  by  reason  of 
unpaid  State  and  county  taxes  for  the  years  1895,  1896. 

I  further  certify  that  no  one  by  the  name  of  Alger  ever  owned  or  controlled  any 
lands  in  said  county  of  Nassau,  and  further  that  the  lands  occupied  by  the  Third 
Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Regiment  at  Fernandina  as  camp  was  at  the  time  property 
of  the  State  of  Florida,  having  reverted  to  the  State  for  unpaid  taxes  previous  to  its 
occupation  as  such  camp. 

Witness  my  hand  and  official  seal  this  18th  day  of  October,  1898. 

George  E.  Wolff, 
Clerk  Circuit  Court,  Nassau  County,  Fla, 


214        INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 
CAMP   AT   MIAMI,   FLA. 

In  the  early  part  of  June,  Miami  was  selected  for  a  camp  by  the  Major- 
General  Commanding  the  Army,  upon  the  recommendation  of  a  board 
of  officers  consisting  of  Assistant  Surgeon-General  Greenleaf,  Maj.  G. 
H.  Hopkins,  and  Maj.  Walter  Reed,  the  first  two  of  whom  testified 
before  us  that  they  did  not  expect  it  to  be  used  as  a  permanent  camp, 
but  only  as  a  camp  of  isolation.  On  June  20  a  division  of  the  Fourth 
Corps  under  the  command  of  General  Sohwan  was  sent  there,  and  on 
June  28  was  designated  as  the  First  Division  of  the  Seventh  Corps. 
July  31  this  camp  was  abandoned  and  the  troops  transferred  to  Jack- 
sonville, because  it  was  found  in  all  respects  unsuitable. 

This  place  has  been  severely  criticised,  but  the  Commanding  General 
of  the  Army  said  of  it  in  a  communication  to  the  Secretary  of  War, 
dated  June  14,  "  It  has  been  cleared  for  5,000  troops,  and  additional 
ground  will  be  cleared  for  any  number.  Its  advantages  are  the  cool 
ocean  breezes,  nearness  to  the  Gulf  Stream  and  Cuba,  and  perfect  isola- 
tion from  yellow  fever,  which  is  the  principal  objection  to  Savannah, 
Jacksonville,  and  Mobile,"  and,  u  I  think  it  of  the  highest  importance 
that  the  tioops  be  placed  in  the  three  healthful  camps  of  instruction — 
Chickamauga,  Fernandina,  and  Miami." 


The  Seventh  Army  Corps,  Maj.  Gen.  Fitzhugh  Lee  commanding,  was 
organized  May  16  at  Tampa.  This  corps  was  removed  to  Jacksonville 
May  31,  with  the  exception  of  the  First  Division,  which  remained  at 
Tampa.  On  the  same  date,  May  16,  the  Fifth  Army  Corps,  Maj.  Gen. 
William  R.  Shatter  commanding,  was  organized,  with  headquarters  at 
Tampa.  On  the  30th  day  of  May  this  corps  comprised  16,426  men.  On 
June  7  it  embarked  on  transports  for  Santiago  de  Cuba,  leaving  in  the 
camp  parts  of  several  organizations,  with  a  large  number  of  horses 
and  mules.  The  camp  was  established  May  2,  and  was  not  intended 
for  a  permanent  one,  but  merely  as  a  rendezvous  for  troops  pending 
shipment  from  Port  Tampa.  Port  Tampa  had  good  facilities  in  the 
way  of  extensive  wharfage,  which  would  accommodate  from  fifteen  to 
twenty  vessels  at  a  time,  enabling  troops  and  supplies  to  be  loaded 
with  reasonable  dispatch. 

This  is  more  especially  true  of  troops,  as  the  narrowness  of  the 
wharves  tended  to  confusion  in  handling  stores,  teams,  and  artillery. 
Most  of  the  men  were  encamped  in  healthful  locations,  but  some  of 
them  upon  ground  so  low  that  when  the  rainy  season  commenced  much 
discomfort  was  experienced.  The  water  supply  was  ample  and  good, 
being  obtained  from  the  works  of  the  Plant  system,  which  was 
extended  into  the  camps  of  the  various  organizations.  The  railroad 
transportation  facilities  were  the  Plant  system  and  the  Florida  Central 


REPORT   OF    THE    COMMISSION.  215 

and  Peninsula  Railway.  The  excessive  heat  of  the  summer  caused 
considerable  discomfort  to  the  troops  and  live  stock,  and  the  order  for 
transfer  to  Montauk  Point  the  first  part  of  August  was  very  welcome. 
The  whole  number  of  troops  that  went  to  Tampa  during  the  existence 
of  the  camp  was  20,470  volunteers  and  27,002  regulars,  a  total  of  48,072. 

There  were  present  on  June  20, 19,322  troops,  and  on  July  20,  25,306. 

The  number  of  deaths  from  disease  and  accident  from  May  2  to 
September  30  was  56. 

CAMPS  MERRIAM  AND   MERRITT,  SAN  FRANCISCO,  CAL. 

These  camps  were  instituted  for  the  mobilization  of  troops  intended 
for  the  Philippine  Islands.  Camp  Merriam  was  first  located  on  the 
Presidio  reservation,  near  the  Lombard  street  entrance.  About  10,000 
men  were  encamped  there.  The  area  of  the  camp  was  quite  limited 
and  the  troops  were  somewhat  crowded.  The  water  supply  was  good. 
As  soon  as  it  was  understood  that  the  force  was  to  be  increased  Camp 
Merritt  was  established  near  the  northern  boundary  of  the  Golden  Gate 
Park  and  the  troops  from  Camp  Merriam  moved  to  that  place.  Eighteen 
thousand  men  were  encamped  in  Camp  Merritt,  occupying  it  only  until 
the  fleet  upon  which  they  embarked  was  assembled  and  fitted  for  their 
reception.  There  was  considerable  sickness,  especially  measles.  Some 
typhoid  fever  appeared.  Camp  Merriam  was  commanded  by  Maj.  Gen. 
Henry  0.  Merriam,  and  Camp  Merritt  by  Maj.  Gen.  Wesley  Merritt. 

The  camps  at  New  Orleans  and  Mobile  were  only  temporary.  The 
Fourth  Corps  was  organized  at  Mobile  the  1st  of  June  and  immedi- 
ately commenced  moving  to  Tampa.  The  whole  number  of  troops  at 
Mobile  were  9,534,  under  command  of  Maj.  Gen.  John  J.  Coppinger. 

CAMP  WIKOFF. 

Named  in  honor  of  the  colonel  of  the  Twenty-second  United  States 
Infantry,  killed  at  San  Juan  July  1,  Camp  Wikoff  was  at  Montauk 
Point,  125  miles  distant  from  New  York,  45  from  Newport,  R.  I.,  and  28 
from  New  London,  Conn. 

The  "  Point "  is  surrounded  by  water  and  has  a  good  harbor  on  the 
Sound  side  which  affords  shelter  from  the  Atlantic  storms.  It  is  a 
United  States  quarantine  station,  and  has  one  good  wharf,  but  the 
water  is  not  of  sufficient  depth  to  allow  heavy  draft  ocean  steamers 
to  lie  alongside  of  it. 

The  surface  of  the  ground  is  rolling,  nearly  bare  of  trees;  the  soil  of 
loam,  clay,  and  gravel,  with  a  solid  turf  and  good  covering  of  grass. 
The  place  is  healthful  and  during  the  summer  cool  and  comfortable. 

About  15,000  acres  were  available  for  camp  purposes — ample  space  for 
50,000  men. 

The  site  had  been  favorably  considered  by  a  board  of  officers  that  had 
carefully  examined  it  on  the  3d  of  June  preceding,  which  board,  as 


216         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

stated  by  a  member,  General  Frank,  was  looking  for  a  place  "  where 
we  can  take  the  troops  from  the  Santiago  campaign,  rest  them,  recuper- 
ate them,  and  cake  them  in  the  fall  for  the  Havana  campaign." 

Provisional  arrangements  for  the  use  of  the  land  were  made  with  the 
owners  of  the  property  through  the  president  of  the  Long  Island  Kail- 
road,  Mr.  Baldwin,  he  insisting  upon  one  thing  as  a  prerequisite  to  any 
contract,  that  at  least  two  weeks'  notice  should  be  given  before  the 
ground  was  occupied  by  troops,  so  that  the  Montauk  end  of  the  railroad 
might  be  put  in  proper  condition. 

The  surrender  of  the  Spanish  forces  at  Santiago  and  the  subsequent 
rapid  increase  of  sickness  in  the  regiments  of  the  Fifth  Corps  led  the 
War  Department  to  consider  the  advisability  of  withdrawal  of  the 
corps  from  Cuba,  the  absolute  and  immediate  necessity  for  which  was 
recognized  on  receipt  (August  4)  of  a  telegram  from  Major-General 
Shafter,  transmitting  the  following  letters  of  commanding  officers  and 
chief  surgeons: 

Maj.  Gen.  W.  R.  Shafter, 

Commanding  United  States  forces  in  Cuba: 
We,  the  undersigned  general  officers  commanding  various  brigades,  divisions,  etc., 
of  the  United  States  Army  of  occupation  in  Cuba,  are  of  the  unanimous  opinion  that 
this  army  must  be  at  once  taken  out  of  the  island  of  Cuba  and  sent  to  some  point 
on  the  northern  seacoast  of  the  United  States;  that  this  can  be  done  without  danger 
to  the  people  of  the  United  States;  that  there  is  no  epidemic  of  yellow  fever  in  the 
army  at  present — only  a  few  sporadic  cases ;  that  the  army  is  disabled  by  malarial 
fever  to  such  an  extent  that  its  efficiency  is  destroyed  and  it  is  in  a  condition  to  be 
practically  entirely  destroyed  by  the  epidemic  of  yellow  fever  sure  to  come  in  the 
near  future. 

We  know  from  reports  from  competent  officers  and  from  personal  observations 
that  the  army  is  unable  to  move  to  the  interior,  and  that  there  are  no  facilities  for 
such  move,  if  attempted,  and  will  not  be  until  too  late.  Moreover,  the  best  medi- 
cal authorities  in  the  island  say  that  with  our  present  equipment  we  could  not  live 
in  the  interior  during  the  rainy  season  without  losses  from  malarial  fever  almost  as 
bad  as  from  yellow  fever.  This  army  must  be  moved  at  once  or  it  will  perish.  As 
an  army  it  can  be  safely  moved  now.  Persons  responsible  for  preventing  such  a 
move  will  be  responsible  for  the  unnecessary  loss  of  many  thousands  of  lives.  Our 
opinions  are  the  result  of  careful  personal  observations  and  are  also  based  upon  the 
unanimous  opinion  of  our  medical  officers  who  are  with  the  army  and  understand 
the  situation  absolutely. 

(Signed)  Jos.  Wheeler,  major-general  volunteers;  Samuel  S.  Sumner,  command- 
ing Cavalry  Brigade;  William  Ludlow,  brigadier-general  United 
States  Volunteers,  commanding  First  Brigade,  Second  Division; 
Adelbert  Ames,  brigadier-general  United  States  Volunteers,  com- 
manding Third  Brigade,  First  Division;  Leonard  Wood,  brigadier- 
general  United  States  Volunteers,  commanding  city  of  Santiago; 
Theodore  Roosevelt,  colonel,  commanding  Second  Cavalry  Brigade; 
J.  Ford  Kent,  major-general  volunteers,  commanding  First  Division, 
Fifth  Corps  ;  J.  C.  Bates,  major-general  volunteers,  commanding 
Provisional  Division,  Fifth  Corps;  H.  W.  Lawton,  niaj or- general 
volunteers,  commanding  Second  Division,  Fifth  Corps;  C.  McKibbin, 
brigadier -general  United  States  Volunteers,  commanding  Second 
Brigade,  Second  Division. 


REPORT    OF   THE   COMMISSION.  217 

The  Adjutant-General  Fifth  Army  Corps. 

Sir  :  The  chief  surgeon  of  the  Fifth  Army  Corps  and  the  chief  surgeons  of  divisions 
consider  it  to  he  their  imperative  duty,  after  mature  deliberation,  to  express  their 
unanimous  opinion  that  this  army  is  now  in  a  very  critical  condition.  They  believe 
tbat  the  prevalent  malarial  fever  will  doubtless  continue  its  ravages  and  that  its 
mortality  will  soon  increase;  that  there  is  imminent  danger  that  the  yellow  fever, 
now  sporadic  and  of  a  mild  type,  may  any  day  assume  a  virulent  type  and  become 
epidemic.  They  unanimously  recommend  that  the  only  course  to  pursue  to  save  the 
lives  of  thousands  of  our  soldiers  is  to  transport  the  whole  army  to  the  United  States 
as  quickly  as  possible.  Such  transport  they  consider  practicable  and  reasonably 
free  from  danger.  The  proposed  move  to  the  plateau  of  San  Luis  they  believe  dan- 
gerous and  impracticable. 

Very  respectfully,  V.  Havard, 

Major  and  Surgeon,  U.  S.  Army,  Chief  Surgeon, 
H.-S.  Kilbourne, 
Major  and  Surgeon,  Chief  Surgeon  Second  Division,  Fifth  Corps. 

M.  W.  Wood, 
Major  and  Chief  Surgeon  First  Division,  Fifth  Corps. 
Frank  J.  Ives, 
Major  and  Surgeon,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Chief  Surgeon  Provisional  Division. 

H.  S.  T.  Harris, 
Major  and  Surgeon,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Chief  Surgeon  Cavalry  Division. 

Montauk  Point  had  already  been  decided  upon  as  the  site  for  the 
proposed  camp,  it  being  accessible  by  water,  thus  obviating  the  neces- 
sity of  transshipment  from  transports  to  cars,  and  so  isolated  as  that 
the  communication  of  yellow  fever  to  places  outside  the  camp  could 
almost  certainly  be  prevented. 

On  August  2  an  agreement  had  been  entered  into  by  Colonel  Gillis, 
U.  S.  A.,  representing  the  Government,  and  Mr.  W.  H.  Baldwin,  jr., 
representing  the  owners  of  the  land,  and  on  August  4  contracts  were 
made  by  the  Quartermaster's  Department  for  lumber,  pumps,  piping, 
tanks,  etc.,  which  were  at  once  shipped  to  Montauk.  On  the  6th  the 
sinking  of  a  well  was  started;  lumber  began  to  arrive  the  same  day, 
and  the  building  of  commissary  and  quartermaster's  storehouses  was 
commenced. 

Maj.  Gen.  S.  B.  M.  Young  having  arrived  August  5,  with  orders  to 
establish  the  camp,  great  activity  was  shown  in  preparing  for  the  troops 
expected  from  Santiago. 

As  rapidly  as  possible  the  railroad  company  put  down  about  4£  miles 
of  side  tracks  capable  of  holding  380  cars,  but  for  a  while  there  was 
difficulty  in  so  getting  at  these  tracks  as  to  permit  of  quick  unloading. 

Work  was  pushed  on  the  ordered  five  detention  camps  for  1,000  men 
each,  with  their  hospital  accommodations  for  500,  for  through  these 
camps  had  to  pass  all  the  men  coming  from  Cuba.  A  general  camp  of 
new  tents  intended  to  shelter  from  9,000  to  10,000  men  was  ready  for  occu- 
pancy before  a  transport  came  in.  The  general  hospital  was  prepared 
for  patients  as  fast  as  was  permitted  by  the  limited  number  of  workmen 
and  the  delays  in  getting  tents  and  lumber  on  the  ground. 


218        INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

When  the  work  of  preparing  the  camp  had  hardly  commenced,  before 
a  single  tent  was  pitched  on  Montauk  Point,  on  the  7th  of  August 
troops  began  to  come  in  from  Tampa  and  other  places  in  the  Southern 
States,  and  within  forty-eight  hours  there  were,  of  these  recruits  and 
men  left  behind  when  the  Fifth  Corps  sailed  for  Cuba,  a  force  number- 
ing 4,203,  and  with  it  seven  or  eight  thousand  horses  and  mules.  The 
first  of  these  troops  arrived  without  tents  or  equipment  of  any  kind 
and  with  only  travel  rations,  which  General  Young  testified  gave  rise 
to  "a  great  deal  of  scandal,"  though  there  was  no  occasion  therefor,  as 
the  men  did  not  suffer,  and  within  twenty-four  hours  the  baggage  trains 
came  in. 

as  Camp  Wikoff  was  to  be  a  place  of  rest  and  recuperation  for  the 
sick  army  expected  from  Cuba,  and  at  the  same  time  a  quarantine 
station  for  the  protection  of  the  country,  it  would  certainly,  for  every 
reason,  have  been  better  if  these  thousands  of  men  and  animals  had 
not  been  ordered  to  Montauk.  Their  arrival  and  presence  increased 
the  confusion  and  added  to  the  burdens  of  all  officials,  military  and 
railroad. 

It  was  about  two  weeks  before  the  camp  was  in  tolerable  running 
order,  and  during  this  time  troops  kept  coming  in,  all  in  a  "pitiable 
condition." 

Major  General  Wheeler,  who  had  arrived  on  August  15,  was  on  the 
18th  placed  in  command,  and  remained  so  until  the  latter  part  of 
September. 

Under  orders  from  the  President  and  the  Secretary  of  War  to  have 
the  men  at  Montauk  cared  for  "without  considering  expense,"  General 
Wheeler,  upon  assuming  command,  ordered  by  telegraph  a  large  quan- 
tity of  supplies,*  which  were  soon  received  and  M  given  to  the  soldiers 
in  addition  to  their  regular  rations." 

In  addition  to  the  food  stuffs  furnished  by  the  Government  and  those 
purchased  under  orders  from  the  general  in  command  of  the  camp,  an 
immense  quantity  of  necessaries  and  luxuries,  of  food  and  clothing, 
was  distributed  by  representatives  of  various  aid  societies;  and  no 
small  amounts  were  brought  in  by  visitors,  who  in  crowds  daily  came 
to  the  hospitals  and  regimental  camps,  doing  much  good,  but  adding 
largely  to  the  prevailing  confusion,  and  at  times,  by  their  indiscriminate 
generosity,  increasing  the  ill  health  of  many  of  those  convalescing  from 
fever,  whose  condition  necessitated  very  careful  attention  to  diet. 

*Two  thousand  one  hundred  pounds  of  halibut,  47,900  (in  round  numbers  48,000) 
pounds  of  lima  beans,  about  400,000  pounds  of  ice,  21,000  pounds  of  evaporated 
apricots,  21,000  pounds  of  butter,  14,000  cans  of  green  corn,  1,000  pounds  of  cocoa, 
4,000  pounds  of  crackers,  21,000  pounds  of  sugar-cured  bams,  29,000  cans  of  evapo- 
rated cream,  23,000  pounds  of  oatmeal,  15,000  pounds  of  peaches,  18,000  pounds  of 
evaporated  peaches,  12,000  pounds  of  canned  pears,  14,000  pounds  of  canned  pease, 
10,000  pounds  of  prunes,  20,000  cans  of  soup,  5,000  cans  of  pickles,  300  boxes  of 
oranges,  53,000  dozen  eggs,  250  pounds  of  tea,  28,000  gallons  of  fresh  milk. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  219 

Disinfection  of  men  and  clothing  was  duly  effected  at  quarantine 
and  in  the  detention  camp. 

The  water  supply  seems  to  have  been  ample  and  of  good  quality,  and 
there  has  not  been  presented  any  satisfactory  evidence  that  the  wells 
were  polluted  with  surface  drainage. 

A  large  well  50  feet  deep,  with  a  capacity  of  300,000  gallons  per  day, 
was  early  dug,  and  there  were  other  wells  from  which  perhaps  200,000 
gallons  more  could  be  drawn.  About  12  miles  of  pipe  were  laid  from 
these  wells,  and  the  water  carried  to  each  regiment,  where  there  was 
one  faucet  or  more  from  which  it  could  be  drawn. 

From  one  million  and  a  half  to  two  million  feet  of  lumber  were  used 
in  the  camps  for  the  construction  of  storehouses  and  other  buildings,  and 
for  flooring  the  tents,  which  at  the  general  hospital  were  all  floored 
before  being  used,  though  those  at  the  detention  and  general  camps 
were  not  so  for  some  time  after  the  troops  arrived. 

Transportation  at  the  camp  was  insufficient,  and  as  a  consequence 
supplies  were  not  delivered  as  promptly  as  was  desirable,  and  the  trans- 
fer of  sick  and  convalescents  from  the  vessels  to  the  detention  camp  was 
at  times  slower  and  more  trying  than  it  should  have  been.  Much  com- 
plaint was  made,  and  justly  so,  of  delays  in  getting  furloughed  men 
away,  but  the  train  service  of  the  railway  was  enormously  taxed.  It 
was  much  to  the  credit  of  the  Long  Island  Eailroad  Company,  that, 
notwithstanding  the  great  crowd  of  passengers  carried  to  and  from 
Montauk  during  the  existence  of  Camp  Wikoff,  not  a  life  was  lost  and 
not  a  person  injured. 

The  sanitation  of  the  camps  and  hospitals  while  far  from  perfect  was 
perhaps  as  good  as  might  reasonably  have  been  expected.  There 
should  have  been  more  general  and  free  use  of  disinfectants  in  and 
about  the  sinks,  the  location  and  protection  of  which  were  according  to 
rule.  There  was  no  epidemic  of  yellow  or  typhoid  fever,  though  it  was 
both  feared  and  predicted  that  there  would  be. 

A  camp  bakery  was  established  August  27,  of  sufficient  capacity  to 
furnish  all  the  troops  with  good  wholesome  bread,  and  a  laundry  was 
early  contracted  for,  but  it  was  not  ready  for  use  for  a  number  of  weeks. 
A  morgue  for  the  reception  and  preparation  of  the  dead  was  constructed, 
but  proper  care  of  the  bodies  was  not  always  taken.  The  Y.  M.  C.  A. 
had  large  tents  in  the  different  camps?  in  which  religious  services  were 
held,  and  conveniences  for  writing,  etc.,  were  furnished. 

The  total  number  of  troops  which  arrived  from  Cuba  was  17,577,  with 
those  from  Tampa  and  other  places,  21,870.  The  number  in  camp 
August  20  was  7,686;  September  1, 14,863 ;  September  10, 14,444;  Sep- 
tember 30,  3,187. 

The  number  of  deaths  to  September  30  was  257. 

The  camp  was  practically  abandoned  early  in  November  and  the 
general  hospital  closed  November  16. 

On  the  whole  it  may  be  said  that  Montauk  Point  was  an  ideal  place 


220        INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

for  the  isolation  of  troops  who  had  been  exposed  to  or  had  yellow  fever, 
and  for  the  recuperation  of  those  greatly  debilitated  by  malarial  attacks 
of  marked  severity.  The  time  allotted  for  preparation  was  altogether 
too  short,  and  as  a  consequence  the  camp  was  occupied  long  before  it 
was  ready.  Because  of  this,  and  because  of  the  great  number  of  sick 
and  convalescents  and  of  those  on  the  ground  who  were  unconnected 
with  the  Army,  there  was  much  confusion,  some  lack  of  proper  atten- 
tion to  matters  of  sanitation  and  to  the  sick,  and  without  doubt  cases 
of  distress,  it  may  be  neglect.  But  after  all  there  was  much  exagger- 
ation in  what  was  written  aud  said  about  the  conditions  at  Canip  Wikoff, 
exaggeration  at  times  intentional,  generally  the  result  of  unfamiliarity 
with  the  life  of  the  soldier  and  with  the  appearance  of  a  large  number 
of  sick  and  broken-down  men  brought  together  in  a  limited  space. 

OAMP  SHIPP,  ANNISTON,  ALA. 

Camp  Shipp  was  instituted  September  3,  and  the  remainder  of  the 
Third  Corps  was  transferred  from  Camp  Thomas  to  this  place  aud 
placed  under  the  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  Royal  T.  Frank.  This  camp 
was  visited  October  21-25,  and  the  testimony  of  a  large  number  of  officers 
aud  men  taken  concerning  their  experience  and  observation  during 
their  term  of  service  at  the  different  camps  where  they  had  been  sta- 
tioned. An  inspection  was  made  of  the  camp  and  troops,  and  they 
were  found  in  excellent  condition  and  comfortably  located  upon  spa- 
cious and  suitable  grounds.  The  sinks  were  of  the  regulation  depth 
and  at  a  proper  distance  from  the  quarters  of  the  men,  and  were  duly 
inclosed  and  disinfected. 

The  division  and  regimental  hospitals  were  of  sufficient  capacity, 
and  well  equipped  and  conducted.  Bathing  houses  for  officers  and  men 
had  been  established  and  were  in  use.  The  command  was  supplied 
with  pure  and  cool  water  from  the  city  water  system,  which  had  been 
extended  to  every  organization.  This  remnant  of  the  Third  Corps  had 
been  merged  into  the  Second  Division  of  the  Fourth  Corps,  and  was 
fully  equipped  and  ready  for  service.  The  number  of  deaths  to  Sep- 
tember 30  was  12. 


This  camp  was^  visited  October  2G  and  27  and  much  testimony  taken. 
It  was  instituted  August  23,  and  was  under  the  command  of  Brig.  Gen. 
L.  H.  Carpenter.  The  troops  encamped  were  the  First  Division,  Fourth 
Corps,  and  the  First  Cavalry  Brigade  and  Light  Artillery  Battalion  of 
the  same  corps.  The  headquarters  of  the  corps  were  at  this  place. 
The  same  conditions  as  to  water,  hospitals,  sanitation  and  equipment, 
camping  space,  etc.,  existed  here  as  at  Camp  Sbipp.  These  troops  came 
largely  from  Camp  Wikoff  and  from  Tampa,  Fla. 

Number  of  deaths  to  September  30  was  35. 


REPORT  OF  THE  COMMISSION.  221 

CAMP  POLAND,  KNOXV1LLE,  TENN. 

This  camp  was  visited  October  30  and  31,  and  the  troops  and  grounds 
inspected.  The  same  conditions  as  to  supply  of  water,  space  for  troops, 
hospitals,  sanitation,  etc.,  existed  here  as  in  the  last  two  camps.  The 
testimony  of  a  number  of  officers  and  men  was  taken.  This  camp  was 
instituted  August  21  and  was  the  headquarters  of  the  Second  Division 
of  the  First  Corps,  and  was  commanded  by  Col.  J.  A.  Keurt  of  the 
Second  Ohio.     Number  of  deaths  to  September  30  was  23. 

These  troops  were  transferred  from  Camp  Thomas. 

CAMP   HAMILTON,   LEXINGTON,   KY. 

This  camp  was  instituted  August  23,  and  was  visited  October  31  and 
November  1,  and  the  camp  and  troops  inspected  and  the  testimony  of 
many  officers  and  men  taken.  It  was  the  headquarters  of  the  First 
Army  Corps,  Maj.  Gen.  J.  H.  Wilson  commanding,  the  First  Division 
of  which  was  stationed  there.  As  to  situation,  spaciousness,  hospitals, 
water  supply,  sanitation,  etc.,  it  compared  favorably  with  the  other 
three  camps  heretofore  described.  The  number  of  deaths  to  September 
30  was  29. 

These  troops  were  transferred  from  Camp  Thomas. 

CAMP  MEADE   (NEAR  MIDDLETOWN),  PA. 

This  camp  was  instituted  August  24,  and  soon  thereafter  was  occu- 
pied by  the  Second  Army  Corps  of  about  22,000  men,  under  command 
of  Maj.  Gen.  William  M.  Graham,  which  had  been  moved  from  Camp 
Alger.  It  was  visited  November  3  and  4,  and  found  to  be  spacious  and 
well  laid  out.  The  water  supply  was  obtained  from  artesian  wells, 
and  was  piped  to  every  organization.  It  was  both  good  and  abundant. 
The  hospitals  were  commodious,  and  well  equipped  and  conducted. 
The  bathing  facilities  for  the  men  were  ample.  The  sanitary  and  other 
conditions  were  of  high  order,  and  the  camp  as  a  whole  was  open  to  but 
little  criticism.  The  testimony  of  a  number  of  officers  and  men  was 
taken,  and  the  troops  and  camp  inspected.  In  November  this  camp 
was  discontinued  and  the  troops — not  mustered  out — distributed  to 
the  various  camps  in  the  South.  The  number  of  deaths  to  October  11 
was  64. 

The  condition  of  these  five  camps  illustrates  the  value  of  the  expe- 
rience obtained  in  those  in  which  the  troops  had  formerly  been.  It 
shows  conclusively  that  only  time  and  experience,  and  both  are  essen- 
tial, are  needed  to  teach  officers  and  men  the  best  methods  for  caring 
for  themselves. 

In  conclusion  it  may  be  said  that  it  is  impossible  to  bring  together  a 
regiment  of  1,300  men  whose  lives  and  habits  have  all  been  different 
and  place  them  in  camp,  subject  them  to  its  discipline,  diet,  and  duties, 


222        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

without  much  complaint.  They  must  become  acclimated  and  accus- 
tomed to  camp  life  before  sickness  can  be  prevented;  and  until  the 
individual  soldier  appreciates  the  necessity  of  complying  fully  with  the 
regulations  and  confines  himself  to  the  regular  food — and  this  the  sol- 
dier never  does  until  experience  teaches  him  the  necessity — he  will 
drink  polluted  water,  eat  noxious  food  that  disturbs  his  digestive 
organs,  and  will  not  take  care  of  himself,  and  no  discipline  or  watching 
will  prevent  it.  The  imprudent  acts  of  the  soldiers  are  the  first  and 
greatest  cause  of  sickness  in  camps. 

Another  great  cause  of  complaint  was  the  inexperience  of  officers 
and  surgeons  as  to  proper  sanitation,  necessity  of  daily  exercise, 
the  camping  too  long,  in  one  place,  lack  of  exercise  by  marches  and 
other  methods  to  take  up  the  soldier's  thoughts.  This  occurs  to 
all  volunteers.  It  has  been  much  less  so  in  this  war  than  in  others, 
and  there  has  been  far  less  sickness  and  fewer  deaths.  The  troops 
are  now  acclimated,  their  health  is  excellent,  their  discipline  and 
camp  sanitation  showing  that  officers  and  men  have  all  made  won- 
derful progress  because  of  experience.  It  would  seem  that  little  can 
be  added  to  the  camps  as  now  organized  to  make  them  healthier. 
They  are  models  of  arrangement  and  cleanliness,  and  it  is  greatly  to 
the  credit  of  officers  and  men  that  they  have  made  such  progress  in  so 
short  a  time.  No  complaints  come  from  them,  and  the  Army  as  now 
constituted,  except  as  to  marksmanship,  is  almost  as  well  prepared  to 
enter  campaigns  as  the  Regular  Army  was  at  the  beginning  of  the 
war. 

INDIVIDUAL   CASES. 

A  large  number  of  complaints  of  neglect  affecting  individuals  have 
been  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  commission,  respecting  which  evi- 
dence has  been  taken  either  by  affidavit  or  personal  examination. 
These  cases  are  submitted  in  abstract  (appended),  together  with  tlie 
facts  and  conclusions  arrived  at  by  the  commission. 

SANTIAGO   CAMPAIGN. 

In  accordance  with  the  written  request  of  the  Major-General  Com- 
manding the  Army,  Brig.  Gen.  (now  Maj.  Gen.)  William  11.  Shafter  was, 
on  the  29th  day  of  April,  1898,  directed,  upon  his  arrival  at  Tampa,  Fla., 
to  assume  command  of  all  troops  there  assembled.  This  assignment 
practically  determined  the  command  of  the  Fifth  Corps  and  of  the 
expedition  to  the  southern  part  of  Cuba,  which  resulted  in  driving 
Cervera's  fleet  to  its  destruction  by  the  navy  and  the  final  capture  of 
the  city  of  Santiago,  with  all  of  the  Spanish  forces  in  the  province  of 
Santiago  de  Cuba. 

The  circumstance  which  determined  the  campaign  was  the  reported 
presence  of  Cer  vera's  fleet  in  the  harbor  of  Santiago.     At  2.30  a.  m. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  223 

May  31,  1898,  instructions  were  sent  to  General  Shatter,  by  telegraph, 
as  follows : 

With  the  approval  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  you  are  directed  to  take  your  com- 
mand on  transports,  proceed  under  convoy  of  the  Navy  to  the  vicinity  of  San- 
tiago de  Cuba,  land  your  force  at  such  place  east  or  west  of  that  point  as  your 
judgment  may  dictate,  under  the  protection  of  the  Navy,  and  move  it  onto  the  high 
grounds  and  bluffs  overlooking  the  harbor  or  into  the  interior,  as  shall  best  enable 
you  to  capture  or  destroy  the  garrison  there,  and  cover  the  Navy  as  it  sends  its  men 
in  small  boats  to  remove  torpedoes ;  or,  with  the  aid  of  the  Navy,  capture  or  destroy 
the  Spanish  fleet  now  reported  to  be  in  Santiago  harbor. 

The  Major-General  Commanding  the  Army  immediately  repaired  to 
Tampa,  and  telegraphed  the  Secretary  of  War  June  1,  2.35  p.  m. : 

Everything  is  being  pushed  as  rapidly  as  possible  to  embark  troops  at  Tampa  and 
Mobile,  and  a  small  number  will  be  embarked  at  New  Orleans  on  the  Orizabo.  Men 
are  working  day  and  night. 

On  the  7th  of  June,  at  7.30  p.  m.,  by  direction  of  the  President,  infor- 
mation received  from  Admiral  Sampson  was  telegraphed  General 
Shafter  as  follows : 

If  10,000  men  were  here  the  city  and  fleet  would  be  ours  within  forty-eight  hours. 
Every  consideration  demands  immediate  army  movement.  If  delayed,  city  will  be 
defended  more  strongly  by  guns  taken  from  fleet. 

On  the  same  day,  in  a  telegram  received  at  the  Executive  Mansion 
at  10.15  p.  m.,  General  Shafter  wired : 

I  expect  to  have  834  officers,  16,154  men,  on  transports  by  daylight,  and  will  sail  at 
that  hour. 

Before  sailing,  however,  he  was  directed  to  wait  for  further  orders, 
which  were  subsequently  communicated,  based  upon  the  reported  pres- 
ence of  a  Spanish  armed  cruiser  and  torpedo-boat  destroyer  in  St. 
Nicholas  Channel.  The  alleged  presence  of  these  vessels  delayed  the 
departure  of  the  expedition  nearly  a  week,  and  it  did  not  sail  until 
June  13  and  14. 

The  transports  furnished  General  Shafter  for  his  expedition  were 
supposed  to  have  a  capacity  sufficient  for  25,000  men,  with  quarter- 
master, subsistence,  ordnance,  aud  medical  stores  and  supplies  for  sev- 
eral months.  It  was  found  on  a  careful  inspection  of  the  transports, 
however,  that  their  capacity  had  been  greatly  overrated,  and  that 
General  Shafter  would  be  unable  to  embark  the  force  at  his  command 
without  uncomfortably  crowding.  He  realized  the  necessity  for  sailing 
with  all  the  troops  available,  and  assumed  the  risk  of  the  elements 
rather  than  land  upon  a  hostile  foreign  shore  with  insufficient  force. 
The  dilemma  which  presented  itself  was  clearly  defined,  and  he  deliber- 
ately assumed  the  risk  and  at  the  same  time  the  responsibility  therefor. 
The  risk  was  undoubtedly  well  taken.  The  crowding  of  the  transports 
could  in  any  event  result  only  in  discomfort  to  the  men  and  animals  on 
board,  or,  at  the  worst,  in  the  loss  of  a  comparatively  few  by  close  con- 
finement on  crowded  vessels.    The  effects  of  a  failure  of  the  campaign 


224         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

by  reason  of  an  insufficient  force  would  have  been  disastrous,  if  not 
fatal. 

The  Navy  Department,  on  the  31st  of  May,  1898,  sent  the  following 
communication  to  the  honorable  the  Secretary  of  War: 

This  Department  begs  leave  to  inquire  what  means  are  to  be  employed  by  the  War 
Department  for  landing  the  troops,  artillery,  horses,  siege  guns,  mortars,  and  other 
heavy  objects  when  the  pending  military  expedition  arrives  on  the  Cuban  coast 
near  Santiago. 

While  the  Navy  will  be  prepared  to  furnish  all  the  assistance  that  may  be  in  its 
power,  it  is  obvious  that  the  crews  of  the  armored  ships  and  of  such  others  as  will 
be  called  upon  to  remove  the  Spanish  mines  and  to  meet  the  Spanish  fleet  in  action 
can  not  be  spared  for  other  purposes,  and  ought  not  to  be  fatigued  by  the  work 
incident  to  landing  of  the  troops  and  stores,  etc. 

This  information,  so  far  as  can  be  ascertained,  was  never  communi- 
cated to  either  General  Miles  or  General  Shatter  j  the  expedition  there- 
fore left  Tampa  with  no  facilities  for  landing  other  than  were  afforded 
by  the  boats  of  the  several  transports  conveying  the  expedition,  with 
the  exception  of  several  lighters  and  steam  tugs  of  light  draft,  such 
as  could  be  hastily  secured.  The  Major-General  Commanding  the 
Army,  who  was  present  during  the  entire  time  in  which  the  expedi- 
tion was  being  loaded,  and  the  commander  of  the  expedition,  both 
relied  upon  the  hearty  cooperation  of  the  Navy,  which  had  been  prom- 
ised them  by  its  representative  on  the  ground,  with  whom  they  were 
in  communication. 

The  means  for  landing  an  expedition  of  17,000  men  on  a  foreign  and 
hostile  shore  in  the  face  of  an  enemy  whose  presence  was  to  be  expected 
were  undoubtedly  insufficient.  Here,  again,  the  commander  of  the 
expedition  assumed  the  risks.  His  orders  were  peremptory.  The  exi- 
gency of  the  movement  admitted  of  no  delay.  He  would  not  have  been 
justified  in  postponing  the  departure  of  the  expedition  even  if  no  means 
of  disembarkation  had  been  available  except  the  boats  of  the  trans- 
ports themselves.  He  assumed  the  risk  of  their  sufficiency,  and,  as  in 
the  case  of  the  crowding  of  the  vessels,  he  was  justified  in  assuming 
these  risks,  as  the  results  show.  War  in  the  main  is  based  upon  risks 
assumed.  If  no  army  moved  until  everything  was  in  perfect  readiness 
for  the  movement  and  success  was  certain,  few  battles  would  be  fought 
and  fewer  victories  won.  A  commander  who  assumes  risks  not  alto- 
gether unreasonable  in  themselves  and  succeeds  is  justified  by  his  suc- 
cess, and  is  not  to  be  held  accountable  for  what  might  have  been. 

The  expedition  reached  a  point  off  Santiago  about  noon  of  the  20th 
of  June.  A  conference  between  General  Shafter,  Admiral  Sampson, 
and  General  Garcia  was  held  at  "General  Rabi's  place,"  at  which  the 
plan  of  campaign  was  outlined  by  General  Shafter  and  approved  by 
Admiral  Sampson  and  General  Garcia.  A  feint  was  to  be  made  by 
3,000  or  4,000  men  at  some  point  west  of  Santiago,  and  the  expedition  to 
be  landed  at  Daiquiri  to  march  on  Santiago;  General  Castillo  was  to 
have  1,000  men  at  Daiquiri  to  capture  the  escaping  Spaniards  while  the 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  225 

Navy  bombarded:  the  Navy  to  bombard  on  the- morning  of  the  22d 
Daiquiri,  Aguadores,  Siboney,  and  Cabanas  as  a  feint,  and  the  whole 
expedition  to  land  at  the  place  first  named.  In  accordance  with  this 
plan  the  Navy  bombarded  the  places  mentioned  on  the  morning  of  the 
22d,  and  the  landing  was  made  at  Daiquiri. 

The  expedition  as  it  arrived  off  the  southern  coast  of  Cuba  consisted 
of  the  Fifth  Army  Corps,  composed  of  two  divisions  of  infantry,  com- 
manded by  General  Kent  and  General  La wton,  respectively ;  a  division 
of  dismounted  cavalry,  commanded  by  General  Wheeler;  a  battalion  of 
light  artillery,  consisting  of  batteries  E  and  K  of  the  First  and  A  and 
F  of  the  Second  United  States  Artillery,  and  a  siege  artillery  train, 
consisting  of  batteries  G  and  H  of  the  Fourth  United  States  Artillery. 
The  entire  corps  disembarked  on  the  22d  and  23d  of  June,  practically 
unopposed  by  the  enemy  and  in  the  same  condition  as  to  numbers  as  it 
had  embarked  at  Tampa,  less  two  men  drowned  during  the  landing. 
Later,  about  the  27th  of  June,  a  brigade  of  volunteer  infantry,  com- 
manded by  General  Dufneld,  consisting  of  the  Thirty-third  and  Thirty- 
fourth  Michigan  and  Ninth  Massachusetts  regiments,  about  2,500 
strong,  joined  General  Shafter's  command. 

The  infantry  division  of  General  Lawton  was  first  disembarked,  fol- 
lowed by  the  cavalry  division  of  General  Wheeler.  The  Second  Brigade 
of  General  Wheeler's  division,  eommanded  by  General  Young,  disem- 
barked on  the  evening  of  the  22d  and  on  the  morning  of  the  23d. 
During  the  afternoon  of  the  23d,  in  order  to  find  good  camping  ground 
and  water,  a  march  of  several  miles  was  made,  and  finally  Siboney, 
where  General  Wheeler  had  his  headquarters,  was  reached.  A  slight 
skirmish  had  taken  place  on  the  evening  of  the  23d.  The  desirable 
camping  ground  in  the  neighborhood  of  Siboney  was  all  occupied  by 
other  troops,  and  General  Young  requested  permission  of  General 
Wheeler  to  move  out  in  the  morning  and  drive  a  force  of  Spaniards  said 
to  be  in  the  neighborhood  from  elevated  ground,  which  he  regarded  as 
desirable  for  camping  purposes.  Permission  was  given,  and  in  this 
way  the  affair  of  Las  Guasimas  was  brought  on.  It  was  widely  heralded 
at  the  time  as  an  ambuscade,  and  has  been  later  characterized  as  a 
disobedience  of  orders.  It  was  neither.  As  to  the  former  charge,  it 
was  absolutely  found ationless,  and  the  latter  rests  upon  no  sufficient 
evidence. 

Although  not  part  of  the  plan  of  campaign,  and  a  mere  incident  in  it, 
it  was  deliberately  planned  and  authorized  by  General  Wheeler,  who 
undoubtedly  had  authority  to  do  so.  Notwithstanding  the  fact,  as 
stated  by  himself,  u  I  was  especially  and  repeatedly  enjoined  not  to 
make  any  forward  movement  which  would  bring  on  an  engagement 
until  the  entire  command  reached  the  front,"  he  was  undoubtedly  sat- 
isfied, as  the  result  showed  that  this  was  a  detached  outpost,  and  that 
no  general  engagement  would  be  brought  on  by  attacking  it. 

A  careful  reconnoissance  revealed  the  enemy  in  an  intrenched  posi- 
tion in  line  of  battle  on  elevated  ground.  General  Young's  brigade 
7833— vol.  1 15 


22 G        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

consisted  of  nine  troops  of  the  First  United  States  Cavalry,  eight 
troops  of  the  Tenth  United  States  Cavalry,  and  the  First  United  States 
Volunteer  Cavalry.  The  latter,  uuder  command  of  Colonel  (now  Major- 
General)  Wood,  advanced  by  one  road,  accompanied  by  two  staff  offi- 
cers of  General  Young;  the  latter  accompanied  the  other  wing,  com- 
posed of  the  First  and  Tenth  United  States  Cavalry  and  three  Hotchkiss 
guns  by  another  road,  the  two  wings  being  about  equal  in  number. 
The  plan  of  attack  was  discussed  in  advance  and  fully  understood  by 
Colonel  Wood.  A  regular  deployment  was  made  of  both  wings,  and 
the  interval  between  the  two  was  carefully  guarded.  The  attack  was 
opened  by  our  own  forces;  there  was  no  surprise,  no  ambuscade,  no 
lack  of  definiteness  as  to  plan,  and  no  uncertainty  as  to  purpose. 

The  Spaniards,  as  already  remarked,  were  on  elevated  ground,  in  an 
intrenched  position  in  line  of  battle.  General  Young's  brigade  had 
been  carefully  deployed,  the  position  of  the  enemy  was  thoroughly 
understood,  and  the  only  uncertainty  existing  in  the  minds  of  the 
officers  in  command  of  the  troops  was  as  to  whether  or  not  the  troops 
occupying  the  intrenched  position  were  Spaniards  or  Cubans.  Gen- 
eral Wheeler  says : 

We  did  not  attack  immediately.  I  was  afraid.  There  was  some  doubt  about  their 
being  Spaniards,  and  I  examined  their  line  with  my  glasses  for  about  twenty-five 
minutes  before  giving  orders  to  fire.  I  realized  it  would  have  been  a  terrible  thing 
to  fire  into  our  own  Cuban  friends ;  but  after  balf  an  hour  I  became  satisfied  they 
were  Spaniards,  and  I  directed  a  shot  from  a  Hotchkiss  gun,  and  the  Spaniards 
replied,  opening  fire  from  a  line  nearly  a  mile  long.  I  ordered  the  line  to  advance, 
and  no  soldiers  could  have  gone  forward  more  handsomely  than  our  regulars  did. 
They  advanced  and  fired  with  wonderful  accuracy.  The  firing  was  very  different 
from  what  I  had  seen  years  before.  Thirty-three  years  ago  we  fought  at  short  range ; 
but  here  we  commenced  at  seven  or  eight  hundred  yards.  We  could  see  no  smoke  of 
the  enemy,  and  we  could  see  the  fire  of  our  men  was  having  its  effect  upon  the  enemy. 
The  Spaniards  fired  in  volley ;  but  when  our  men  reached  the  foot  of  the  hill  upon 
which  the  Spaniards  were  stationed,  they  retreated  toward  Santiago. 

The  result  of  this  affair  was  a  loss  of  .16  killed — 8  in  the  volunteer 
regiment  and  an  equal  number  among  the  regular  troops — and  52 
wounded.  As  a  part  of  the  campaign  for  the  reduction  of  Santiago 
this  skirmish  was  unimportant,  but  its  incidental  results  were  both 
important  and,  on  the  whole,  beneficial.  The  volunteers  were  tried 
and  were  not  found  wanting;  the  enemy  had  been  driven  from  an 
intrenched  position  with  comparatively  little  loss;  our  own  soldiers 
were  elated  and  those  of  the  enemy  correspondingly  depressed;  and 
the  moral  effect  was  good.  General  Young  secured  the  camping 
ground  which  he  desired  for  his  troops,  who  encamped  at  the  point 
reached  by  them  after  an  exciting  chase  of  the  Spaniards  for  several 
miles. 

The  objective  points  of  the  campaign  were  the  city  of  Santiago,  the 
troops  garrisoning  the  same,  and  Cervera's  fleet  assembled  in  its  harbor 
In  order  to  gain  the  desired  results  the  complete  investment  of  the  city 
was  necessary,  and  was  the  prime  object  to  be  attained.     In  order  to 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  227 

accomplish  this  it  was  considered  necessary  to  reduce  a  small  outlying 
fortified  post  at  El  Caney,  5  miles  to  the  northeast  of  the  city,  which 
might  have  been  flanked,  but  was  an  element  of  danger  in  the  rear  of 
the  army. 

The  time  intervening  between  the  24th  and  the  30th  of  June  was 
occupied  in  landing  supplies  and  in  ascertaining  the  position  of  the 
enemy.  On  the  30th  of  June,  General  Shafter  testifies,  "we  were 
against  their  pickets  in  front  of  Santiago."  In  the  absence  of  topo- 
graphical maps,  careful  observations  as  to  roads  and  practicable  trails 
and  routes  of  march  were  made  by  engineers  and  other  young  intelli- 
gent officers,  and  reconnoissances  made  to  ascertain  the  position  and 
strength  of  the  enemy  and  the  practicability  of  the  reduction  of  El 
Caney.  As  a  result  ot  the  examination  of  the  latter,  General  Lawton 
and  General  Chaffee  reported  that  they  could  capture  it  before  9  o'clock 
in  the  morning.  General  Shafter,  therefore,  wisely  planned  a  movement 
which,  while  if  carried  out,  would  place  his  troops  in  a  favorable  posi- 
tion around  the  city  of  Santiago,  would  at  the  same  time  reduce  El 
Oaney  and  eliminate  that  as  a  factor  in  the  problem  to  be  solved.  The 
plan  involved  the  division  of  the  army  into  two  distinct  wings.  To 
General  Lawton  was  assigned  the  duty  of  reducing  El  Oaney,  and  after 
its  reduction  joining  the  other  two  divisions  of  the  corps  to  which  had 
been  assigned  the  duty  of  securing  a  position  which  would  command 
the  fortified  lines  of  the  enemy  surrounding  the  city. 

General  Shafter  had  his  headquarters  at  a  point  from  which  he  could 
conveniently  communicate  with  both  wings  of  his  army.  He  was  in 
close  touch  with  them  by  telegraphic  and  telephonic  communication. 
During  the  battle  which  followed  he  was  able  to  witness  the  movements 
of  both  wings  from  an  elevated  position  which  commanded  the  entire 
field  of  operations.  To  guard  against  any  possible  interruption  of 
electrical  communication,  Colonel  Miley,  as  chief  of  staff,  who  was  thor- 
oughly conversant  with  his  plans,  was  sent  to  the  left  wing  of  the  army, 
operating  under  Generals  Wheeler  and  Kent,  with  a  number  of  order- 
lies to  be  used  in  case  of  an  emergency  for  carrying  dispatches.  Rely- 
ing upon  the  ability  of  Lawton  to  reduce  El  Oaney  by  9  o'clock  in  the 
morning  as  he  expected,  Wheeler's  and  Kent's  divisions  were  directed 
to  advance  across  the  San  Juan  Eiver  and  capture  the  San  Juan  hill  at 
10  o'clock,  the  presumption  being  that  Lawton  by  that  time  would 
join  the  right  of  Wheelers  division  and  would  be  able  to  move  with  the 
balance  of  the  corps  in  its  advance  upon  the  enemy. 

The  plan  of  battle  was  followed  by  both  wings  of  the  army.  General 
Lawton  was  occupied,  however,  until  after  3  o'clock  in  capturing 
El  Caney,  and  in  moving  to  his  assigned  position  in  the  line  in  front  of 
Santiago  encountered  a  force  the  strength  of  which  he  was  unable  to 
ascertain.  In  the  meantime  Generals  Kent  and  Wheeler  had  advanced 
their  positions,  had  carried  the  intrencbments  occupied  by  the  enemy 
upon  San  Juan  hill,  and  were  in  plain  sight  of  the  city.    Lawton  was 


228        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

directed  by  General  Shatter,  instead  of  moving  directly  forward,  to 
return  during  the  night  by  the  road  upon  which  he  had  advanced  the 
day  previous,  and  by  moving  in  the  rear  of  the  divisions  already  in 
position  to  take  his  assigned  place  on  the  right  of  General  Wheeler's 
division  the  next  morning.  This  was  successfully  accomplished  by  the 
morning  of  the  2d  of  July,  and  by  noon  of  that  day  "  the  last  musketry 
firing  was  over."  The  plan  of  campaign  had  been  successfully  carried 
out,  and  the  city  of  Santiago  was  practically  invested. 

While  these  movements  were  taking  place  on  the  east  and  northeast 
of  Santiago  General  Garcia  with  a  force  of  about  5,000  men  was  oper- 
ating on  the  northwest  of  the  city  with  a  view  of  intercepting  any 
reeuforcements  which  might  attempt  to  find  their  way  into  the  city 
from  the  north,  considerable  bodies  of  Spanish  troops  being  known  to 
be  at  Holguin,  Guantanamo,  and  other  points.  Although  not  entirely 
successful  in  his  efforts  to  prevent  the  arrival  of  reenforcements,  his 
force  served  to  distract  the  enemy  and  aid  in  the  complete  investment 
of  the  city. 

Following  the  movements  of  the  army  on  the  1st  and  2d  of  July, 
which  resulted  in  the  establishment  of  a  continuous  fortified  line  around 
the  city,  Admiral  Cervera  on  the  morning  of  the  3d  of  July,  and  as  a 
result  of  the  operations  of  the  army,  withdrew  his  entire  fleet  from  the 
harbor  of  Santiago  and  met  the  crushing  blow  at  the  hands  of  our 
Navy  which  sealed  the  fate  of  every  vessel  composing  his  fleet. 

By  the  4th  or  5th  of  July  the  city  of  Santiago  was  well  surrounded 
and  the  avenues  of  escape  by  the  Spanish  army  practically  closed. 
From  this  time  forward  until  the  day  of  final  surrender,  on  the  17th  of 
July,  the  contest  was  one  rather  of  diplomacy  than  of  arms.  On  the 
3d  of  July  a  demand  for  the  surrender  of  the  city  was  made  and  refused, 
and  on  the  same  day,  at  the  request  of  the  consular  officers  of  foreign 
governments  in  the  city,  information  was  given  to  the  Spanish  com- 
mander that  the  bombardment  of  the  city  would  be  suspended  until  the 
5th.  The  truce  thus  established  was  continued  from  time  to  time  until 
the  negotiations  for  surrender  had  resulted  in  the  complete  capitulation 
of  the  city  and  of  all  the  Spanish  forces  within  the  province  of  Santiago 
de  Cuba,  numbering  between  23,000  and  24,000. 

The  result  of  the  campaign  was  the  complete  realization  of  the 
several  objects  contemplated:  The  capture  of  the  city  with  its  forti- 
fications and  munitions  of  war,  together  with  immense  supplies  ot 
food  stuffs  and  ammunition  (the  former  estimated  by  General  Wood  at 
1,200,000  rations) ;  the  surrender  of  the  entire  province  of  Santiago  de 
Cuba,  with  all  the  troops  garrisoning  the  same  (amounting,  as  already 
stated,  to  between  23,000  and  24,000);  the  destruction  by  the  Navy  of 
Admiral  Cervera's  fleet  after  its  departure  from  the  harbor,  and  the 
general  demoralization  of  the  Spanish  forces  and  the  discomfiture  of 
the  Spanish  Government  and  people,  leading  almost  immediately  to 
overtures  for  peace  by  Spain.     All  this  was  accomplished  without  the 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  229 

loss  of  a  prisoner,  a  gun,  or  a  color,  and  with  a  list  of  casualties 
aggregating  in  killed  less  than  250  and  in  wounded  less  than  1,400 — 
losses  which,  in  comparison  with  results,  are  less  than  have  ever  here- 
tofore occurred  in  modern  warfare. 

The  cooperation  of  officers  and  men  in  this  campaign  is  to  be  noted. 
The  commander  of  the  expedition  was  as  hearty  and  cordial  in  his  com- 
mendation of  all  who  were  under  his  command  as  they  were  in  their 
devotion  to  the  service  which  was  demanded  of  them;  and,  as  was  said 
by  him  in  his  testimony — 

From  the  day  that  the  Fifth  Army  Corps  was  organized  until  its  dishandment 
there  was  never  an  unkind  word  between  the  general  officers,  not  an  officer  was 
brought  to  trial,  and,  so  far  as  I  know,  not  a  soldier  was  tried. 

THE  CAMPAIGN  IN  PORTO  RICO. 

During  the  time  when  the  expedition  intended  for  operations  in  Cuba 
was  being  fitted  out  at  Tampa  a  second  expedition  was  in  contempla- 
tion, and,  in  a  preliminary  way,  in  preparation.  It  was  intended  for 
the  assistance  of  the  forces  operating  against  Santiago  in  case  rein- 
forcement was  needed,  and  for  the  capture  of  the  island  of  Porto  Rico 
in  case  such  help  was  unnecessary  or  after  the  help  was  rendered.  It 
was  part  of  the  plan  also  that  the  force  under  General  Shatter  should, 
after  the  accomplishment  of  its  work  at  Santiago,  reinforce  or  supple- 
ment this  expedition.  It  was  under  the  immediate  command  of  the 
Major-General  Commanding  the  Army,  Gen.  Nelson  A.  Miles,  and  con- 
sisted for  the  most  part  of  volunteer  troops,  with  artillery  and  cavalry 
from  the  Regular  Army,  drawn  from  the  camp  at  Chickamauga  and 
other  points.  Some  of  the  troops  composing  the  expedition  were  landed 
at  Santiago  before  its  surrender,  and  assisted  in  maintaining  the  lines 
around  the  city.  Although  subjected  to  very  little  fighting,  the  moral 
effect  of  their  presence  was  wholesome  and  stimulating. 

After  the  fall  of  Santiago  yellow  fever  became  epidemic  among  the 
troops  operating  there,  and  it  was  therefore  considered  undesirable  to 
use  any  of  the  forces  which  originally  composed  the  expedition  com- 
manded by  General  Shatter  or  those  which  had  landed  at  Santiago  to 
assist  in  its  reduction.  In  consequence  of  this  determination,  wisely 
reached,  General  Miles  left  Santiago  on  the  21st  of  July  with  about 
3,400  men  who  had  not  disembarked. 

The  original  plan  of  campaign  involved  a  landing  at  the  northeast- 
corner  of  the  island,  near  a  place  called  Point  Fajardo,  and  a  move- 
ment thence  toward  San  Juan.  Two  considerations  induced  General 
Miles  to  abandon  the  intention  of  landing  at  Point  Fajardo,  and  to 
land  instead  at  the  harbor  of  Guanica,  on  the  southern  coast  of  the 
island.  The  first  consideration  was  the  fact  that  the  intention  to  land 
at  Point  Fajardo  had  in  some  way  been  made  public,  and  was  antici- 
pated by  the  Spaniards;  and  the  second,  that  the  intended  point  of 
disembarkation  was  an  open  roadstead,  and  that  he  had  inadequate 


230        INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF   WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

facilities  for  the  purpose  of  landing  there.  The  harbor  of  Guanica  was 
protected,  and  had  deep  water  so  near  the  shore  that  by  the  construc- 
tion of  a  pontoon  bridge  from  one  of  the  transports  men  and  animals 
were  easily  and  quickly  disembarked. 

From  that  point,  after  the  disembarkation,  the  troops  commenced  a 
movement  east  and  north,  although  the  expeditionary  force  at  that 
time  numbered  less  than  3,300  officers  and  men  fit  for  duty,  and  the 
island  was  supposed  to  contain  in  all  about  17,000  Spanish  troops. 

Within  three  days  after  the  first  landing,  Major-General  Wilson,  com- 
manding a  portion  of  the  First  Corps,  arrived  and  disembarked  at 
Ponce,  to  the  east  of  Guanica.  Major-General  Brooke  arrived  later 
with  other  troops  of  the  First  Corps  and  disembarked  farther  east,  at 
Arroyo,  and  thence  moved  to  Guayama.  The  arrival  of  these  reen- 
forcements  made  the  aggregate  of  the  forces  available  for  the  expedi- 
tion approximately  10,000  men,  which  were  later  further  reenforced  by 
additions  making  the  entire  force,  officers  and  men,  on  the  date  of  the 
cessation  of  hostilities,  14,365. 

In  moving  from  Guanica  toward  Ponce  General  Garrettson  had  a 
skirmish  with  the  Spanish  troops  near  that  place  and  an  engagement 
near  Yauco,  moving  thence  with  General  Henry's  command  to  Ponce. 
General  Wilson  having  in  the  meantime  disembarked  at  the  latter 
place,  the  force  was  regarded  as  sufficient  for  active  operations. 

Ponce  is  the  principal  city  on  the  southern  side  of  the  island,  and  is 
connected  by  a  good  military  road  with  San  Juan,  the  island's  capital, 
on  the  northern  side.  The  Spaniards,  supposing  that  General  Miles 
would  move  his  forces  by  this  road,  intrenched  themselves  at  Coama 
and  Aibonito.  General  Wilson,  instead  of  moving  directly  upon  Coama, 
flanked  the  position  and  coming  in  upon  its  rear  captured  the  garrison. 
In  the  meantime,  General  Brooke  moved  to  the  east  and  north  by  a  cir- 
cuitous route,  in  order  to  turn  the  position  of  the  Spaniar&s  at  Aibonito 
aiid  reach  their  rear.  General  Schwan  was  sent  to  clear  the  western 
portion  of  the  island  of  Spanish  troops.  He  had  a  sharp  engagement 
at  Hormigueros  and  captured  the  town  of  Mayaguez,  which  contained 
a  population  of  about  20,000.  He  then  moved  with  his  command  north 
and  east  and  had  another  engagement  at  Las  Marias,  and  was  in  pur- 
suit of  the  Spaniards,  who  were  in  retreat,  when  stopped  by  orders 
suspending  hostilities. 

The  general  plan  of  campaign  was  to  avoid  a  direct  attack  upon  Aibo- 
nito, which  was  a  supposedly  strong  position  in  the  mountains;  and  to 
move  General  Schwan  around  the  mountains  westward  to  the  north  of 
the  island.  While  he  was  making  this  movement,  a  trail  over  the 
mountains  between  Ajuntas  and  Uchuado  was  discovered  by  Gen.  Eoy 
Stone,  who  repaired  the  road  and  made  it  available  for  the  march  of 
troops.    Garrettson's  brigade  was  moved  over  this  trail,  reaching  the 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  231 

northern  side  of  the  mountain  before  the  Spaniards  were  aware  of  it, 
they  having  neglected  to  either  fortify  or  guard  the  pass. 

It  was  intended  that  this  force  should  form  a  junction  at  Arecibo  with 
General  Schwan's  brigade,  forming  a  division  which,  under  General 
Henry,  was  expected  to  move  from  Arecibo,  which  was  to  serve  as  a 
base,  using  the  line  of  railroad  running  thence  to  San  Juan  for  the 
transportation  of  stores.  General  Wilson  threatening  the  Spanish 
troops  in  their  front  at  Aibonito,  arranged  to  move  a  brigade  through 
the  mountains  so  as  to  attack  them  in  the  rear.  General  Brooke  also 
was  expected  to  move  to  Oayey,  which  would  block  the  line  of  retreat 
from  Aibonito  to  San  Juan.  These  dispositions,  successfully  made, 
completely  flanked  the  position  of  the  Spaniards  at  Aibonito,  and  must 
necessarily  have  resulted  in  its  evacuation  as  soon  as  the  movements  of 
the  forces  under  General  Miles  were  discovered.  Completely  outma- 
neuvered,  the  Spaniards  would  have  been  compelled  to  abandon  Aibo- 
nito. If  the  contemplated  movements  of  our  troops  had  been  carried 
out  their  retreat  to  San  Juan  would  have  been  cat  off.  At  this 
juncture  of  affairs,  however,  notice  of  the  signing  of  the  protocol, 
and  the  consequent  cessation  of  hostilities,  was  received,  and  hostile 
operations  were  suspended.  Four  days  more  would  have  concentrated 
General  Miles's  forces  at  or  near  San  Juan,  prepared  for  the  investment 
of  that  place. 

The  suspension  of  hostilities  occurred  on  the  13th  of  August,  about 
twenty  days  after  the  advance  guard  of  General  Miles's  expedition 
landed  upon  the  island.  In  the  different  movements  in  this  campaign 
about  6,000  of  our  troops  were  under  fire.  There  were  six  different 
actions  of  greater  or  less  severity,  in  all  of  which  our  forces  were 
successful. 

The  total  casualties  of  the  campaign  were  3  enlisted  men  killed  and 
4  officers  and  36  enlisted  men  wounded. 

THE  EXPEDITION  TO  MANILA. 

The  forces  intended  for  operations  in  the  Philippine  Islands  left  San 
Francisco,  at  various  times  during  the  months  of  May,  June,  and  July, 
and  when  assembled  around  the  city  of  Manila  aggregated  about  15,000, 
13,000  of  whom  were  volunteers  and  the  remainder  troops  from  the 
Eegular  Army.  *  Maj.  Gen.  Wesley  Merritt  was  in  command  of  these 
troops.  Having  landed  at  Oavite,  on  the  island  of  Luzon,  July  25, 
1898,  he  found  the  city  already  invested  by  the  troops  of  the  United 
States  and  the  insurgent  forces  under  General  Aguinaldo.  The  insur- 
gents occupied  a  line  of  intrenchments  on  the  land  side  of  the  city, 
our  troops,  under  General  Greene,  occupying  another  line  in  their  rear. 

After  carefully  reconnoitering  the  position  General  Merritt  concluded 
that  the  attack  must  necessarily  be  made  from  the  water  side  of  the 
city.  Preparations  were  made  for  this  attack  about  the  first  week  in 
August.    The  Spanish  forces  consisted  of  from  10,000  to  15,000  troops. 


232        INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT   OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

Negotiations  for  a  surrender  proved  fruitless,  and  on  the  13th  of  August 
an  attack  in  force  was  made. 

Waiting  for  low  tide,  the  troops  were  deployed  along  the  beach,  and 
after  a  spirited  engagement  lasting  for  about  two  hours  charged  and 
captured  the  enemy's  intrenchments  and  speedily  reduced  the  city. 
The  troops  behaved  with  great  gallantry  and  accomplished  the  result 
aimed  at  with  comparatively  little  loss,  the  casualties  aggregating  17 
killed  and  9  officers  and  96  enlisted  men  wounded. 

In  this  as  in  all  the  other  campaigns  of  the  war  with  Spain  the  Army 
had  the  active  and  efficient  cooperation  of  the  Navy. 

The  military  expedition  to  Manila  was  made  necessary  by  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  Spanish  fleet  and  the  capture  of  the  harbor  of  Manila  by- 
Admiral  Dewey  in  the  early  part  of  the  war;  and  in  all  military  oper- 
ations around  the  city  General  Merritt  and  Admiral  Dewey  cooperated 
in  the  most  hearty  and  cordial  manner.  En  the  engagement  which 
resulted  in  the  capture  of  Manila,  the  navy  bombarded  the  city,  some 
of  its  light-draft  vessels  going  close  to  shore  and  shelling  the  intrench- 
ments, preparatory  to  the  charge  made  by  the  troops.  The  cordial  rela- 
tions which  existed  between  the  Army  and  the  Navy  in  their  joint 
operations  against  Manila  are  specially  to  be  commended.  Not  only 
during  active  hostilities,  but  in  the  furnishing  of  supplies  and  in  other 
ways,  these  arms  of  the  service,  owing  allegiance  to  the  same  flag, 
cooperated  in  a  way  which  is  most  gratifying  to  record. 

The  several  campaigns  herein  very  briefly  and  imperfectly  sketched 
reflect  great  credit  upon  the  soldierly  qualities  of  the  officers  and  men 
of  the  several  commands  engaged  in  them.  They  were  conducted 
under  new  and  trying  conditions ;  they  were  carried  on  for  the  welfare 
and  uplifting  of  peoples  foreign  to  our  blood,  but  bound  to  us  by  the  ties 
of  a  common  humanity;  they  brought  honor  to  our  flag,  and  in  their 
remarkable  results  are  the  wonder  of  the  world. 


It  is  with  profound  regret  that  the  commission  reports  that  during 
its  later  sessions  Col.  James  A.  Sexton  was  prevented  by  sickness  from 
being  present,  and  on  the  4th  day  of  February  our  loved  colleague 
closed  an  honored  and  active  life. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMISSION.  233 

In  concluding  its  labors  it  is  with  much  pleasure  that  the  commission 
reports  that  notwithstanding  the  haste  with  which  the  nation  entered 
upon  the  war  with  Spain,  the  resulting  and  almost  inevitable  confusion 
in  bureau  and  camp,  the  many  difficulties  of  arming,  assembling,  and 
transporting  large  bodies  of  hitherto  untrained  men,  the  carrying  on  of 
active  operations  in  two  hemispheres,  the  people  of  the  United  States 
should  ever  be  proud  of  its  soldiers,  who,  cooperating  with  its  sailors, 
in  less  than  three  months  put  an  end  to  Spanish  colouial  power,  enfran- 
chised oppressed  people,  and  taught  the  world  at  large  the  strength 
and  the  nobility  of  a  great  Eepublic. 
Respectfully  submitted. 

Grenville  M.  Dodge. 

Charles  Denby. 

A.  McD.  McCook. 

John  M.  Wilson. 

James  A.  Beaver. 

Urban  A.  Woodbury. 

Phineas  S.  Conner. 

Evan  P.  Howell. 


APPENDICES  A  TO  M,  INCLUSIVE. 


235 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


A. 

War  Department,  Washington,  September  8, 1898. 
The  President: 

I  have  the  honor  to  ask  that  a  board,  consisting  of  from  five  to  seven  members, 
of  the  most  distinguished  soldiers  and  civilians  that  can  be  selected,  be  appointed 
by  yon,  with  full  power  to  investigate  thoroughly  every  bureau  of  the  War 
Department  in  connection  with  the  mustering,  clothing,  supplying,  and  arming 
of  troops,  transportation,  the  letting  of  contracts,  and  chartering  vessels,  and  all 
expenditures  of  every  kind,  as  well  as  of  orders  issued  by  this  Department — 
indeed,  that  everything  connected  with  the  Army  be  thoroughly  investigated  for 
your  information. 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 


B. 

To  the  commission  appointed  by  the  President  to  investigate  the  conduct  of  the 

War  Department  in  the  war  with  Spain. 

Gentlemen  :  Before  suggesting  the  matters  which  shall  come  before  you  for 
investigation,  I  desire  to  express  my  appreciation  to  each  of  you  for  your  willing- 
ness to  accept  the  patriotic  service  to  which  you  have  been  invited.  You  are  to 
perform  one  of  the  highest  public  duties  that  can  fall  to  a  citizen,  and  your 
unselfishness  in  undertaking  it  makes  me  profoundly  grateful. 

There  has  been  in  many  quarters  severe  criticism  of  the  conduct  of  the  war  with 
Spain.  Charges  of  criminal  neglect  of  the  soldiers  in  camp  and  field  and  hospital, 
and  in  transports,  have  been  so  persistent  that,  whether  true  or  false,  they  have 
made  a  deep  impression  upon  the  country.  It  is  my  earnest  desire  that  you  shall 
thoroughly  investigate  these  charges  and  make  the  fullest  examination  of  the 
administration  of  the  War  Department  in  all  of  its  branches,  with  the  view  to 
establishing  the  truth  or  falsity  of  these  accusations.  I  put  upon  you  no  limit  to 
the  scope  of  your  investigation.  Of  all  Departments  connected  with  the  Army  I 
invite  the  closest  scrutiny  and  examination,  and  shall  afford  every  facility  for  the 
most  searching  inquiry.  The  records  of  the  War  Department  and  the  assistance 
of  its  officers  shall  be  subject  to  your  call. 

I  can  not  impress  upon  you  too  strongly  my  wish  that  your  investigation  shall 
be  so  thorough  and  complete  that  your  report,  when  made,  will  fix  the  responsi- 
bility for  any  failure  or  fault  by  reason  of  neglect,  incompetency,  or  maladminis- 
tration upon  the  officers  and  bureaus  responsible  therefor,  if  it  be  found  that  the 
evils  complained  of  have  existed. 

The  people  of  the  country  are  entitled  to  know  whether  or  not  the  citizens  who 
so  promptly  responded  to  the  call  of  duty  have  been  neglected  or  misused  or  mal- 
treated by  the  Government  to  which  they  so  willingly  gave  their  services.  If 
there  have  been  wTongs  committed,  the  wrongdoers  must  not  escape  conviction 
and  punishment. 

Wilt  jam  McKinley. 
237 


238        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

0. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  MINUTES  OF   COMMISSION. 

Washington,  D.  C,  September  27, 1898. 

On  motion,  duly  seconded,  it  was  determined  to  allow  one  representative  of  each 
of  the  press  associations  to  be  present  during  the  examination  of  witnesses  by 
this  commission. 

Washington,  D.  C,  October  3, 1898. 

A  communication  was  read  from  the  press,  requesting  permission  to  allow 
stenographers  admission  before  the  commission  when  taking  testimony. 

It  was  thereupon  moved,  seconded,  and  carried,  that  the  press  be  allowed  to 
have  present  at  the  sittings  of  this  board  during  the  examination  of  witnesses 
three  stenographers,  two  being  representatives  of  out  of  town  papers  and  one  rep- 
resenting the  city  papers. 


D. 

EXTRACT   FROM   MINUTES  OF  COMMISSION. 

Washington,  D.  C,  September  27, 1898. 
Resolved,  first,  That  the  Secretary  of  War,  the  Adjutant-General,  the  Quarter- 
master-General, the  Commissary-General,  and  the  Surgeon-General  be  requested 
to  transmit  to  this  commission  all  complaints  that  have  been  received  by  them 
since  April  1, 1898,  touching  the  conduct  of  the  war. 


E. 

EXTRACT   FROM   MINUTES   OF   COMMISSION. 

Washington,  D.  C,  September  27, 1898. 

Resolved,  second,  That  this  commission  invites  and  is  ready  and  willing  to 
receive  and  consider  any  complaints  about  the  management  of  any  of  the  various 
branches  of  the  War  Department  from  any  person  or  persons.  That  we  respect- 
fully request  that  such  complaints  be  made  in  writing,  stating  facts  that  the 
party  may  know  of  its  own  knowledge,  plainly  and  in  detail,  giving  names  of 
any  officers  or  enlisted  men  who  may  be  charged  with  misconduct  or  incompe- 
tency, addressed  to  the  secretary  of  the  commission  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

Upon  being  duly  seconded  this  motion  was  carried. 

This  was  given  to  the  press,  and  it  was  requested  that  it  be  given  widespread 
publicity. 


F. 

Office  of  Commission  Appointed  by  the  President 

to  Investigate  the  Conduct  of  the  War 

Department  in  the  War  with  Spain, 

Washington, ,  189 — . 

Dear  Sir:  Referring  to  your  communication  of ,  the  commission  requests 

that,  upon  receipt  of  this,  you  will  forward  a  written  statement,  giving  in  as 
specific  and  complete  a  form  as  may  be  practicable  all  facts,  based  upon  your 


CORRESPONDENCE.  239 

own  personal  experience  and  knowledge,  that  will  aid  the  pending  investigation. 
This  statement  will  be  for  the  information  of  the  commission  only. 
Very  respectfully, 

,  Secretary. 


G. 

Washington,  D.  C,  September  26,  1898. 
The  Secretary  of  War. 

Sir:  Pursuant  to  authority  conferred  upon  us  by  the  President,  we  have  the 
honor  to  request  that  you  direct  the  Adjutant-General,  the  Quartermaster- 
General,  the  Commissary-General,  the  Surgeon-General,  the  Chief  of  Ordnance, 
and  the  Chief  of  Engineers  to  furnish  us  as  soon  as  practicable  information  as  to 
the  condition  of  their  several  departments  at  the  time  of  the  declaration  of  war 
with  Spain  and  the  operations  of  those  departments  from  that  time  until  the 
present.     We  desire  the  information  to  include  the  following,  viz: 

First.  The  times  and  places  of  the  mobilization  of  the  regular  and  volunteer 
troops. 

Second.  The  organization  of  those  troops  into  the  various  subdivisions  of  the 
Army,  and  the  personnel  of  the  brigade,  division,  corps,  and  army  commanders, 
and  of  their  staffs,  whether  appointed  from  the  permanent  establishment,  frpm 
the  National  Guard,  or  from  civil  life. 

Third.  The  amount  and  kind  of  camp  and  garrison  equipage  and  other  supplies 
that  were  on  hand  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  the  amount  subsequently  pur- 
chased, when  and  where  purchased,  when  and  where  delivered  to  your  Depart- 
ment, and  when  and  where  actually  issued  to  the  troops. 

Fourth.  Similar  information  in  regard  to  furnishing  the  troops  with  arms  and 
accouterments. 

Fifth.  Which  of  the  volunteers  were  armed  and  equipped  in  the  various  State 
camps,  and  which  in  the  general  camp. 

Sixth.  Upon  whose  recommendation  or  judgment  the  various  general  rendez- 
vous were  selected,  and  the  reason  for  such  selection. 

Seventh.  Full  particulars  relative  to  the  transportation  of  troops  by  sea,  giv- 
ing an  account  of  the  provisions  made  for  the  accommodation  and  care  of  the  sick 
and  wounded. 

Eighth.  An  account  of  the  quantity,  quality,  and  kind  of  food  furnished  the 
troops,  and  in  case  any  of  them  failed  of  being  plentifully  and  seasonably  sup- 
plied, state  the  reasons  therefor. 

Ninth.  As  to  the  proper  tentage,  beds,  linen,  medicine,  food,  and  all  other  nec- 
essary equipment  and  supplies  for  the  use  of  the  Hospital  Corps  of  the  Army. 
If  there  was  any  lack  of  these  things  at  any  time  state  the  reasons  therefor. 

Tenth.  Whether  the  medical  staff  was  efficient  and  sufficient  at  all  times  for 
the  proper  care  of  the  sick  and  wounded;  and  if  not,  state  the  reasons  therefor. 

Eleventh.  Such  information  relative  to  the  conditions  and  operations  of  the  Ord- 
nance and  Engineering  departments  as  will  be  of  value  to  us  in  our  investigation. 

We  have  outlined  briefly  a  portion  only  of  the  information  that  we  trust  you 
will  be  able  to  give  us.  It  will  be  satisfactory  to  have  it  communicated  to  us  in 
writing  or  by  the  chiefs  of  the  several  bureaus  in  person,  with  the  submission  of 
such  records  confirming  their  statements  as  they  may  be  pleased  to  hand  us. 


240         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

To  aid  you  in  complying  with  this  request  there  is  submitted  herewith  a  list  of 
special  questions,  to  which,  so  far  as  is  possible,  answers  are  desired. 
Very  respectfully, 

Grenville  M.  Dodge,  President. 


INFORMATION   DESIRED   FROM  SECRETARY   OF  WAR. 

1.  Plan  of  campaign  proposed  immediately  after  the  declaration  of  war;  was  it 
intended  to  move  at  once  on  Havana  or  that  the  campaign  should  be  postponed 
until  the  autumn? 

2.  When  was  the  Santiago  campaign  determined  upon? 

3.  Why  was  Tampa  selected  as  the  base  of  operations? 

4.  Why  were  summer  camps  organized  at  Fernandina,  Jacksonville,  and  Tampa? 

5.  When  was  the  Porto  Rico  campaign  determined  upon? 

6.  Why  were  the  troops  held  on  transports  after  embarkation  at  Tampa  and 
not  permitted  to  sail  for  several  days? 


INFORMATION   DESIRED  FROM   ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 

1.  Number  of  troops  available  for  duty  just  before  war  was  declared. 

2.  Number  of  men  enlisted  in  Regular  Army  under  authority  of  the  law  author- 
izing placing  it  upon  a  war  footing. 

3.  Number  of  volunteer  regiments  mustered  in,  number  of  officers  appointed, 
and  number  of  men  enlisted  under  the  first  call  of  the  President. 

4.  Number  of  volunteer  regiments  mustered  in,  number  of  officers  appointed, 
and  number  of  men  enlisted  under  the  second  call  of  the  President. 

5.  Maximum  number  of  officers  and  enlisted  men  in  the  regular  and  volunteer 
forces  during  the  war. 

6.  Number  of  officers  appointed  in  the  volunteer  service  in  each  staff  depart- 
ment during  the  war. 

7.  Number  of  regiments  of  regulars  and  of  volunteers,  with  maximum  number 
of  troops,  operating  in  Cuba  in  the  Santiago  campaign,  with  the  organization  of 
the  command;  its  commanding  general;  corps,  division,  and  brigade  commanders; 
the  number  of  officers  and  enlisted  men  killed  and  wounded,  and  the  number  who 
have  died  from  wounds  or  disease. 

8.  Number  of  regiments  of  regulars  and  of  volunteers,  with  maximum  number 
of  troops,  operating  in  Porto  Rico,  with  the  organization  of  the  command;  its 
commanding  general;  corps,  division,  and  brigade  commanders;  the  number  of 
officers  and  enlisted  men  killed  and  wounded,  and  the  number  who  have  died 
from  wounds  or  disease. 

9.  Number  of  regiments  of  regulars  and  of  volunteers,  with  maximum  number 
of  troops,  operating  in  the  Philippine  Islands,  with  the  organization  of  the  com- 
mands; its  commanding  general;  corps,  division,  and  brigade  commanders;  the 
number  of  officers  and  enlisted  men  killed  and  wounded,  and  the  number  who 
have  died  from  wounds  or  disease. 

10.  Location  of  camps  in  the  United  States;  by  whom  selected;  number  of 
regiments  and  number  of  officers  and  enlisted  men  of  regulars  and  of  volunteers  at 
each  camp;  organization  of  camps;  names  of  commanding  generals,  together  with 
names  of  division  and  brigade  commanders;  length  of  time  each  camp  was  main- 
tained; and  number  of  deaths  by  disease  at  each  camp. 

11.  Finally,  all  reports  of  officers  in  the  Inspector-General's  Department. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  241 

INFORMATION   DESIRED   FROM   QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 

1.  Upon  the  declaration  of  war,  was  the  organization  and  were  the  regulations 
of  the  Department  of  such  a  character  as  to  admit  of  the  prompt  equipment  and 
movement  of  troops  ? 

2.  How  many  officers  belonged  to  the  Department  when  war  was  declared,  and 
how  many  (with  their  rank)  have  been  appointed  in  the  volunteer  service  since 
that  time  ? 

3.  For  an  army  of  what  size  was  the  Department  prepared  to  fully  supply  all 
necessary  clothing  and  camp  and  garrison  equipage  on  April  1,  1898? 

4.  Was  the  clothing  on  hand  and  ready  for  issue  to  troops  and  that  previously 
issued  of  a  character  suitable  for  use  in  a  tropical  climate  ? 

5.  What  amount  of  tentage  was  available,  and  were  the  troops  sent  from  gar- 
rison life  to  the  field  at  once  furnished  with  necessary  tentage  and  other  quar- 
termaster supplies  necessary  for  use  in  camp  life  ? 

6.  What  steps  were  taken  for  fully  supplying  an  army  of  250,000  men  with 
suitable  clothing  and  camp  and  garrison  equipage,  and  what  amount  of  material 
of  each  kind  had  been  obtained  and  what  amount  issued  up  to  August  31,  1898? 

7.  How  many  public  animals  and  how  many  wagons  with  harness  were  avail- 
able April  1, 1898  ? 

8.  What  steps  were  taken  for  obtaining  animals,  wagons,  and  harness;  how  were 
they  obtained,  and  what  number  had  been  purchased  and  issued  by  August  31, 
1898? 

9.  What  arrangements  had  been  made  previous  to  April  1,  1898,  for  the  rapid 
movement  of  troops  by  land  and  by  water  ? 

10.  What  arrangements  were  made  and  how  many  troops  were  actually  moved 
by  railroad  and  by  vessel  between  April  1  and  August  31,  1898? 

11.  Were  full  and  complete  arrangements  made  for  supplying  the  troops  oper- 
ating in  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  and  the  Philippines  with  suitable  clothing  and  with 
camp  and  garrison  equipage  and  quartermaster's  stores  for  armies  operating  in 
the  field? 

12.  How  many  and  what  vessels  were  purchased  or  chartered  for  transportation 
of  troops  ?  What  was  the  capacity  of  each  vessel  ?  Was  it  properly  arranged  for 
the  comfort  of  the  troops,  so  far  as  possible  ?  Was  there  a  full  supply  of  water 
for  use  of  troops  arranged  in  every  case,  and  was  each  and  every  vessel  carefully 
inspected,by  an  officer  or  agent  of  the  Department  and  pronounced  satisfactory 
before  troops  were  permitted  to  embark  ? 

13.  What  arrangements  were  made  for  the  disembarkation  of  troops  when  there 
was  a  possibility  of  it  being  done  outside  of  a  harbor  ? 

14.  When  so-called  permanent  camps  were  located  for  a  large  force,  what 
arrangements  were  made  for  a  full  and  complete  supply  of  potable  water  for  use 
of  troops  ?  Were  tent  floors  furnished  in  any  cases  other  than  for  hospitals  ?  If 
so,  where  and  to  whom? 

15.  When  troops  were  moved  by  rail  for  long  distances  were  there  any  arrange- 
ments made  for  a  supply  of  water  ?  Were  there  any  unnecessary  delays  in  the 
movements  of  troops  from  the  camps  established  on  the  return  of  the  army  from 
Cuba  ? 

16.  What,  if  any,  complaints,  in  writing,  have  been  received  by  the  Quarter- 
master-General in  reference  to  the  prompt  compliance  with  proper  requisitions, 
or  complaints  of  any  character  in  reference  to  the  operations  of  the  Department 
in  connection  with  the  movement  of  troops,  the  issuing  of  proper  and  necessary 
supplies,  or  the  performance  of  any  duty  appertaining  to  the  Quartermaster's 
Department  ? 

17.  What  funds  were  at  the  command  of  the  Department  April  1,1898,  and 
what  additional  funds  were  available  by  August  31,  1898,  under  general  or 
special  legislation  ? 

7833— vol.  1 16 


242         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

INFORMATION   DESIRED   FROM   ORDNANCE   DEPARTMENT. 

1.  What  was  the  organization  of  the  Department  on  April  1,  1898? 

2.  How  many  arsenals  were  there  where  ordnance  materials  were  being  maim 
factnred,  and  what  was  their  daily  capacity  ? 

3.  On  April  1,  1898,  what  were  the  conditions  in  reference  to  the  following: 
How  many  modern,  high-power,  heavy  breech-loading  rifle  guns  were  available, 

and  what  were  their  calibers  ? 

How  many  gun  carriages  of  each  class  were  available  ? 

How  many  12-inch  B.  L.  rifled  mortars  were  available  ? 

How  many  12-inch  B.  L.  rifled-mortar  carriages  were  available? 

How  many  rapid-fire  guns  and  of  what  caliber,  together  with  their  mounts,  were 
available  ? 

How  much  black  powder  for  heavy  and  rapid-fire  guns  was  available  ? 

How  much  smokeless  powder  for  heavy  and  rapid-fire  guns  was  available  ? 

How  many  projectiles  for  each  class  of  H.  P.  guns,  rifled  mortars,  and  rapid- 
fire  guns  were  available  ? 

How  many  rifled  siege  guns,  howitzers,  and  mortars,  and  of  what  caliber,  with 
their  carriages,  were  available,  and  what  ammunition  was  ready  for  them?  Was 
the  powder  black  or  smokeless  ? 

How  many  rifled  field  guns,  and  of  what  caliber,  with  their  carriages,  neces- 
sary harness,  etc.,  were  available,  and  what  ammunition  was  ready  for  them? 
Was  the  powder  black  or  smokeless  ? 

How  many  machine  guns,  with  their  mounts,  were  available,  and  what  ammu- 
nition was  ready  for  them?    Was  the  powder  black  or  smokeless  ? 

How  many  rifles  and  of  what  caliber  were  ready  for  issue  to  troops,  and  what 
amount  of  ammunition  was  ready?    Was  the  powder  black  or  smokeless? 

How  many  carbines,  how  many  pistols,  and  how  many  sabers,  with  belts,  etc., 
were  ready  for  issue,  and  what  amount  of  ammunition  for  the  carbines  and  pistols 
was  ready  ?    Was  the  powder  black  or  smokeless  ?         • 

How  many  sets  of  horse  equipments  for  cavalry  and  light  artillery  were  ready  ? 

How  many  knapsacks,  haversacks,  meat  cans,  tin  cups,  knives,  forks,  and 
spoons  were  ready  ? 

An  army  of  what  size  was  the  Ordnance  Department  prepared  to  completely 
equip  in  every  respect  ready  for  field  service,  with  necessary  artillery,  small  arms, 
ammunition,  and  all  articles  furnished  by  that  department  on  April  1,  1898? 

4.  By  August  31,  what  of  the  articles  mentioned  in  addition  to  those  on  hand 
April  1  had  been  obtained,  how  obtained,  and  how  much  had  been  issued? 

5.  What,  if  any,  complaints  in  writing  have  been  received  by  the  Chief  of 
Ordnance  in  reference  to  the  prompt  compliance  with  proper  requisitions,  or  com- 
plaints of  any  character  in  reference  to  the  operations  of  the  Ordnance  Depart- 
ment in  connection  with  furnishing  necessary  armament  for  permanent  defenses 
or  seige  and  field  artillery,  rifles,  equipments  for  infantry,  artillery,  and  cavalry, 
and  ammunition  of  all  kinds  ? 

6.  What  funds  were  under  the  control  of  the  Department  April  1,  1898,  and 
what  additional  funds  were  available  by  August  31,  under  general  or  special 
legislation? 


INFORMATION   DESIRED   FROM   THE  SUBSISTENCE   DEPARTMENT. 

1.  What  was  the  organization  of  the  Subsistence  Department  April  1, 1898,  the 
number  and  rank  of  officers,  and  number  of  commissary  sergeants? 

2.  What  additions  in  number  and  rank  of  regular  officers  and  what  number 
of  volunteer  officers  were  appointed  in  the  Subsistence  Department  between 
April  1  and  August  31? 


CORRESPONDENCE.  243 

3.  On  April  1,  1898,  an  army  of  what  size  was  the  Subsistence  Department  pre- 
pared to  fully  supply  with  officers  and  the  necessary  field  rations,  and  of  what 
does  that  ration  consist? 

4.  Between  April  1,  1898,  and  August  31  what  arrangements  were  made  for 
fully  supplying  with  food  an  army  of  250,000  men  serving  in  the  field  and  in 
camp;  what  was  the  field  ration,  and  what  was  the  ration  in  camp? 

5.  What  arrangements  were  made  for  supplying  the  army  in  Cuba,  the  army  in 
Porto  Rico,  and  the  army  in  the  Philippines,  and  of  what  did  the  ration  actually 
consist  in  each  camp? 

6.  Were  the  troops  in  the  field  and  those  in  camps  fully  supplied  at  all  times 
with  proper  food?    If  not,  why  not? 

7.  What,  if  any,  complaints  in  writing  have  been  received  by  the  Commissary- 
General  in  reference  to  the  prompt  compliance  with  requisitions,  the  lack  of  food, 
poor  character  of  food,  or  complaints  of  any  character  whatever  in  reference  to 
furnishing  supplies,  or  the  performance  of  any  duty  appertaining  to  the  Subsist- 
ence Department? 

8.  What  funds  were  under  the  command  of  the  department  on  April  1,  and 
what  additional  funds  were  available  by  August  31  under  general  or  special  legis- 
lation? 


INFORMATION   DESIRED   FROM  MEDICAL  DEPARTMENT. 

1.  What  was  the  organization  of  the  Medical  Department  on  April  1,  1898? 
How  many  officers  with  their  rank,  how  many  hospital  stewards,  and  what  was 
the  size  of  the  hospital  corps? 

2.  How  many  ambulances  and  litters  were  available? 

3.  An  army  of  what  size  was  the  department  able  to  completely  fit  out  with 
medical  officers,  stewards,  and  hospital  corps  and  necessary  surgical  instruments, 
and  supplies  of  every  character? 

4.  Between  April  1  and  August  31,  1898,  what  steps  were  taken  for  fully  sup- 
plying an  army  of  250,000  men  with  all  necessary  surgeons,  stewards,  hospital 
corps,  ambulances,  litters,  surgical  instruments,  and  medical  supplies  of  all  and 
every  character? 

5.  How  many  general  hospitals  were  organized,  where  located,  how  equipped 
and  managed,  number  of  patients,  and  number  of  deaths  in  each  case,  between 
April  1  and  August  31,  1898? 

6.  How  many  hospitals  were  established  at  various  camps,  what  were  the 
arrangements  for  the  care  and  comfort  of  the  sick  and  wounded,  how  many  sick 
were  cared  for  at  each  camp  hospital,  and  how  many  deaths  occurred? 

7.  What,  if  any,  railroad  ambulance  trains  were  established,  where  were  they 
located  and  used? 

8.  How  many  hospital  ships  were  obtained,  how  were  they  equipped,  how  man- 
aged, and  what  work  did  they  perform.  What  arrangements  were  made  and 
how  were  the  armies  operating  in  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  and  the  Philippines  supplied 
with  medical  officers,  medical  supplies,  and  food  for  the  sick  and  wounded? 

9.  What  number  of  surgeons  of  volunteers,  hospital  stewards,  nurses,  attend- 
ants, etc.,  were  employed  between  April  1  and  August  31,  in  addition  to  those  in 
the  service  of  the  United  States  on  April  1,  1898? 

10.  Were  all  vessels  used  in  transporting  sick  and  wounded  thoroughly  inspected 
by  a  medical  officer  before  troops  were  permitted  to  embark,  and  were  they  fully 
supplied  with  surgeons,  surgical  instruments,  medical  supplies  of  every  charac- 
ter, potable  water,  and  proper  food  for  sick  and  convalescents? 

11.  Were  the  armies  operating  in  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  and  the  Philippines  fully 
supplied  with  efficient  surgeons,  stewards,  and  hospital  corps,  and  with  anibu- 


244        INVESTIGATION    OF   CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

lances,  Utters,  surgical  instruments,  medical  supplies  of  all  kinds,  and  proper 
food  for  the  sick  and  wounded? 

12.  Were  the  chief  surgeons  in  the  various  camps  instructed  to  carefully  watch 
their  sanitary  condition,  to  look  after  their  cleanliness,  to  demand  the  proper 
supply  of  water,  to  test  the  water  as  to  its  character,  to  look  into  the  cooking 
arrangements,  and  to  locate  the  sinks  and  to  see  to  their  proper  care? 

13.  Why  were  regimental  hospitals  in  camps  abolished  and  division  hospitals 
substituted?    Were  the  results  satisfactory? 

14.  How  were  the  surgeons  employed  in  the  field,  in  tents,  and  in  general  hospi- 
tals selected?  Was  there  any  regular  examination  required,  and  as  a  rule  have 
they  proved  efiicient  and  faithful? 

15.  How  were  the  hospital  stewards,  nurses,  and  attendants  selected? 

16.  What,  if  any,  complaints  in  writing  have  been  received  by  the  Surgeon- 
General  in  reference  to  the  prompt  compliance  with  requisitions,  the  lack  of 
proper  medical  attendance,  the  lack  of  surgical  instruments,  the  lack  of  proper 
care,  food  and  water  for  the  sick  and  wounded  with  armies  in  the  field,  or  with 
troops  in  camp  or  men  in  general  hospitals  and  field  hospitals,  or  on  railroad 
trains  or  transports  at  sea;  in  fact,  what,  if  any,  complaints  have  been  made  in 
writing  in  reference  to  the  issuing  of  proper  supplies  or  performance  of  any  duty 
appertaining  to  the  Medical  Department  of  the  Army? 

17.  What  funds  were  at  the  command  of  the  Department  on  April  1,  and  what 
additional  funds  were  available  by  August  31 ,  under  general  or  special  legislation? 


H. 

War  Department,  Washington,  October  6,  1898. 
Maj.  Gen.  Grenville  M.  Dodge, 

President  Commission  appointed  by  the  President  to  Investigate 

the  Conduct  of  the  War  Department  in  the  War  with  Spain. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  hand  you  information  desired  from  the  Sec- 
retary of  War,  as  referred  to  in  your  letter  of  September  27,  1898. 
Very  respectfully, 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 


INFORMATION   DESIRED   FROM  SECRETARY   OF  WAR. 

1.  Plan  of  campaign  proposed  immediately  after  the  declaration  of  war;  was  it 
intended  to  move  at  once  on  Havana,  or  that  the  campaign  should  be  postponed 
until  the  autumn? 

Answer.  Immediate  blockade  by  the  Navy  of  the  important  ports  of  Cuba,  as 
directed  by  the  President's  proclamation.  The  holding  of  troops  at  points  nearest 
to  Cuba  to  be  available  in  any  emergency  which  might  arise,  and  especially  to  be 
ready  for  prompt  assistance  in  case  the  operations  of  the  Navy  should  make  the 
use  of  land  forces  necessary  or  desirable. 

Early  in  May  a  plan  was  partially  matured  to  land  a  force  at  Mariel,  a  point 
about  26  miles  west  of  Havana,  reports  having  been  received  that  in  its  immediate 
vicinity  were  high  grounds,  well  watered  and  suitable  for  camping  troops  pre- 
paratory for  a  movement  upon  Havana  later  if  it  was  deemed  advisable;  the 
thought  being  that  possibly  an  assault  might  be  made  upon  the  forces  defending 
that  city  before  the  rainy  season  set  in.  Orders  were  issued  to  that  effect  on  May 
9,  but  subsequently  plans  were  changed  on  account  of  further  information  that 
there  would  be  great  danger  to  the  health  of  the  troops  in  that  vicinity,  and  also 
on  account  of  the  uncertainty  of  the  movements  of  the  enemy's  fleet.     Tt  was 


CORRESPONDENCE  245 

then  determined  to  keep  the  forces  in  the  United  States  at  points  as  near  Cuba 
as  possible  for  immediate  embarkation  should  an  emergency  demand  it.  The 
Santiago  campaign  proved  to  be  that  emergency. 

It  should  be  added  further  that  it  was  believed,  after  consultation  with  medical 
authorities,  that  troops  camping  in  Southern  States  during  the  summer  would 
become  somewhat  acclimated  for  their  services  in  Cuba. 

2.  When  was  the  Santiago  campaign  determined  upon? 

Answer.  The  Santiago  campaign  was  made  necessary  by  the  presence  of  Ad- 
miral Cervera's  fleet  in  Santiago  Harbor,  but  had  previously  been  contemplated 
as  one  point  on  the  coast  where  a  reconnaissance  in  force  was  to  be  made  to 
ascertain  the  strength  of  the  enemy  in  the  different  locations  in  eastern  Cuba. 
The  immediate  destruction  of  Admiral  Cervera's  fleet  was  necessary;  and,  to 
enable  the  Navy  to  accomplish  this,  the  military  force,  under  Major-General 
Shafter,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  was  directed  to  move  at  once  on  the  city  and  Province 
of  Santiago.  This  movement  was  hastened  by  reason  of  a  telegram  received 
from  Admiral  Sampson  on  June  7,  stating  that  he  had  bombarded  forts  at  San- 
tiago June  6  and  silenced  works  quickly;  and  if  10,000  men  were  there,  city  and 
fleet  could  be  captured  within  forty-eight  hours. 

(See  copies  of  telegrams  herewith  attached,  marked  "A,"  "  B,"  "  C,"  "  D,"  "  E," 
"F,""G,""H.") 

It  is  proper  to  state  that  after  the  date  of  this  message  the  Spanish  garrison 
was  largely  reenforced.  The  opinion  of  Admiral  Sampson  was  doubtless  correct 
at  the  time.  The  troops  sailed  from  Tampa  on  June  14,  1898,  with  16,988  officers 
and  men. 

3.  Why  was  Tampa  selected  as  the  base  of  operations? 

Answer.  On  account  of  the  shipping  facilities  at  that  point  and  its  comparative 
short  distance  from  Cuba,  rendering  any  movement  of  the  troops  possible  on 
short  notice  as  the  progress  of  the  blockade  or  any  other  sudden  condition  might 
require. 

4.  Why  were  summer  camps  organized  at  Fernandina,  Jacksonville,  and 
Tampa? 

Answer.  All  of  the  early  camps  in  the  South  were  selected  with  special  regard 
for  the  health  of  the  troops  and  their  convenience  for  prompt  movement  by  rail 
and  water.  The  camp  at  Fernandina  was  organized  on  the  recommendation  of  the 
Major-G-eneral  Commanding  the  Army.  The  camp  at  Jacksonville  was  selected 
on  the  recommendation  of  Major-General  Lee,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  commanding 
Seventh  Army  Corps  (copy  of  telegram  herewith  attached  marked  "I").  A 
permanent  camp  was  never  contemplated  at  Tampa.  Troops  were  sent  there 
preparatory  for  embarkation,  and  were  kept  there  to  be  ready  for  any  emergency, 
and,  later,  to  embark  for  Porto  Rico ;  and  upon  the  signing  of  the  protocol  the 
troops,  being  no  longer  required  at  Tampa,  were  sent  to  Huntsville,  Ala.,  a  camp 
selected  by  officers  detailed  to  ascertain  best  camping  site,  having  in  view  health 
and  comfort  of  the  soldiers. 

5.  When  was  the  Porto  Rico  campaign  determined  upon? 

Answer.  The  Porto  Rico  campaign  had  been  long  under  consideration,  and  the 
orders  to  carry  it  out  were  issued  June  26,  1898.  (See  copy  of  letter  herewith, 
marked  "J,"  to  Major-General  Miles,  U.  S.  Army.) 

6.  Why  were  the  troops  held  on  transports  after  embarkation  at  Tampa  and 
not  permitted  to  sail  for  several  days? 

Answer.  Troops  were  held  on  transports  after  embarkation  at  Tampa  on 
account  of  the  advice  received  from  Commodore  Remey  that  "  Spanish  cruiser, 
second  class,  and  Spanish  torpedo-boat  destroyer  seen  by  Eagle,  Nicholas  Chan- 
nel, Cuba;  destroy  convoy." 

(See  copies  of  telegrams  from  the  Navy  Department  herewith  marked  "  K,'' 
"L,"  "M.") 


240         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

A. 

War  Department,  Washington,  May  so,  1898. 

(Sent  in  cipher  May  31,  1898,  2.30  a.  m.) 
Maj.  Gen.  "William  R.  Shafter,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

With  the  approval  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  you  are  directed  to  take  your  com- 
mand on  transports,  proceed  under  convoy  of  the  navy  to  the  vicinity  of  Santiago 
de  Cuba,  land  your  force  at  such  place  east  or  west  of  that  point  as  your  judg- 
ment  may  dictate,  under  the  protection  of  the  navy,  and  move  it  onto  the  high 
ground  and  bluffs  overlooking  the  harbor,  or  into  the  interior,  as  shall  best  enable 
you  to  capture  or  destroy  the  garrison  there  and  cover  the  navy  as  it  sends  its 
men  in  small  boats  to  remove  torpedoes,  or,  with  the  aid  of  the  navy,  capture  or 
destroy  the  Spanish  fleet  now  reported  to  be  in  Santiago  harbor.  You  will  use 
the  utmost  energy  to  accomplish  this  enterprise,  and  the  Government  relies  upon 
your  good  judgment  as  to  the  most  judicious  use  of  your  command,  but  desires 
to  impress  upon  you  the  importance  of  accomplishing  this  object  with  the  least 
possible  delay.  You  can  call  to  your  assistance  any  of  the  insurgent  forces  in 
that  vicinity  and  make  use  of  such  of  them  as  you  think  advisable  to  assist  you, 
especially  as  scouts,  guides,  etc.  You  are  cautioned  against  putting  too  much 
confidence  in  any  persons  outside  of  your  troops.  You  will  take  every  precaution 
against  ambuscades  or  surprises  or  positions  that  may  have  been  mined  or  are 
commanded  by  the  Spanish  forces.  You  will  cooperate  most  earnestly  with  the 
naval  forces  in  every  way,  agreeing  beforehand  upon  a  code  of  signals.  Com- 
municate your  instructions  to  Admiral  Sampson  and  Commodore  Schley.  On 
completion  of  this  enterprise,  unless  you  receive  other  orders  or  deem  it  advisable 
to  remain  in  the  harbor  of  Santiago  de  Cuba,  reembark  your  troops  and  proceed 
to  the  harbor  of  Pto  de  Banes,  reporting  by  the  most  favorable  means  for  further 
orders  and  future  important  service — this  with  the  understanding  that  your  com- 
mand has  not  sustained  serious  loss  and  that  the  above  harbor  is  safe  for  your 
transports  and  convoy.    When  will  you  sail? 

By  command  of  Major-General  Miles: 

H.  C.  Corbin,  Adjutant-General. 


B. 

Executive  Mansion,  Washington,  June  7.  1898. 
General  Shafter,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

Information  from  Sampson  says  he  has  practically  reduced  fortifications  and 
only  waits  your  arrival  to  occupy  Santiago.     Time  is  the  essence  of  the  situ- 
ation.   Early  departure  of  first  importance. 
By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War: 

H.  C  Corbin,  Adjutant-General. 


Executive  Mansion,  Washington,  June  7, 1898— 7. 50 p.  m. 
General  Shafter,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

That  you  may  know  the  exact  situation,  the  President  directs  me  to  send  you 
the  following  from  Sampson: 

Bombarded  forts  at  Santiago,  7.30  to  10  a.  m.  to-day,  June  6.  Have  silenced 
works  quickly  without  injury  of  any  kind,  though  stationed  2,000  yards.  If 
10,000  men  were  here  city  and  fleet  could  be  ours  within  forty-eight  hours.    Every 


CORRESPONDENCE.  247 

consideration  demands  immediate  army  movement.     If  delayed  city  will  be 
defended  more  strongly  by  guns  taken  from  fleet. 

Sampson. 
He  further  says  that  you  will  sail  as  indicated  in  your  telegram,  but  with  not 
less  than  10,000  men. 

H.  C.  Corbin  ,  Adjutant-General. 


D. 

[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  June  7,  1898. 
Major-General  Shafter,  Port  Tampa,  Fla.: 
You  will  sail  immediately,  as  you  are  needed  at  destination  at  once.    Answer. 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 


E. 

Executive  Mansion,  Washington,  June  7,  1898— 8.50  p.  m. 
Major-General  Shafter,  Port  Tampa,  Fla.: 

Since  telegraphing  you  an  hour  since,  the  President  directs  you  sail  at  once 
with  what  force  you  have  ready. 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 


F. 

Tampa,  Fla.,  June  7,  1898— 9 p.  m. 
Secretary  of  War, 

Washington,  D.  C: 
I  will  sail  to-morrow  morning.  Steam  can  not  be  got  up  earlier.  There  is 
loaded  to-night  1  division  of  infantry,  9  regiments,  16  companies  of  dismounted 
cavalry,  4  light  batteries,  2  siege  batteries  artillery,  2  companies  of  engineers, 
and  the  troops  from  Mobile.  I  will  try  and  get  on  the  rest  of  the  cavalry  and 
another  division  of  regular  infantry  by  morning.  I  will  sail  then  with  whatever 
I  have  on  board. 

Shafter,  Major-General. 


G. 
Adjutant-Generals  Office,  Washington,  June  7, 1898. 
Major-General  Shafter,  Tampa,  Fla.: 
The  last  thing  before  sailing,  telegraph  roster  of  regiments. 
By  order  Secretary  of  War: 

H.  C.  Corbin,  Adjutant-General. 


H. 

Tampa,  Fla.,  June  7, 1898 — 10.15  p.  m. 
(Received  at  Executive  Mansion,  Washington.) 
Adjutant-General  Corbin  : 

I  expect  to  have  834  officers,  16,154  men  on  transports  by  daylight  and  will  sail 
at  that  hour.    Will  wire  particulars  before  starting. 

Shafter. 


248        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAK    WITH    SPAIN. 

I. 

[Copy  of  telegram.] 

Windsor  Hotel,  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  June  1, 1898. 
Adjutant-General  U.  S.  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C: 
Headquarters  established  at  this  point ;  plenty  of  room  here  and  in  vicinity  for 
whole  corps.  Fine  camping  ground;  plenty  of  water  for  all  purposes.  Great 
facilities  for  embarking  troops.  Eighteen  feet  of  water  at  city  wharves.  Only 
five  regiments  here,  and  two  of  those  ordered  to  be  ready  to  move  to  Tampa. 
Please  send  more  regiments  as  early  as  possible  in  order  that  I  may  organize 
corps.  Can  not  the  Virginia  regiments  come  at  once  ?  Request  that  quarter- 
master and  commissary  depots  be  established  here  immediately.  Please  order 
Miller.    Corps  quartermaster  reports  need  his  services  badly. 

Lee,  Major-General. 


J. 

War  Department,  Washington,  June  26, 1898. 
Maj.  Gen.  Nelson  A.  Miles,  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  By  direction  of  the  President  an  expedition  will  be  organized  with  the 
least  possible  delay,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Major-General  Brooke, 
U.  S.  Army,  consisting  of  three  divisions  taken  from  the  troops  best  equipped  in 
the  First  and  Third  Army  Corps,  and  two  divisions  from  the  Fourth  Army  Corps, 
for  movement  and  operation  against  the  enemy  in  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico.  The 
command  under  Major-General  Shafter,  or  such  part  thereof  as  can  be  spared 
from  the  work  now  in  hand,  will  join  the  foregoing  expedition,  and  you  will 
command  the  forces  thus  united  in  person. 

Transports  for  this  service  will  be  assembled  at  Tampa  with  the  least  possible 
delay.  The  naval  forces  will  furnish  convoy  and  cooperate  with  you  in  accom- 
plishing the  object  in  view.  You  will  place  yourself  in  close  touch  with  the 
senior  officer  of  the  Navy  in  those  waters,  with  the  view  to  harmonious  and 
forceful  action. 

Estimates  will  be  made  by  you  immediately  on  the  several  staff  departments 
for  the  necessary  supplies  and  subsistence;  such  estimates  to  be  submitted  to  the 
Secretary  of  War. 

For  the  information  of  the  President,  copies  of  all  orders  and  instruction 
given  by  you  from  time  to  time  will  be  forwarded  on  the  day  of  their  issue  to  the 
Adjutant-General  of  the  Army.    Also  daily  reports  of  the  state  and  condition  of 
your  command  will  be  made  to  the  Secretary  of  War  direct. 

It  is  important  that  immediate  preparation  be  made  for  this  movement,  and, 
when  ready,  report  to  this  Department  for  further  instructions. 
Very  respectfully, 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 


K. 

[Copy  of  telegram.] 

War  Department,  Washington,  D.  C,  June  8, 1898. 
Major-General  Shafter,  Tampa,  Fla. : 
Wait  until  you  get  further  orders  before  you  sail.     Answer  quick. 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  249 

L. 

[Copy  of  telegram.] 

War  Department,  Washington,  D.  C,  June  8,  1898. 
Major-General  Miles,  Port  Tampa,  Fla.: 

I  have  sent  the  following  telegram  to  Major-General  Shafter :  "Wait  until  you 
get  further  orders  before  you  sail.    Answer  quick." 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 


M. 

[Copy  of  telegram.] 

War  Department,  Washington,  D.  C,  June  8, 1898. 
Major-General  Miles,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

The  reason  for  countermanding  order  you  will  find  in  the  following.    The  order 
was  given  at  the  request  of  the  Navy  Department,  by  direction  of  the  President. 

"  Key  West,  June  8. 
"Spanish  armor  cruiser, second  class,  and  Spanish  torpedo-boat  destroyer  seen 
by  Eagle,  Nicholas  Channel,  Cuba.    Destroy  convoy. v  Detail  follow. 

"Remey." 

"  Key  West,  June  8. 
"  Last  cipher  just  came  by  Resolute,  just  arrived.    Was  pursued  by  two  ves- 
sels, Nicholas  Channel,  Cuba*  last  night.    Shall  I  order  Indiana  and  all  available 
cruisers  to  coast  of  Cuba  ?    More  detail  to  follow. 

"Remey." 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 


REPLY  OF  THE  ADJUTANT-GENERAL,  U,  S.  A.,  TO  INQUIRIES  BY  THE 

COMMISSION  INVESTIGATING  THE  CONDUCT  OF  THE  WAR 

DEPARTMENT  IN  THE  WAR  WITH  SPAIN, 


251 


INFORMATION    DESIRED    FROM  ADJUTANT- 
GENERAL. 


1.  Number  of  troops  available  for  duty  just  before  war  was  declared.  (See 
page  4. ) 

2.  Number  of  men  enlisted  in  Regular  Army  under  authority  of  the  law  author- 
izing placing  it  upon  a  war  footing.     (See  page  4.) 

3.  Number  of  volunteer  regiments  mustered  in,  number  of  officers  appointed, 
and  number  of  men  enlisted  under  the  first  call  of  the  President.     (See  page  5.) 

4.  Number  of  volunteer  regiments  mustered  in,  number  of  officers  appointed, 
and  number  of  men  enlisted  under  the  second  call  of  the  President.     (See  page  6. ) 

5.  Maximum  number  of  officers  and  enlisted  men  in  the  regular  and  volunteer 
forces  during  the  war.     (See  page  4. ) 

6.  Number  of  officers  appointed  in  the  volunteer  service  in  each  staff  depart- 
ment during  the  war.     (See  page  4.) 

7.  Number  of  regiments  of  regulars  and  of  volunteers,  with  maximum  number 
of  troops,  operating  in  Cuba  in  the  Santiago  campaign,  with  the  organization  of 
the  command,  its  commanding  general,  corps,  division,  and  brigade  commanders, 
the  number  of  officers  and  enlisted  men  killed  and  wounded,  and  the  number  who 
have  died  from  wounds  or  disease.     (See  pages  10-14.) 

8.  Number  of  regiments  of  regulars  and  of  volunteers,  with  maximum  number 
of  troops,  operating  in  Porto  Rico,  with  the  organization  of  the  command,  its 
commanding  general,  corps,  division,  and  brigade  commanders,  the  number  of 
officers  and  enlisted  men  killed  and  wounded,  and  the  number  who  have  died 
from  wounds  or  disease.     (See  page  14.) 

9.  Number  of  regiments  of  regulars  and  of  volunteers,  with  maximum  number 
of  troops,  operating  in  the  Philippine  Islands,  with  the  organization  of  the  com- 
mand, its  commanding  general,  corps,  division,  and  brigade  commanders,  the 
number  of  officers  and  enlisted  men  killed  and  wounded,  and  the  number  who 
have  died  from  wounds  or  disease.     (See  page  15. ) 

10.  Location  of  camps  in  the  United  States,  by  whom  selected;  number  of  regi- 
ments and  number  of  officers  and  enlisted  men  of  regulars  and  of  volunteers  at 
each  camp;  organization  of  camps,  names  of  commanding  generals,  together  with 
names  of  division  and  brigade  commanders,  length  of  time  each  camp  was  main- 
tained, and  number  of  deaths  by  disease  at  each  camp.     (See  page  16.) 

11.  Finally,  all  reports  of  officers  in  the  Inspector-General's  Department. 
(Already  furnished  by  the  Inspector- General.) 

253 


254 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR     WITH    SI 'A  IX. 


Strength  of  the  Regular  and  Volunteer  Forces  of  the  United  States 
April  1,  1898,  and  at  the  End  of  Each  Month  from  May  to  August, 
1898,  Inclusive,  as  Shown  by  the  Latest  Returns  Received  at  the 
Adjutant-General's  Office. 

The  strength  of  the  Regular  Army  April  1,  1898,  just  before  the  breaking  out 
of  the  war.  was  as  follows: 


Organization. 


Officer.  Stated 


General  officers  and  staff  corps. 

Cavalry. 

Artillery . 

Infantry  

Miscellaneous 


437 

288 
88(5 


Totai 


!,143 


6,047 

4,486 

12,826 

653 


26,040 


In  the  following  months  the  strength  was  as  follows: 

STRENGTH  OF  THE  REGULAR  ARMY. 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

Organization. 

Offi- 
cers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Offi- 
cers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Offi- 
cers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Offi- 
cers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

General  officers  and  staffs. . . 
Cavalry 

535 
435 
305 
916 

2,674 
7,835 
7,560 
15,296 
8,569 

535 

430 
317 
916 

5,012 
9,912 
9,065 
17,333 
8,191 

550 
419 
369 

989 

6,553 
10,591 
11,308 
18,833 

6,496 

548 
419 
369 

987 

7,980 
11,594 
12,454 
22,458 

Artillery 

Infantry 

Miscellaneous 

1,879 

Total 

2,191 

41,934 

2,198 

49,513 

2,327 

53,931 

2,232 

a  56, 365 

9,569 

9,311  1 

6,586 

3,400 

a  Includes  5,365  men  of  Hospital  Corps,  which  are  exclusive  of  authorized  strength. 
STRENGTH  OF  THE  VOLUNTEER  ARMY. 


Major-generals 

11 
25 

54 

19 

0 

34 
85 
19 
12 

10 

12 
70 

98 

30 

7 
82 
87 
84 
65 
24 

18 
70 

100 

27 

8 

114 
106 

99 
.      80 

28 

20 
112 
108 
292 

93 

120 

7,238 

21 
71 

99 

25 

8 

121 

108 

113 

86 

28 

24 

111 

150 

289 

92 

120 

7,319 

Brigadier-generals J 

Adjutant-General's  Depart- 
ment   

Inspector-GeneraTsDepart- 
ment 

Judge- Ad  vocate-Gener  a  1 '  s 
Department 

Quartermaster-Ge  neral's 

Subsistence  Department 

10 

101 
81 

292 

83 

84 

5,969 

897 

704 

6,920 

2,010 

2,979 

139,845 

1,089 
2,458 
7,221 
2,540 
4,405 
185,748 

1,173 

3,286 

285 

813 

so 

5,562 

5,972 

1,836 

1,706 

109,066 

7,003 

Heavy  artillery 

2,570 

Light  artillery 

4,265 

Infantry 

188,947 

Total 

6,224 

118,580 

7,169 

153,355 

8,633 

203,461 

8,785 

207,244 

SUMMARY. 


Volunteer   Army 

6,224 
2,191 

118,580 
41,934 

7,169 
2,198 

153,355 
49,513 

8,633 

203.461 

8,785 
2,323 

207,244 

Regular  Army 

2,327        53,931 

56,365 

Army  of   the  United 
States  

8,415 

160,514 

9,367 

202,868 

10,960 

257,392 

11,108 

263,609 

The  maximum  strength  of  the  Army,  both  regular  and  volunteer,  was  attained 
in  August. 


REPLY    OF    ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 


255 


Of  the  volunteer  force  in  service  August  31,  the  following  were  also  officers  of 
the  Regular  Army: 

Major-generals  .... 15 

Brigadier-generals 45 

Assistant  adjutants-general. _. 58 

Inspectors-general _ 16 

Judge-advocates . .  3 

Quartermasters    ....... 45 

Commissaries  of  Subsistence 21 

Medical  officers ." . 44 

Paymaster 1 

Engineers _ 22 

Ordinance  officers 21 

Signal  officers -  12 

Officers  of  volunteer  regiments...    86 

Total ..387 

Tlfe  following  apportionment  was  made  for  the  several  States  and  Territories 
and  the  District  of  Columbia : 


FIRST  CALL, 

125,000  MEN. 

Infantry. 

Artillery. 

Cavalry. 

State  or  Territory. 

Regi- 
ments. 

Battal- 
ions. 

Light. 

Heavy. 

Regi- 
ment. 

Troops. 

o 

2 
2 

1 
1 
1 
1 
2 
7 
4 
4 
3 
3 
o 

1 
•1 
4 
4 
3 
2 
5 
1 
2 
1 
3 

12 
2 
8 
1 

15 
1 
1 
3 
3 

1 

2 

4 

1 

2 

Florida 

2 
1 

2 

1  L. 

Kansas 

1 

2 

1 



Maryland 

1 

! 

1     

Missouri 

i 

! 

Montana • 

Nebraska. 

New  Hampshire 

Do 

New  York 

2 

North  Carolina 

Ohio 

4 

1 

g 

Oregon 

Pennsylvania 

3 

3 

Rhode  Island 

South  Carolina 

i 

1 

I 

Tennessee 

Texas 

1 

Utah 

2 

1 

Vermont 

i 

3 

1 
1 
3 

Virginia 

Washington.. 

West  Virginia 

Wisconsin 

Wyoming 

l 

District  of  Columbia 

1 

North  Dakota 

2 

South  Dakota 

1 

Idaho 

2 

Nevada 

1 

Arizona 

New  Mexico 

Oklahoma 

Indian  Territory 

256 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


QUOTA  OF  STATES  UNDER  SECOND  CALL  FOR  75,000  VOLUNTEERS,  MAY  26. 


State  or  Territory. 

Regi- 
ment. 

Bat- 
talion. 

Com- 
panies. 

Light 
bat- 
teries. 

Heavy 
bat 

teries. 

2 

1 

Colorado 

i 

Connecticut 

1 
1 
2 

1 

Illinois 

Indiana 

2 

2 

Kansas 

2 

Kentucky 

1 

Louisiana 

8 

Maine 

3 

Maryland 

1 

Massachusetts 

1 

1 
1 

Michigan 

Minnesota 

6 

Missouri.. 

I 
1 
1 
3 

Nebraska 

New  Jersey 

3 

North  Carolina 

7 
9 

Ohio 

1 

Oregon 

2 

18 

Rhode  Island 

2 

2 

Tennessee 

1 
1 

Utah 

1 

2 

1 

Washington 

1 
1 

I    ■ 

Wisconsin 

1 

New  Mexico 

4 

Indian  Territory 

Wyoming 

1 

Total 

22 

10 

'     46 

16 

3 

Note.— In  addition  to  the  two  calls  for  troops,  Congress  authorized  the  formation  of  3  regi- 
ments of  engineers,  3  regiments  of  cavalry,  and  10  regiments  of  infantry,  raised  from  at  large. 

Distribution  of  Troops,  Camps,  etc. 


On  April  15,  1898,  by  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  the  regiments  of  the 
Regular  Army,  with  few  exceptions,  were  ordered  to  proceed  to  various  points  in 
the  South— at  Chickamauga,  Ga.,  New  Orleans,  La.,  Mobile,  Ala.,  and  Tampa.  Fla. 

These  regiments  came  from  Washington,  Idaho,  California,  Utah,  Nebraska, 
Wyoming,  Montana,  the  Dakotas,  Minnesota,  Missouri,  Oklahoma,  Arkansas,  and, 
in  fact,  from  nearly  all  the  posts  then  occupied,  some  eighty  in  number: 

These  troops  were  formed  into  brigades  and  divisions,  as  directed  in  General 
Order  25,  Adjutant  General's  Office,  April  23;  and,  by  said  order,  the  encampment 
in  Chickamauga  Park  was  designated  as  "Camp  George  H.  Thomas." 

On  April  23  the  President  issued  his  proclamation  calling  for  1 00,000  volunteers. 
Recruiting  was  immediately  commenced  in  the  various  States,  and  central  points 
were  selected  where  troops  were  to  be  mustered  into  the  United  States  service. 

On  May  7,  by  direction  of  the  President,  seven  army  corps  were  constituted, 
comprising  both  the  regular  and  volunteer  forces  (General  Order  36,  Adjutant  Gen- 
eral's Office,  May  7). 

On  May  16  the  President  made  the  assignment  of  general  officers  to  take  com- 
mand of  the  army  corps,  etc.,  as  follows  ( General  Order  46.  Adjutant  General's 
Office,  May  16): 

Department  of  the  Pacific:  Maj.  Gen.  Wesley  Merritt. 


REPLY    OF    ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 


257 


First  Army  Corps  and  Department  of  the  Gulf:  Maj.  Gen.  John  R.  Brooke,  with 
headquarters  at  Camp  Thomas,  Ga. 

Second  Army  Corps:  Maj.  Gen.  William  M.  Graham,  with  headquarters  at  Falls 
Church,  Va. 

Third  Army  Corps:  Maj.  Gen.  James  F.  Wade,  with  headquarters  at  Camp 
Thomas,  Ga. 

Fourth  Amy  Corps:  Maj.  Gen.  John  J.  Coppinger,  with  headquarters  at  Mo- 
bile, Ala. 

Fifth  Army  Corps:  Maj.  Gen.  William  R.  Shafter,  with  headquarters  at  Tampa, 
Fla. 

Sixth  Army  Corps:  Maj.  Gen.  James  H.  Wilson,  with  headquarters  at  Camp 
Thomas,  Ga. 

Seventh  Army  Corps:  Maj.  Gen.  Fitzhugh  Lee,  with  headquarters  at  Tampa,  Fla. 

Cavalry  Division:  Maj.  Gen.  Joseph  Wheeler,  with  headquarters  at  Tampa,  Fla. 

The  First  and  Third  Army  Corps  were  organized  at  Camp  Thomas,  Ga.  The 
strength  of  troops  present  at  Camp  Thomas  on  the  last  day  of  each  month  was  as 
follows: 


Month. 


April  .. 
May  ... 
June... 
July  — 
August 


Enlisted 
men. 


42,036 
56,544 
42,260 
12,725 


In  July  the  First  Division  of  the  First  Corps,  under  General  Wilson,  was 
de  ached  and  sent  to  Porto  Rico. 

On  August  21  and  22  the  Second  and  Third  Divisions  of  the  First  Corps  were 
sent  to  Lexington,  Ky.,  and  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  respectively. 

Early  in  September  the  Third  Army  Corps  was  transferred  to  Anniston,  Ala., 
and  by  the  end  of  the  month  but  a  small  detachment  remained  at  Camp  Thomas. 

The  Sixth  Army  Corps  failed  of  organization,  General  Wilson  being  assigned 
to  the  command  of  the  First  Division  of  the  First  Corps. 

The  Second  Army  Corps  was  organized  at  Camp  Alger,  near  Falls  Church,  Va. 
The  strength  of  troops  present  on  the  last  day  of  each  month  was  as  follows: 


Month. 


May  ... 
June... 
July... 
August 


Enlisted 
men. 

17,406 
22,624 
21,378 


In  the  latter  part  of  July  it  was  determined  to  discontinue  Camp  Alger;  and  a 
new  site  for  a  camp,  near  Middletown,  Pa,  (called  "Camp  Meade  "),  was  selected. 
The  Second  Division  of  the  Second  Army  Corps  commenced  to  move  about 
August  2,  and  early  in  September  the  remainder  of  the  corps  left  Camp  Alger. 
The  figures  for  August  include  those  at  Camp  Meade. 

The  Fourth  Army  Corps  was  organized  at  Mobile,  Ala.  The  strength  present 
on  the  last  day  of  each  month  was  as  follows: 


Month. 


Officers. 


Enlisted 
men. 


May 

June-.. ,. 

July 

August 

78oo— vol..  1 17 


342 
763 
548 
413 


7,456 
20. 068 
13,485 

9,933 


258 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


On  June  2  the  Fourth  Army  Corps  commenced  to  move  from  Mobile,  Ala. ,  to 
Tampa,  Fla.  On  July  23  the  Third  Division  of  the  corps  was  trai^/erred  to  Fer- 
nandina.  Fla.  On  August  1 1  the  movement  of  the  entire  corps  was  commenced 
to  Huntsville,  Ala.,  and  by  August  31  the  only  troops  of  the  corps  remaining  at 
Tampa  were  1  officer  and  29  men  of  the  Signal  Corps. 

The  Fifth  Army  Corps  was  organized  at  Tampa.  Fla.  The  strength  present  of 
the  corps  on  the  last  day  of  each  month  was  as  follows: 


Month. 


Officers. 


Enlisted 

men. 


May... 
June... 
July... 
August 


769 
791 

840 
518 


16,667 

ll.!H.-> 
18,619 
H,347 


On  June  7  the  Fifth  Army  Corps  embarked  on  transports  for  Santiago,  Cuba, 
sailed  June  14,  and  commenced  to  disembark  June  22. 

After  the  surrender  of  Santiago,  and  owing  to  the  prevalence  of  disease  which 
infected  the  whole  army  there,  it  was  decided  to  withdraw  the  forces  that  had 
been  operating  in  Cuba;  and  accordingly  the  withdrawal  of  the  troops  from  that 
place  was  commenced  about  August  7,  General  Shafter  and  staff  (excepting  the 
sick  in  hospital)  being  the  last  to  leave,  on  August  24. 

The  Seventh  Army  Corps  was  organized  at  Tampa,  Fla.  The  strength  present 
of  the  corps  on  the  last  day  of  each  month  was  as  follows: 


Month. 


May  . . . 
June... 
July... 
August 


On  May  29  General  Lee  was  authorized  to  establish  his  headquarters  at  Jack- 
sonville, Fla.,  and  accordingly  removed  to  that  place  May  31,  with  the  exception 
of  the  First  Division  of  the  corps,  which  remained  at  Tampa. 

On  June  20  a  division  of  the  Fourth  Army  Corps,  from  Mobile,  Ala.,  under  the 
command  of  General  Schwan,  was  transferred  to  camp  at  Miami,  Fla.,  and  on 
June  28  was  designated  as  the  First  Division  of  the  Seventh  Corps.  Under 
orders  from  corps  headquarters,  dated  July  31,  the  First  Division  was  trans- 
ferred from  Miami  to  Jacksonville,  Fla. 

The  Department  of  the  Pacific,  or  Eighth  Army  Corps,  was  organized  for  the 
purpose  of  occupying  the  Philippines.  The  troops  for  this  purpose  were  concen- 
trated at  San  Francisco,  Cal. 

The  first  expedition  for  Manila,  under  command  of  Gen.  T.  M.  Anderson,  sailed 
May  25,  consisting  of  the  First  California  Infantry,  Second  Oregon  Infantry,  five 
companies  Fourteenth  United  States  Infantry,  and  a  detachment  of  California 
artillery — 115  officers  and  2,386  enlisted  men,  arriving  off  Manila  June  30. 

The  second  expedition,  under  the  command  of  Gen.  F.  V.  Green,  sailed  June 
15,  and  consisted  of  the  First  Colorado,  First  Nebraska,  Tenth  Pennsylvania 
Infantry,  four  companies  Eighteenth  and  four  companies  Twenty- third  United 
States  Infantry,  two  battalions  Utah  artillery,  and  detachment  of  United  States 
Engineers;  a  total  of  158  officers  and  3,428  enlisted  men,  arriving  at  their  destina- 
tion July  17. 

The  third  expedition,  under  the  command  of  Generals  Merritt  and  MacArthur, 
sailed  June  27  and  29,  and  consisted  of  four  companies  of  Eighteenth  and  four 
companies  of  Twenty-third  United  States  Infantry,  four  batteries  of  Third  United 
States  artillery ,  one  company  United  States  Engineers,  First  Idaho,  First  Wyoming, 
Thirteenth  Minnesota,  and  First  North  Dakota  Infantry,  the  Astor  Battery,  and 


REPLY    OF    ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 


259 


detachments  of  the  Hospital  and  Signal  Corps;  a  total  of  197  officers  and  4,030 
enlisted  men,  which  arrived  at  their  destination  July  25  and  31. 

The  fourth  expedition,  under  command  of  Gen.  E.  S.  Otis,  sailed  July  15,  and 
consisted  of  six  troops  Fourth  United  States  Cavalry,  two  batteries  Sixth  United 
States  Artillery,  five  companies  Fourteenth  United  States  Infantry,  and  detach- 
ments of  recruits;  a  total  of  42  officers  and  1,640  enlisted  men,  and  arrived  at  its 
destination  August  21. 

The  fifth  expedition,  under  command  of  Col.  H.  C.  Kessler,  of  First  Montana 
Infantry,  sailed  July  19,  and  consisted  of  the  First  Montana  Infantry  and  detach- 
ment of  recruits;  a  total  of  54  officers  and  1,294  enlisted  men. 

The  sixth  expedition,  under  command  of  Gen.  H.  G.  Otis,  sailed  July  23,  and 
consisted  of  eight  companies  of  the  First  South  Dakota  and  detachments;  a  total 
of  50  officers  and  816  enlisted  men. 

The  Seventh  Expedition,  under  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Lee  Stover,  First  South 
Dakota,  sailed  July  29,  and  consisted  of  four  companies  of  First  South  Dakota 
and  detachment  of  recruits;  a  total  of  25  officers  and  814  enlisted  men. 

The  total  forces  of  the  seven  expeditions  made  a  grand  total  of  641  officers 
and  15,058  enlisted  men. 

The  number  of  troops  present  remaining  at  San  Francisco,  after  sailing  of  the 
expeditions,  and  who  had  been  designated  for  the  Philippines,  was  on  the  last  day 
of  each  month  as  follows: 


Month. 


May  . . . 
June.... 
July... 
August 


Enlisted 

men. 


10,793 
11,660 

7,478 


PORTO  RICO. 

Gen.  N.  A.  Miles  sailed  from  Guantanamo,  Cuba,  July  21,  with  a  force  of  3,554 
officers  and  men,  and  landed  at  Guanica,  Porto  Rico,  Jnly  25. 

The  troops  sailing  with  him  were  the  Sixth  Massachusetts  and  Sixth  Illinois 
Infantry,  batteries  of  Regular  Artillery,  and  detachments  of  recruits,  Signal  and 
Hospital  corps.  By  July  31  he  was  reenforced  by  General  Schwan's  brigade,  of 
the  Fourth  Corps,  and  by  part  of  General  Wilson's  division,  of  the  First  Corps. 

The  strength  present  for  July  31  and  August  31,  was  as  follows: 


Date. 


July  31  ... 
August  31 


Officers. 


377 
641 


Enlisted 
men. 


9,084 
16,332 


In  addition  to  the  camps  and  forces  above  enumerated,  there  were  troops  at 
posts  and  stations  in  the  eight  military  geographical  departments  into  which  the 
United  States  was  divided,  each  embracing  territorial  limits  as  follows: 

Department  of  California. — Maj.  Gen.  H.  C.  Merriam,  commanding.  States  of 
California  and  Nevada.     The  Hawaiian  Islands  were  added  July  13,  1898. 

Department  of  the  Colorado. — Brig.  Gen.  E.  V.  Sumner,  commanding.  States 
of  Wyoming  (except  so  much  thereof  as  is  embraced  in  the  Yellowstone  National 
Park),  Colorado,  and  Utah,  and  the  Territories  of  Arizona  and  New  Mexico. 

Department  of  the  Columbia. — Maj.  Gen.  H.  C.  Merriam,  commanding.  States 
cf  Washington,  Oregon,  Idaho  (except  so  much  of  the  latter  as  is  embraced  in  the 
Yellowstone  National  Park),  and  the  Territory  of  Alaska. 

Department  of  Dakota. — Brig.  Gen.  J.  M.  Bacon,  commanding.  States  of  Min- 
nesota. North  Dakota,  South  Dakota,  Montana,  and  so  much  of  Wyoming  and 
Idaho  as  is  embraced  in  the  Yellowstone  National  Park. 


260         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAK    WITH    SPAIN. 

Department  of  the  East.— Brig.  Gen.  G.  L.  Gillespie,  commanding.  New  Eng- 
land States,  New  \ork,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland,  District 
of  Columbia,  West  Virginia,  Virginia,  and  North  Carolina. 

Department  of  the  Gulf. — Brig.  Gen.  A.  C.  M.  Pennington,  commanding.  States 
of  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  Florida,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  Louisiana,  and  Texas. 

Department  of  the  Lakes. — Brig.  Gen.  J.  M.  Bacon,  commanding.  States  of 
Wisconsin,  Michigan.  Illinois,  Indiana,  Kentucky,  Ohio,  and  Tennessee. 

Department  of  the  Missouri. — Brig.  Gen.  E.  V.  Sumner,  commanding.  States 
of  Iowa,  Nebraska,  Missouri,  Kansas,  and  Arkansas,  the  Indian  Territory,  and  the 
Territory  of  Oklahoma. 

RESUME  OF  STRENGTH  AND  DISTRIBUTION  OF  TROOPS. 


Command. 


Department  of  California . . . 

Department  of  the  Colorado. 

Department  of  the  Columbia 

Department  of  Dakota  — ^. 

Department  of  the  East 

Department  of  the  Gulf 

Department  of  the  Lakes  ... 

Department  of  the  Missouri. 

First  and  Third  corps 

Second  Corps 

Fourth  Corps 

Fifth  Corps 

Seventh  Corps 

Eighth  Corps 

Porto  Rico 

Department  of  Santiago 

At  State  camps,  eu  route,  at 
recruiting  stations,  on  fur- 
lough, etc 


Total 8,415 


May. 


Offi-    Enlisted 
cers.       men. 


45 
21 
24 
530 
230 
16 
23 
2,191 
903 
342 
769 


2,089 


2,176 

956 

431 

662 

12,093 

4,921 

221 

757 

42,036 

17,406 

7,456 

15,657 

8,847 

13, 179 


33,716 


160,514 


June. 


Offi-    Enlisted 
cers.       men. 


87 


16 

586 

232 

31 

20 

2,004 

887 

763 

791 

781 

865 


2,227 
9,367 


1,716 

1,250 

997 

722 

15,576 

5,792 

597 

591 

56,544 

22,(524 

20,058 

14,945 

18,375 

22,124 


20,957 


202,868 


July. 


Offi-     Enlisted 
cers.        men. 


70 
41 
41 

67 

577 
249 
28 
20 
,563 
802 
548 


917 
377 


3,861 


10,960 


1,745 

1,329 

1,256 

2,056 

17,240 

7,228 

646 

598 

42,260 

21,378 

13,485 

18,619 

33,193 

22,536 

9,084 


74,739 


257,392 


August. 


Offi-     Enlisted 
cers.        men. 


100 

40 

43 

32 

804 

280 

20 

19 

436 

768 

413 

518 

1,025 

899 

641 

299 


4,771 
11,108 


1,516 

1,416 

066 

23,248 

7,262 

185 

522 

12.725 

20.688 

9,933 

14,347 

27,817 

22, 046 

16,332 

6,748 


95,479 


263,609 


Actions,  Troops  Engaged,  and  Losses  in  United  States  Troops  during  the 
War  with  Spain,  April  21  to  August  13,  1898. 


May  12,  1898.— Point  Arbolitos,  Cuba. 

Capt.  J.  H.  Dorst,  Fourth  Cavalry,  commanding  E  and  G,  First  United  States 
Infantry.     No  casualties. 

June  22  to  July  17,  1898.— Siege  and  surrender  of  Santiago,  Cuba. 

Fifth  Army  Corps,  Maj.  Gen.  W.  R.  Shafter,  commanding. 

June  24,  1898. — La  Quasima,  Cuba. 

Cavalry  division,  Maj.  Gen.  Joseph  Wheeler,  commanding ;   Second  Cavalry 
Brigade,  Brig.  Gen.  S.  B.  M.  Young. 


Command. 

Present  for  duty, 
equipped,  June  20. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Division  headquarters 

Brigade  headquarters 

First  United  States  Cavalry  (A,  B,  G,  K ) 

Tenth  United  States  Cavalry ( A.  B,E,  I) 

First  United  States  Volunteer  Cavalry 

(A,B,D,E,F,G,K,L) 

14 

12 

260 

7 

1 

7 

3 

5 

14 
31 

240 

r»c,7 

10 

1 

3 

29 

Total  

;  i 

1,(187 

1 

15               6 

44 

REPLY    OF    ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 


201 


Officers  hilled  and  wounded. — Killed:  Capt.  A.  K.  Capron,  First  United  States 
Volunteer  Cavalry.  Wounded:  Majs.  J.  M.  Bell,  First  United  States  Cavalry; 
A.  O.  Brodie,  First  United  States  Volunteer  Cavalry;  Capts.  T.  T.  Knox,  First 
United  States  Cavalry;  J.  H.  McClintock,  First  United  States  Volunteer  Cavalry; 
First  Lieuts.  G.  L.  By  ram,  First  United  States  Cavalry,  and  J.  R.  Thomas,  jr., 
First  United  States  Volunteer  Cavalry. 

July  1  to  12,  1898. — Operations  against  Santiago,  Cuba. 

Embracing  the  actions  at  San  Juan,  El  Caney,  and  Aguadores,  July  1  to  3,  and 
actions  around  Santiago,  Cuba,  July  10  to  12,  1898. 

FIFTH  ARMY  CORPS. 


Command. 

Present  for  duty, 
equipped,  June  30. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

COUPS  HEADQUARTERS. 

Mai.  Gen.  W.  R.  Shafter  and  staff 

15 
4 

58 
275 
192 

23 

257 

United  States  Engineers  (C.  E) 

Balloon  Detachment,  Signal  Corps  — 
Second  United  States  Cavalry  (A,  C, 
D,F) 

8 
3 

9 

1 

1 

1 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

13 

.....  

First  Brigade. 

Brig.  Gen.  H.  S.  Hawkins  and  staff 

Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry 

6 
24 

30 

47 

2 

1 
2 

1 
6 
8 

1 

655 
483 
922 

13 

10 
13 

109 
107 

Seventy-first  New  York  Infantry 

59 

Total  First  Brigade 

107 

2,060 

5 

36 

16 

Second  Brigade. 
Col. E.P.Pearson, Fifth  Infantry,  and 

3 

30 
22 
24 

staff. 

Second  United  States  Infantry 

Tenth  United  States  Infantry 

616 
453 
423 

1 
1 

7 
4 
6 

5 

5 

1 

52 
35 

Twenty-first  United  States  Infantry.. 

34 

69 

1,492 

2 

17 

11 

121 

Third  Brigade. 
Col.  C.  A.  Wikoff,  Twenty-second  In- 

3 

21 
24 
22 

1 

1 
1 
2 

fantry,  and  staff. 
Ninth  United  States  Infantry 

444 

441 

487 

7 
16 
11 

25 

Thirteenth  United  States  Infantry 

Twenty-fourth  United  States  Infantry 

6 

6 

86 

74 

Total  Third  Brigade 

70 

1,372 

5 

34 

12 

185 

Total  First  Division 

259 

4,924 

12 

87 

39 

581 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brig.  Gen.  H.  W.  Lawton  and  staff 

8 

First  Brigade. 
Brig.  Gen.  W.  Ludlow  and  staff 

3 

19 

29 
44 

Eighth  United  States  Infantry  (A,  B, 

487 

467 

863 

6 
10 

1 

ft 

47 

C,  D.  E,  F,  and  H). 

Twenty-second  United  States  Infantry 

38 

1 

7                3 

38 

Total  First  Brigade 

95 

1,817 

1 

23  |             10 

123 

Second  Brigade. 
Col.  Evan  Miles  and  staff 

3 
14 
21 

18 

438 
444 
509 

2 

Fourth  United  States  Infantry 

Twenty-fifth  United  States  Infantry. . 

1 
1 

7                1 
7                3 

36 

27 

Total  Second  Brigade  

56 

2 

14 

65 

. 

262 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


FIFTH  ARMY  CORPS-Continued. 


Present  for  duty, 
equipped,  June  30. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

second  division— continued. 

Third  Brigade 

Brig.  Gen.  A.  R.  Chaffee  and  staff 

Seventh  United  States  Infantry 

Twelfth  United  States  Infantry 

Seventeenth  United  States  Infantry  . . 

6 
25 
20 
24 

891 
564 

482 

1 

9 

4 
2 

97 
34 

9 

36 

Total  Third  Brigade. 

75 

1,937 

1 

50 

7 

167 

Total  Second  Division 

234 

5Tl45" 

4~ 

w 

2T 

355 

INDEPENDENT  BRIGADE. 

Brig.  Gen.  J.  C.  Bates  and  staff 

4 
19 
24 

Third  United  States  Infantry . 

460 

578 

3 
1 

15 

2 

13 

Total  Independent  Brigade 

47 

1,038 

4 

2 

28 

DUFFIELD'S  BRIGADE. 

General  Duffield  and  staff- 

4 
43 

958 

2 

10 

29             612 

43             854 

Ninth  Massachusetts  Infantry 

5 

Total  of  Brigade 

119 

2,424 

2 

15 

CAVALRY  DIVISION. 

Maj.  Gen.  J.  Wheeler  and  staff 

12 

First  Brigade. 
Brig.  Gen.  S.  S.  Sumner  and  staff 

3 

23 
16 
12 

Third  United  States  Cavalry  (B,  C,  E, 
F,G,H,I,K) 

433 
435 
207 

3 
4 
2 

6 
4 
2 

46 

Sixth  United  States  Cavalry  (A,  B,  C, 
D,E,F,G,K) 

51 

Ninth  United  States  Cavalry  (A,  B,  C, 
D,E,G,H,K) 

2 

18 

Total  First  Brigade 

54 

1,075 

2  j              9 

12 

115 

Second  Brigade. 
Brig.  Gen.  S.  B.  M.  Young    

7 
20 
27 
26 

3 
503 
453 
557 

i 

3 

First  United  States  Cavalry  (A,  B,  C, 
D,E,G,H,I,K) 

1                12 

47 

Tenth  United  States  Cavalry  (A,  B,  C, 
D,E,G,H,I) 

2 
1 

5 
14 

9 
6 

65 

First  United  States  Volunteer  Cavalry 
(A,B,D,E,F,G,K,L) 

69 

Total  Second  Brigade 

80 

1,516 

4  |            31 

18 

181 

Total  cavalry  division 

146 

2,591 

6  |            40 

30 

296 

LIGHT  ARTILLERY  BATTALION. 

Maj.  J.  W.  Dillenback 

1 
3 
2 
3 
2 

E,  First  United  States  Artillery   . . 

79 

78 
79 

77 

K,  First  United  States  Artillery 

1 

A,  Second  United  States  Artillery 

F,  Second  United  States  Artillery 

2 

8 

1 

2 

Total  light  arillery 

11 

313 

2 

1 

11 

SIEGE  ARTILLERY. 

G,  Fourth  United  States  Artillery 

2 

1 

53 
65 

H,  Fourth  United  States  Artillery 

Total  siege  artillery 

3 

118 

Grand  total,  Fifth  Army  Corps. . 

858 

17,358 

22 

222 

93 

1,288 

REPLY    OF    ADJUTANT-GENERAL.  263 

The  following  troops  were  sent  to  and  landed  at  Santiago,  Cuba,  but  were  not 
engaged: 
First  District  of  Columbia  Infantry,  First  Illinois  Infantry,  Eighth  Ohio  Infantry, 

F,  Fourth  United  States  Artillery;  F,  Fifth  United  States  Artillery. 

Officers  killed  and  wounded.— Killed:  Col.  C.  A.  Wikoff,  Twenty-second  Infan- 
try; Lieut.  Col.  J.  M.  Hamilton,  Ninth  Cavalry;  Maj.  A.G.  Forse,  First  Cavalry. 
Capts.  C.  W.  Rowell,  Second  Infantry;  A.  M.  Wetherill,  Sixth  Infantry;  John 
Drum,  Tenth  Infantry;  T.W.Morrison,  Sixteenth  Infantry,  and  William  O'Neill, 
Fiist  United  States  Volunteer  Cavalry.  First  Lieuts.  W.  E.  Shipp  and  W.  H. 
Smith,  Tenth  Cavalry;  J.  G.  Ord,  Sixth  Infantry;  C.  H.  Field,  Second  Massachu- 
setts Infantry.  Second  Lieuts.  J.  J.  Bernard,  Fourth  Infantry;  E.  N.  Benchley, 
Sixth  Infantry;  T.  A.  Wansboro,  Seventh  Infantry;  L.H.Lewis,  Ninth  Infantry; 
W.  A.  Sater,  Thirteenth  Infantry;  D.  M.  Michie,  Seventeenth  Infantry;  J.  A. 
Gurney  and  J.  N.  Augustin,  Twenty-fourth  Infantry;  H.  L.  McCorkle,  Twenty- 
fifth  Infantry,  and  Acting  Asst.  Surg.  H.  W.  Danforth,  who  was  on  duty  with 
Ninth  Cavalry. 

Wounded:  Brig.  Gen.  H.  S.  Hawkins;  Lieut.  Cols.  Henry  Carroll,  Ninth  Cav- 
alry; H.  C.  Egbert,  Sixth  Infantry;  W.  S.  Worth,  Thirteenth  Infantry;  J.  T. 
Haskell,  Seventeenth  Infantry;  E.  H.  Liscum,  Twenty-fourth  Infantry;  J.  H. 
Patterson,  Twenty-second  Infantry.  Majs.  H.  W.  Wessells,  Third  Cavalry;  T.J. 
Wint,  Tenth  Cavalry;  J.  H.  Smith,  Second  Infantry;  A.  W.  Corliss,  Seventh 
Infantry;  S.  H.  Lincoln  and  R.  I.  Eskridge,  Tenth  Infantry;  P.  H.  Ellis,  Thir- 
teenth Infantry,  and  W.  C.  Hayes,  First  Ohio  Cavalry.  Capts.  A.  L.  Mills, 
assistant  adjutant-general  of  volunteers  (first  lieutenant,  First  Cavalry) ;  G.  K. 
Hunter  and  G.  A.  Dodd,  Third  Cavalry;  J.  B.  Kerr  and  A.  P.  Blocksom,  Sixth 
Cavalry;  C.  W.  Taylor,  Ninth  Cavalry;  John  Bigelow,  jr.,  Tenth  Cavalry;  C.  D. 
Parkhurst,  Second  Artillery;  W.  J.  Turner,  Second  Infantry;  Z.  W.  Torrey  and 

G.  B.  Walker,  Sixth  Infantry;  J.  B.  Jackson,  Seventh  Infantry;  R.  C.  Van  Vleit, 
Tenth  Infantry;  James  Fornace,  J.  B.  Guthrie,  and  H.  G.  Cavanaugh,  Thirteenth 
Infantry;  William  Lassiter,  W.  C.  McFarland,  and  T.  C.  Woodbury,  Sixteenth 
Infantry;  H.  B.  Moon  and  J.  B.  Rodman,  Twentieth  Infantry;  F.  B.  Jones,  J.  J. 
Crittenden,  and  Theodore  Mosher,  Twenty-second  Infantry;  A.  C.  Ducat  and  J.J. 
Brereton,  Twenty- fourth  Infantry;  W.  S.  Warrener,  Second  Massachusetts 
Infantry,  and  M.  J.  Henry,  commissary  of  subsistence  of  volunteers.  First 
Lieuts.  Arthur  Thayer,  A.  C.  Merrillat,  and  O.  B.  Meyer,  Third  Cavalry;  W.  S. 
Wood,  Ninth  Cavalry;  R.  L.  Livermore,  E.  D.  Anderson,  and  M.  H.  Barnum, 
Third  Cavalry;  W.  C.  Neary,  Fourth  Infantry;  J.  S.  Grissard,  Seventh  Infantry; 
J.  R.  Seyburn,  Eighth  Infantry;  Carl  Koops,  Tenth  Infantry;  A.  B.  Scott,  Thir- 
teenth Infantry;  S.  W.  Dunning,  Sixteenth  Infantry;  W.  M.  Dickinson,  Seven- 
teenth Infantry;  G.  J.  Godfrey,  Twenty-second  Infantry;  H.  G.  Lyon  and  J.  E. 
Brett,  Twenty-fourth  Infantry;  R.  C.  Day  and  J.  A.  Carr,  First  United  States 
Volunteer  Cavalry.  Second  Lieuts.  W.  C.  Short,  Sixth  Cavalry;  F.  R.  McCoy, 
T.  A.  Roberts,  H.  C.  Whitehead,  and  H.  O.  Williard,  Tenth  Cavalry;  B.  H. 
Wells  and  W.  J.  Lutz,  Second  Infantry;  J.  H.  Hughes,  Fourth  Infantry;  L.  H. 
Gross,  C.  N.  Purdy,  John  Robertson,  R.  S.  Turman,  and  W.  H.  Simons,  Sixth 
Infantry;  H.  A.  Lafferty,  Seventh  Infantry;  M.  C.  Saville,  Tenth  Infantry;  W. 
E.  Dove  and  Clark  Churchman,  Twelfth  Infantry;  L.  S.  Sorley  and  R.  E.  Spence, 
Sixteenth  Infantry;  B.  F.  Hardaway,  Seventeenth  Infantry;  F.  R.  Meade,  Twenty- 
first  Infantry;  W.  H.  Wassell,  Twenty-second  Infantry;  Albert  Laws,  Twenty- 
fourth  Infantry;  J.  S.  Murdock  and  H.  L.  Kinnison,  Twenty-fifth  Infantry;  D. 
J.  Moynehan  and  C.  D.  Hapgood,  Second  Massachusetts  Infantry;  W.  E.  Trull, 
Seventy-first  New  York  Infantry;  D.  J.  Leahy  and  H.  K.  Devereaux,  First  United 
States  Volunteer  Cavalry,  and  Acting  Second  Lieut,  (cadet  Military  Academy) 
Ernest  A.. Haskell,  First  United  States  Volunteer  Cavalry. 


264         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Total  casualties  in  Cuba. 


Casualty. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Killed 

23 

99 

237 

1,332 

July  25  to  August  13,  1898— Operations  in  Porto  Rico. 
Maj.  Gen.  Nelson  A.  Miles,  commanding. 


Action. 

Command. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Date. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

1898. 
July  26 

Guanica,     Porto 
Rico. 

Guayama,  Porto 
Rico. 

Four  miles  north 
of  -Guayama, 
Porto  Rico. 

Near  Coamo,Porto 
Rico. 

Hormigueros,  Por- 
to Rico. 

Pass    near  Arbo- 
nito,  Porto  Rico. 

At  crossing  of  the 
Rio  Prieto,  near 
Horm  i  g  u  e  r  o  s, 
Porto  Rico. 

Sixth  Illinois  Infantry  (G). 
Sixth    Massachusetts    In- 
fantry (A,  C,  E,  G,  K,  L,  M) 

Total 

3 

ol 

1 

3 

Fourth  Ohio  Infantry  (A, 
B,C,D,E,F,G,I,K,L). 

Fourth  Ohio  Infantry  (A, 

C). 

Third  United  States  Artil- 
lery (F). 

Fourth  United  States  Ar- 
tillery (B). 

Sixteenth  Pennsylvania  In- 
fantry. 

Total 

Aug.  5 

4 

Aug.    8 

5 

Aug.    9 

6 

6 

Brigadier-General  Schwan's 
brigade  and  staff. 

Third  United  States  Ar- 
tillery (C). 

Fifth  United  States  Ar- 
tillery (D). 

Eleventh  United  States 
Infantry. 

Fifth  United  States  Cav- 
alry (A). 

Total 

Aug.  10 

61 

3 

.      « 

12 

1 

1 

15 

Troops  under  Maj.  Gen.  J. 
H.  Wilson: 
Third     United    States 

Artillery  (F). 
Third    Wisconsin     In 
fantry  (D,F,  L,  M). 

Total 

Aug.  12. 

c\ 
dl 

2 

3 

2 

2 

3 

Troops  under  Brig.  Gen. 
Theodore  Schwan: 

Third    United    States 
Ar tiller v  (section  of 
C). 

Fifth     United     States 
Artillery  (detach- 
ment of  A). 

Eleventh  United  States 
Infantry. 

Total  casualties 

Aug.  13. 

3 

4 

36 

a  Capt.  E.  J.  Gihon. 

b  First  Lieut.  J. C.Byron, Eighth  Cavalry, aid-de-camp  to  Gen.  Theodore  Schwan. 

c  Lieut.  J.  P.  Hains. 

d  Capt.  F.  T.  Lee. 


REPLY    OF    ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 

July  —  to  August  13, 1898 — Operations  in  Manila,  Philippine  Islands. 
Maj.  Gen.  Wesley  Merritt,  commanding. 


265 


Action. 

Command. 

Killed. 

"Wounded. 

Date. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

1898. 

July  30 

to 

In  trenches  before 
Manila,  P.  I. 

Assault  on  Manila. 

Fourteenth  United  States 
Infantry  (A,C,D,E.F). 

Twenty-third  United  States 
Infantry  (D,E,F,H). 

Third  United  States  Artil- 
lery (H,K). 

Battery  B,  Utah  Artillery. . 

2 

1 
1 

3 

2 

a\ 

5 

1 

1 

1 
6 

1 

ft2 

10 

First  Colorado  Infantry 

2 

Tenth    Pennsylvania    In- 
fantry. 

e4 

25 

9 

Total 

13 

7 

57 

Aug.  13 

2 

1 

8 

First  California  Infantry. . . 

2 

First  Colorado  Infantry 

3 

Twenty -third  United  States 
Infantry. 

Eighteenth  United  States 
Infantry. 

Thirteenth  Minnesota  In- 
fantry. 

Total 

1 

7 

1 

dS 

19 

4 

3 

39 

Total  casualties 

17 

9 

96 

aCapt.C.W.Hobbs. 

6  Capt.  Reinhold  Richter  and  First  Lieut.  E.  F.  Davis. 

cCapt.  J.  A.  Loar,  First  Lieut.  R.  D.  Laird,  and  Second  Lieuts.  A.  J.  Buttermore  and  G.  L. 
Gordon. 
d  Capts.  Oscar  Seebach  and  A.  W.  Bjornstad  and  First  Lieut.  C.  G.  Bunker. 

GRAND  TOTAL  OF  CASUALTIES  IN  KILLED  AND  WOUNDED  DURING  THE  WAR 

WITH  SPAIN. 


Killed. 

Wounded. 

Where. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Cuba 

23 

237 
3 
17 

99 
4 
10 

1,332 
36 

Porto  Rico 

Manila 

96 

Total 

23 

257 

113 

1,464 

Deaths  from  all  causes  between  May  1  and  September  30,  inclusive,  as  reported 
to  the  Adjutant-General's  Office  up  to  date  (October  3,  1898)  were: 


Officers. 

Enlisted 
men. 

Killed 

23 
4 
80 

257 

Died  of  wounds 

61 

Died  of  disease 

2,485 

Total 

107 

2,803 

Being  an  aggregate  of  2,910  out  of  a  total  force  of  274,717  officers  and  men,  or 
a  percentage  of  1t^. 


266 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Principal  Camps  of  the  U.  S.  Troops,  Dates  of  Establishment,  and  Num- 
ber of  Deaths  by  Disease,  Accidents,  etc.,  at  each  to  September  o, 
as  Reported  to  the  Adjutant-General's  Office. 


Camps. 


Camp  Thomas,  Chiekamauga  Park,  Georgia 
Camp  Cuba  Libre,  Jacksonville,  Fla 


Tampa,  Fla. 

Cuba  (not  including  killed  or  died  of  wounds). 

At  sea,  en  route  from  Cuba  to  Montauk 

Camp  Wikoff ,  Montauk  Point,  New  York 

Manila,  P.  I. 


Apr.  14 
May  28 
May  2 
June  22 

(a) 
Aug.    7 
June  30 

Porto  Rico - July  25 

Camp  Alger,  near  Falls  Church,  and  vicinity May  18 

Camps  in  San  Francisco i  May    7 

Aug.  21 
Sept.  3 
Aug.  24 
Aug.  23 
Aug.  17 


Date  of 
estab- 
lish- 
ment. 


Camp  Poland,  Knoxville,  Tenn. 

Camp  Shipp,  Anniston,  Ala 

Camp  Meade,  near  Middle  town,  Pa . 
Camp  Hamilton,  Lexington,  Ky  — 

Camp  Wheeler,  Huntsville,  Ala 

At  posts,  minor  camps,  etc 


Total. 


Deaths. 


246 
68 

427 

87 

257 

63 

137 

107 

139 

23 

12 

64 

29 

35 

378 


2,485 


a  August  and  September. 

Selection  of  camp  grounds  were  made  on  recommendations,  as  follows: 

Chickamauga  Park,  Ga By  Major -General  Commanding  Army. 

Mobile,  Ala - Temporary  camp. 

New  Orleans Temporary  camp. 

Fernandina,  Fla Major-General  Commanding  Army. 

Miami,  Fla. .. . .  Major-General  Commanding  Army. 

Jacksonville,  Fla  - Major-General  Lee,  United  States  Volunteers. 

Camp  Alger,  Va _  _  Major-General  Commanding  Army. 

Knoxville,  Ten  :i Board  of  officers. 

Tampa,  Fla A  permanent  camp  was  never  contemplated  at  Tampa, 

but  troops  were  sent  there  preparatory  for  embarka- 
tion, on  recommendation  of  the  Major-General 
Commanding  the  Army. 

Lexington,  Ky Board  of  officers. 

Middletown,  Pa Board  of  officers. 

Camp  Merritt,  Cal Gen.  H.  C.  Merriam. 

Montauk  Point,  N.  Y Board  of  officers. 

Huntsville,  Ala Board  of  officers. 

Anniston,  Ala Board  of  officers. 

H.  C.  Corbin,  Adjutant-General. 
Adjutant-General's  Office, 

October  18.  1898. 


STATISTICAL  MATTER  FROM  THE  OFFICE  OF  THE 
INSPECTOR-GENERAL,  U.  S.  A, 


267 


STATISTICAL  MATTER  FROM  THE   INSPECTOR 
GENERAL,  U.  S.  A. 


War  Department, 

Washington,  October  6,  1898. 
Gen.  Grenville  M.  Dodge, 

President  Commission  Appointed  by  the  President 
to  Investigate  the  Conduct  of  the  War  Department  in  the  War  with  Spain. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  hand  you  herewith  all  the  reports  in  the  Inspector- 
General's  Department  relating  to  the  war  with  Spain.    So  many  of  the  officers  of 
the  Inspector-General's  Department  have  been  absent  in  command  of  troops  that 
no  general  inspection  has  been  made  under  orders  from  this  office.     Frequent 
inspections  have  been  made  by  brigade,  division,  and  corps  inspectors,  and  ren- 
dered to  the  corps  commanders.    These  have  been  called  for,  and  when  received 
will  be  referred  to  you  in  accordance  with  request  already  made. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

R.  A.  Alger, 

Secretary  of  War. 


War  Department,  Inspector-General's  Office, 

Washington,  October  — ,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General  United  States  Army. 

Sir:  In  obedience  to  the  instructions  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  contained  in 
communication  from  your  office  of  the  3d  instant,  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit 
herewith,  for  the  commission  appointed  by  the  President  to  investigate  the  con- 
duct of  the  War  Department  in  the  war  with  Spain,  copies  of  such  reports  of 
officers  in  the  Inspector-General's  Department  as  have  been  received  in  this  office. 
In  this  connection  I  would  remark  that  the  larger  portion  of  the  reports  of  the 
officers  of  this  department  made  during  the  war  are  made  direct  to  corps  and 
division  commanders,  and  have  not  reached  this  office. 
Very  respectfully, 

Thos.  T.  Knox, 
Acting  Inspector-General. 


General  Breckinridge  refers  to  scarcity  of  ordnance  equipments  at  Chickamauga 
in  May. 
August  20.  Report  of  Lieut.  Col.  Frank  D.  Baldwin,  assistant  inspector-general. 
August  24.  Report  of  Lieut.  Col.  C.  Guild,  jr.,  assistant  inspector-general. 


270         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Reports  of  Maj.  Philip  Reade,  assistant  inspector-general,  reflect  on  Seventy- 
first  New  York  Infantry;  refers  to  scarcity  of  subsistence  and  medical  supplies  in 
Cuba,  and  makes  other  reflections. 


On  board  the  Transport  Seguranca, 

Daiquiri,  Cuba,  June  20,  189S. 
The  Adjutant-General  United  States  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  final  report  of  the  inspection  of 
the  troops  at  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Chickamauga  National  Park,  Ga.,  made 
May  21  to  June  3,  1898,  under  instructions  from  headquarters  of  the  army  of 
May  17,  1898: 

The  course  of  this  inspection  probably  began  in  my  application  for  field  service 
and  the  kindly  expression  of  the  desire  of  the  General  commanding  the  Army  that 
I  should  have  a  command.  While  Camp  George  H.  Thomas  was  occupied  prin- 
cipally by  regulars  he  suggested  that  the  command  there  should  be  put  to  such 
tests  by  a  combined  inspection  by  the  experienced  officers  of  the  corps  as  would 
demonstrate  not  only  the  condition  of  its  subordinate  organizations  but  the 
instruction,  fitness,  and  readiness  of  its  officers,  both  mentally  and  physically,  for 
the  exigencies  of  the  coming  campaign.  And  to  this  end  fairly  long  marches  or 
rides  and  sudden  tests  of  the  individual  skill  of  the  officers  in  the  disposition  of 
the  troops  under  their  command  should  be  applied  in  such  a  way  as  would  show 
not  only  their  knowledge  of  the  drill  book  but  their  endurance  and  resourceful- 
ness in  handling  the  forces  in  their  charge.  And  the  essential  and  practical  ques- 
tions of  attack  and  defense,  marching  and  security,  and  the  suitability  of  the 
individuals  for  the  task  before  them  should  predominate  in  this  inspection 
instead  of  the  usual  details  which  are  made  prominent  in  garrison  life.  Before 
the  order  for  this  prqposed  inspection  was  drawn  or  signed,  the  prospect  of  a 
military  expedition,  the  appointment  of  volunteer  officers,  and  the  change  of 
station  of  troops  modified  the  original  proposition,  and  the  following  instructions 
were  received: 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Adjutant-General's  Office, 

Washington,  May  17,  1898. 
Maj.  Gen.  J.  C.  Breckinridge,  U.  S.  Volunteers, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
Sir:  By  authority  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  the  Major-General  commanding 
the  Army  directs  that,  accompanied  by  Maj.  E.  A.  Garlington,  Inspector-General, 
Lieut.  Col.  J.  J.  Astor,  Inspector-General  of  Volunteers,  and  Lieuts.  S.  M.  Foote, 
Fourth  Artillery,  and  C.  D.  Rhodes,  Sixth  Cavalry,  aids-de-camps,  you  proceed 
to  Chickamauga  National  Park,  Tenn.;  Atlanta,  Ga.;  New  Orleans,  La.;  Mobile, 
Ala.,  and  Tampa,  Miami,  and  Key  West,  Fla.,  and  make  an  inspection  of  the 
camps  and  troops  assembled  at  those  places.  You  are  authorized  to  call  on 
inspectors-general,  acting  inspectors-general,  and  other  officers  at  the  various 
points  you  are  to  visit  for  such  assistance  as  you  may  require.  On  the  completion 
of  this  duty  you  will  return  to  these  headquarters  and  submit  your  report. 

The  Quartermaster's  Department  will  furnish  the  necessary  transportation  for 
camp  and  garrison  equipage  as  extra  baggage. 
The  travel  enjoined  is  necessary  for  the  public  service. 
Very  respectfully, 

H.  C.  Corbin,  Adjutant-General. 

Under  the  authority  of  this  order  I  requested  Gen.  J.  R.  Brooke,  commanding 
Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  to  direct  any  inspectors-general  on  duty  there  to  report 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  271 

to  me;  and  this  was  done  as  the  inspectors  arrived,  the  first  reporting  to  me  after 
I  had  been  there  about  five  days  and  the  inspection  of  the  First  Division,  First 
Corps,  had  been  nearly  completed. 

From  the  first  it  was  evident  that  the  difference  between  a  regular  and  an 
improvised  command  required  a  corresponding  modification  of  the  method  and 
scheme  of  inspection,  so  the  following  instructions  were  given  the  several  inspect- 
ing officers: 

"  The  inspection  of  the  Second  Division,  First  Corps,  will  proceed  seriatim  by 
regiments  after  the  review,  and  begin  prior  to  the  general  inspection  of  camps. 
Major  Garlington  will  conduct  the  inspection  of  the  First  Brigade;  Major  Davis 
of  the  Second  Brigade,  and  Major  Slocum  of  the  Third  Brigade.  The  succession 
of  the  regiments  in  each  brigade  will  be  determined  daily  until  completed.  Each 
inspector  will  promptly  report  such  matters  as  require  immediate  remedy  or 
attention  and  separately  such  as  need  telegraphic  report  to  the  Washington 
authorities,  and  will  conclude  his  brigade  inspection  with  a  summary  report  of 
its  salient  features. 

"  Where  necessary,  the  senior  inspector  present  will  control  or  settle  any  mat- 
ters that  may  arise,  and  any  questions  can  be  presented  to  Major  Garlington,  who 
is  authorized  to  direct  all  details  of  the  inspection. 

'.'  It  is  desired  that  each  inspector  will  verbally  state  each  day  something  of  the 
progress  of  his  work  and  what  still  is  to  be  done.  The  basis  of  the  inspection  will 
be  to  determine  and,  if  practicable,  to  improve  the  condition  and  quality  of  the 
officers,  men,  equipment,  and  organizations  for  effective  work  in  the  campaign 
and  battle  line." 

Later  the  following  additional  instructions  were  given  the  division  inspectors 
of  the  First  Corps: 

"  In  the  information  you  are  now  preparing  please  locate  definitely  any  discom- 
forts and  special  excellence  discovered,  and  state  the  causes,  if  evident,  and  proper 
remedy  or  commendation  for  exceptional  conditions — as  the  course  pursued  by 
different  States,  for  instance — if  it  can  be  done  without  trenching  upon  the  pre- 
rogatives or  powers  of  higher  authority;  and  visit  the  schools  as  well  as  the  drill 
grounds  and  administrative  centers,  and  note  in  what  and  where  correct  princi- 
ples and  instruction  and  desirable  results  are  shown,  or  the  contrary.  Perhaps  if 
the  several  inspectors  of  divisions  can  find  from  each  other  what  special  features, 
especially  those  immediately  remediable,  are  common  throughout  the  command 
or  especially  deserve  the  attention  of  higher  authority,  they  can  be  so  accentu- 
ated as  to  attract  attention  and  produce  needed  effect.*' 

The  inspection  of  so  large  a  command  in  a  transitory  state,  with  troops  coming 
and  going  daily,  was  an  unprecedented  task,  and  required  the  combined  efforts 
and  constant  application  of  the  officers  of  my  party  to  bring  it  to  a  successful  close. 
And  under  existing  conditions  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  correct  irregularities 
on  the  spot,  to  furnish  corps  and  division  commanders  lists  of  defects  and  irregu- 
larities discovered  from  day  to  day  which  seemed  to  require  immediate  attention 
and  could  be  partially  or  wholly  remedied  by  them,  and  to  inform  the  authorities 
at  Washington  by  telegraph  as  the  inspection  progresses  of  such  matters  as 
required  their  attention.  At  the  close  of  the  tour  a  preliminary  report  was  sub- 
mitted from  Tampa.  Copies  of  the  telegrams  to  the  Washington  authorities  and 
of  the  preliminary  report  are  inclosed,  marked  A  1  to  10,  and  will,  it  is  believed, 
give  a  fair  conception  of  the  conditions  existing  at  the  camp  and  of  the  earnest- 
ness and  success  with  which  this  unprecedented  inspection  was  pushed  forward. 
There  was  hardly  a  phase  of  camp  life,  whether  affecting  drills,  minor  tactics, 
and  other  duties,  or  equipment,  clothing,  food,  and  medicines,  or  paper  work,  in 
which  instruction  or  advice  was  not  sought  from  the  inspecting  officers  by  most 
of  the  regiments,  and  it  was  freelv  given,  with  the  most  beneficial  results. 


272         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

But  that  the  proper  test  far  an  improvised  army  must  be  efficiency  on  the  bat- 
tle line  instead  of  salutes  and  ceremonies  is  clear,  so  considerable  stress  was  laid 
Upon  battle  exercises  and  handling  killing  weapons.  Every  division  of  the  First 
and  Third  corps  was  formed  and  all  but  one  tested;  and  the  formation  of  a  corps 
suggested,  but  the  commander  who  ranked  me  preferred  not.  The  difference 
between  the  conduct  of  each  division  in  these  maneuvers,  according  to  the  prior 
experience  and  familiarity  and  personal  enthusiasm,  skill,  expertness,  and  vigor 
o  the  commanding  officer  and  his  staff,  was,  perhaps,  as  noticeable  as  that  between 
the  regimental  organizations  founded  upon  their  past  opportunities  and  present 
qualities.  It  is  believed  they  did  much  toward  directing  general  attention  to  the 
practical  requirements  of  the  battle  line.  The  increased  interest  and  insight  such 
masses  give  to  the  knowledge  of  warlike  requirements  are  easily  appreciated.  It 
is  believed  a  new  spirit  and  clearer  discernment  have  inculcated  that  command. 
In  one  exercise,  where  General  Poland's  division  turned  the  flank  of  Colonel 
Bobleter's  (Second  and  Third  divisions,  First  Corps)  to  capture  Hall's  Ford  of  the 
Chickamauga,  we  had  about  20,000  men  opposed  to  each  other,  and  the  lesson 
will  not  be  soon  forgotten;  and  when  General  Grant  marched  his  division  (First 
Division,  Third  Corps)  before  me  the  combination  of  names  seemed  striking. 
When  his  division  was  passing  in  review  two  other  major-generals  were  observ- 
ing its  performance.  And  the  battle  problem  was  executed  after  my  call  to  Tampa 
for  the  expedition  about  to  start  under  the  following  telegram: 

Tampa,  Fla.,  June  3,  1898. 
Maj.  Gen.  Joseph  Breckinridge, 

Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.: 
The  Major-General  Commanding  the  Army  directs  that  you  report  to  him  here 
as  soon  as  possible.    The  travel  enjoined  is  necessary  for  the  public  service. 

F.  Michler, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General. 

Our  national  life  and  purposes  are  certainly  important  to  ourselves  and  to 
others,  and  deserve  effort  and  care  equal  to  that  given  by  any  other,  whether  in 
peace  or  war.  And  we  should  be  ready  to  maintain  our  national  opinions  and 
position  by  every  approved  argument  both  by  word  and  deed.  Americans  are 
willing  enough  to  assert  themselves,  but  being  willing  is  hardly  being  ready. 
The  present  military  situation  demonstrates  what  apparently  none  but  the  wisest 
statesmen  and  some  professional  soldiers  would  accept  last  year,  that  in  proper 
care  for  our  own  soldiery  at  least  260,000  first-class  weapons  and  other  materials 
in  proportion,  especially  transportation,  are  immediately  essential  when  our  duty 
calls  us  to  arms  against  even  a  second-class  power.  As  we  can  not  willingly  be 
classed  as  contentious  against  nations  one-fifth  our  size,  these  preparations  we 
are  now  so  earnestly  engaged  upon  may  become,  under  Providence,  a  mere 
schooling,  preparing  us  to  respond  to  our  future  destiny.  Two-thirds  of  the  earth 
is  covered  with  water,  and  we  have  reached  the  shore  upon  both  seas.  What  can 
not  be  avoided  we  must  meet  like  men.  And  the  men  in  our  little  Regular  Army, 
and  in  the  volunteers  that  as  yet  have  been  called  out,  equal  the  best  that  our 
country  ever  called  to  its  colors.  The  training  and  physique  of  the  regulars  are 
superb,  and  are  rivaled  by  regiment  after  regiment  of  volunteers  as  far  as  their 
training  has  gone.  The  quality  of  the  regular  officers  is  proverbial,  and  the  prob- 
lem is  how  to  make  the  most  of  them  while  they  are  so  few.  It  was  always  the 
avowed  intention  to  use  them  as  a  distributing  reservoir  of  military  knowledge  in 
case  of  war.  Everywhere  that  they  are  thrown  among  the  volunteers  one  is  doing 
the  work  of  a  dozen,  and  more  are  needed.  How  excessive  and  admirable  has  been 
the  work  of  inoividual  officers  wherever  scattered  deserves  the  warmest  recogni- 
tion ,  encouragement ,  and  reenf  orcement.    The  zeal  of  the  volunteers  and  their  rare 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  273 

intelligence  and  adaptability,  and  the  training  of  many  of  them  in  some  of  the 
more  excellent  schools  of  the  National  Guard,  are  evident  all  along  the  line.  Every 
advantage  should  be  taken  of  all  the  military  instruction  which  our  military  sys- 
tem affords,  and  perhaps  full  use  is  not  being  made  of  the  graduates  of  our  hundred 
of  military  colleges,  nor  of  the  Army  itself  as  a  training  school  for  young  officers. 
Doubtless  we  could  promptly  commission  several  hundred  bright  young  citizens 
in  our  regular  regiments,  and  put  them  into  thorough  training  immediately,  and 
so  release  and  utilize  more  of  the  superbly  trained  regular  officers,  and  have  them 
serve  with,  and  perhaps  command,  volunteer  regiments  and  brigades — men  of 
the  age  of  Sheridan  and  Custer  when  they  won  their  fame — and  we  could  attract 
many  more  graduates  of  our  military  colleges  into  places  of  command;  so  the 
whole  situation  might  be  benefited  and  much  less  discomfort  be  felt  and  quicker 
efficiency  for  battle  be  attained.  Already  there  is  progress  everywhere.  The 
work  is  devolving  upon  the  better  officers,  and  a  general  insight  as  to  how  and 
when  it  is  to  be  done  and  the  best  way  to  do  it  is  spreading  rapidly.  Perhaps  the 
following  copy  of  general  orders — the  first  issued  from  headquarters  First  Divi- 
sion, First  Corps — may  serve  to  illustrate  the  systematic  steps  taken  to  place  the 
troops  on  an  effective  war  basis  and  incidentally  show  the  need  of  brigade 
inspectors: 

General  Orders,  )  Headquarters  First  Division,  First  Army  Corps, 

No.  1.  \  May  19,  1898. 

I.  Until  further  orders,  in  all  organizations  of  this  command,  reveille  will  be 
sounded  daily  at  5.30  a.  m.,  retreat  at  sunset,  tattoo  at  9  p.  m.,  and  taps  at  9.15 
p.  m.,  at  which  latter  hour  the  inspection  provided  for  in  paragraph  383,  Army 
Regulations,  will  be  made. 

II.  Subject  to  such  details  as  may  be  prescribed  by  brigade  commanders, 
theoretical  and  practical  instruction  of  the  officers  and  enlisted  men  of  their 
respective  commands  will  be  instituted  by  regimental  commanders.  Theoretical 
instruction  will  be  held  daily,  Sundays  excepted,  at  such  hours  as  will  not  inter- 
fere with  other  duties.  Exercises  in  practical  instruction  will  be  held  daily, 
Sundays  excepted,  from  7  a.  m.  to  9.30  a.  m.  and  from  3.30  p.  m.  to  5  p.m.;  but 
field  and  battle  exercises  need  not  be  confined  to  these  hours.  The  time  allotted 
to  practical  instruction  will  be  divided  among  the  various  exercises  at  the  discre- 
tion of  brigade  or  regimental  commanders,  having  due  regard  to  the  principle 
that  short,  brisk,  spirited  drills  give  the  best  results,  and  that  not  only  instruc- 
tion but  condition,  discipline,  and  marksmanship  are  the  ultimate  aim. 

III.  Brigade  commanders  will  issue  the  necessary  orders  for  the  thorough  police 
and  discipline  or  camps. 

IV.  Brigade  commanders  will,  with  the  least  practicable  delay,  inspect  all  the 
regiments  of  their  respective  brigades,  and  ascertain  the  amount  on  hand  and 
condition  of  all  arms,  ammunition,  equipments,  camp  equipage,  and  transporta- 
tion, and  report  the  result  of  their  investigations  to  these  headquarters,  together 
with  a  statement  of  all  that  is  needed  to  put  the  regiments  into  the  field  as  an 
effective  fighting  force.  They  will  also  give  their  opinion  as  to  the  length  of  time 
it  will  take  to  accomplish  this  result. 

By  command  of  Major-General  Wilson. 

W.  E.  Wilder, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  and  Assistant  Adjutant-General  of  Volunteers, 

The  intelligent  energy  displayed  is  phenomenal  and  the  results  commensurate 
with  the  labor.  And  all  that  was  done  before  the  declaration  of  war  is  bearing 
fruit  abundantly  for  the  benefit  of  the  nation,  and  all  that  has  been  done  since  is 
directed  intensely  toward  immediate  and  essential  results.  It  is  simply  astounding 
that  so  much  has  been  accomplished  and  done  so  well  in  so  short  a  space  of  time, 
7833— VOL.  1 18 


274         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OP    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

and  the  work  is  still  being  pressed  everywhere  with  the  same  impetuosity  and 
earnestness  and  success. 

After  the  incisive  scrutiny  so  earnestly  applied  to  the  troops  in  camp,  the  first 
duty  imposed  upon  the  inspector  is  to  commend  what  has  been  so  efficiently  done, 
which  gives  fair  assurance  that  all  will  certainly  be  done  as  well  and  as  promptly 
as  circumstances,  some  favorable  and  some  unfavorable,  will  permit.  The  con- 
dition of  things  is  as  good  as  could  be  expected  and  is  constantly  improving,  and 
only  the  ultimate  test  of  campaign  and  battle  can  be  expected  to  furnish  the 
ultimate  judgment  upon  the  results  for  which  all  are  so  patriotically  working. 

Attention  is  invited  to  the  inclosures  herewith. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

J.  C.  Breckinridge, 
Major-Oeneral  of  Volunteers,  Inspector-General. 


LIST  OF  INCLOSURES. 

A.  Telegraphic  and  preliminary  reports  of  the  inspections: 

1.  Telegram  of  May  22  to  Commanding  General  United  States  Army. 

2.  Telegram  of  May  2*  to  Commanding  General  United  States  Army. 

3.  Telegram  of  May  29  to  Commanding  General  United  States  Army. 

4.  Telegram  of  June  2  to  Secretary  of  War. 

5.  Telegram  of  June  4  to  Secretary  of  War. 

6.  Telegram  of  June  4  to  General  Commanding  United  States  Army. 

7.  Telegram  of  June  11  to  General  Commanding  United  States  Army. 

8.  Telegram  of  June  12  to  Secretary  of  War. 

9.  Telegram  of  June  12  to  Acting  Inspector-General. 

10.  Preliminary  report  of  June  13  to  Commanding  General  United  States 
Army. 

B.  Battle  exercises  and  reviews: 

1.  Order  of  commanding  general  First  Division,  First  Corps. 

2.  Letter  of  Inspector-General  to  commanding  general  First  Division, 

First  Corps,  on  result  of  exercises. 

3.  Orders  of  commanding  general  Second  Division,  First  Corps. 

4.  Orders  of  commanding  general  Third  Division,  First  Corps. 

5.  Statement  showing  time  consumed  in  passing  in  review. 

C.  Correspondence  concerning  a  few  of  the  defects  developed  during  the  inspection. 

1.  Scarcity  of  fresh  beef. 

2.  Lack  of  medical  supplies. 

3.  Enlistment  of  colored  troops  in  white  regiments. 

D.  Returns  and  statistical  information: 

1.  Return  of  troops. 

2.  Previous  service  of  officers  and  enlisted  men. 

3.  Arms,  equipments,  clothing,  and  other  supplies  reported  on  hand. 

unserviceable,  and  needed. 

E.  Observation  and  memoranda  during  expedition  to  Cuba: 

1.  Intrenching  tools. 

2.  Lessons  of  the  expedition,  need  of  strategic  staff,  etc 

3.  The  present  military  problem. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  275 

Inclosure  A. 

TELEGRAPHIC  AND  PRELIMINARY  REPORTS  OF  THE  INSPECTION. 

1.  Telegram  of  May  22  to   Commanding  General  United 

States  Army. 

2.  Telegram  of  May  24  to  Commanding   General   United 

States  Army. 

3.  Telegram  of  May  29  to   Commanding   General  United 

States  Army. 

4.  Telegram  of  Jnne  2  to  Secretary  of  War. 

5.  Telegram  of  June  4  to  Secretary  of  War. 

6.  Telegram  of  June  4  to   General   Commanding  United 

States  Army. 

7.  Telegram  of  June  11  to  General  Commanding  United 

States  Army. 

8.  Telegram  of  June  12  to  Secretary  of  War. 

9.  Telegram  of  June  12  to  Acting  Inspector-General. 

10.  Preliminary  report  of  June  13  to  Commanding  General 
United  States  Army. 


[Telegram.] 

Chattanooga,  Tenn.  ,  May  22, 1898—3.50  p.  m. 
General  Commanding  the  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C: 
First  day's  inspection  was  limited  principally  to  First  Division,  admirably  com- 
manded by  General  Wilson,  which  was  composed  entirely  of  Northern  regiments, 
those  in  each  brigade  being  from  different  States,  and  was  found  in  better  shape 
than  was  anticipated,  though  quite  short  of  brigadier-generals.  We  were  greatly 
delayed  in  beginning  the  inspection  by  fatal  railroad  collision  with  First  Missouri 
train.  My  son,  Ethelbert,  despite  the  bleeding  from  contusions  received,  rendered 
special  and  continuous  assistance  to  the  desperately  injured.  The  deficiencies 
arising  from  organizing  and  drilling  regiments  of  recruits  representing  various 
States,  such  as  men  of  certain  organizations  of  infantry,  artillery,  and  cavalry, 
being  without  arms,  horses,  or  cannon,  are  doubtless  well  known,  and  the  med- 
ical department  is  said  to  be  without  some  of  the  simplest  supplies.  Though  sub- 
sistence supplies  are  abundant — filling  large  warehouses  in  Chattanooga — perhaps 
from  the  inexperience  of  the  colonels  some  difficulties  and  delay  are  experienced 
in  reaching  the  men.  Handier  water  and  experienced  subordinate,  general, 
and  staff  officers — particularly  capable  inspectors — seem  needed.  Colonels  Bur- 
ton and  Vroom  might  be  ordered  to  report  to  me  now  for  this  tour  and  then  be 
assigned  for  field  service.  The  equipment  and  instruction,  in  close  order,  of  the 
First  Division  may  be  considered  fairly  good,  and  are  spoken  of  as  rather  better 
than  the  average.  This  inspection  would  be  expedited  and  made  more  effective 
.  if  we  encamped  with  command.  Please  order  necessary  tentage,  equipage,  tem- 
porary transportation,  and  camp  guard,  if  it  meets  with  your  approval. 

Breckinridge, 
Major-General  of  Volunteers,  Inspector-General, 


276*         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

[Official  telegram.] 

Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  May  24, 1898. 
General  Miles, 

War  Department,  Washington,  D.  C.  : 
In  relation  to  hospital  supplies  at  this  camp,  some  cars  are  being  unpacked. 
Heretofore  some  regiments  came  partially  supplied,  and  some  of  their  supplies 
are  exhausted.  A  large  number  came  unsupplied.  Only  one  field  division  hos- 
pital, because  of  inferior  and  inadequate  tentage.  Only  pocket  case,  and  no 
surgical  case  such  as  needed  for  amputation  of  upper  leg.  Five  cots  and  less 
than  a  dozen  of  each  kind  of  hospital  furniture,  including  panniers,  for  this 
command  of  over  30,000  men,  and  less  than  a  dozen  patients  in  the  two  hospitals 
(division  and  headquarters)  inspected,  though  others  now  in  regimental  hospitals 
would  seem  more  properly  in  division  headquarters.  More  than  a  dozen  cases 
are  said  to  be  sent  to  the  city  hospitals  at  Chattanooga,  some  of  the  cases  in  divi- 
sion hospital  being  appendicitis,  measles,  pneumonia,  purulent  opthalmia,  and 
typhoid  fever,  and  some  lying  on  straw.  Books  and  blanks  hardly  adequate  for 
another  month.  Surgical  dressings  and  simple  accessories  for  surgical  operations 
necessarily  borrowed  or  purchased.  Some  hospital  water  looked  milky.  The 
introduction  of  water  and  stand  pipes  is  proceeding  with  remarkable  energy,  and 
promises  speedy  improvements.  The  medical  corps  feels  the  need  of  larger 
organization  and  adequate  personnel,  both  by  enlistment  in  Regular  Army  Hos- 
pital Corps  and  reestablishment  of  National  Guard  regimental  hospital  corps, 
which  were  not  mustered  in.  More  regular  medical  officers  seem  needed.  Dr. 
Hoff  has  arrived,  and  others  may  be  expected.  The  situation  changes  so  rapidly 
that  present  status  is  represented  immediately,  and  the  same  or  greater  energy 
prevails  in  the  medical  department  as  seemed  generally  displayed  here,  and  some 
matters  deserving  immediate  remedy  receive  it. 

Breckinridge, 
Major-General  of  Volunteers,  Inspector-General. 


[Official  telegram.] 

Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  May  29, 1898. 
General  Commanding  the  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C: 

Conditions  stated  in  telegram  of  22d  still  hold,  approximately.  We  will  stay 
this  week  at  camp,  though  an  absence  of  camping  facilities  was  reported  when  I 
wrote  from  Washington. 

Inspection  of  First  and  Second  divisions,  First  Army  Corps,  nearly  completed. 
Both  divisions  reviewed  and  held  battle  exercises.  Noticeably  good  body  of  men, 
but  not  yet  well  in  hand  nor  instructed  in  the  first  practical  requirements  of 
campaign  and  battle,  such  as  marksmanship  or  extended  order.  In  some  regi- 
ments guard  duty  performed  in  a  slovenly  manner,  and  in  some  regiments  manual 
of  arms  not  taught  in  conformity  with  drill  regulations.  In  First  Division  over 
30  per  cent  are  raw  recruits,  and  over  20  per  cent  more,  while  not  absolutely  raw, 
have  seen  less  than  one  year's  service  in  militia,  and  over  50  per  cent  have  had  no 
target  practice.  Target  range  and  practice  seem  much  needed,  and  any  regular 
officers  belonging  to  this  command,  especially  line,  should  join  at  once.  Differ- 
ence in  enlisted  strength  of  regiments  varies  over  300,  and  all  are  200  or  more 
below  the  full  complement.  The  economy  and  efficiency  of  strong  military 
organizations  are  so  strongly  recognized  that  the  advisability  of  increasing  the 
weak  ones  of  the  command  to  the  full  complement  allowed  by  law  is  submitted 
for  consideration  of  the  Department.    All  of  the  best  commanders  to  whom  I 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  277 

have  spoken  agree  to  and  earnestly  desire  this,  and  it  seems  practicable  nnder  the 
second  call  for  troops.  The  First  Division,  First  Corps,  comes  from  the  States, 
and  the  earlier  battalions  sometimes  are  noticeably  better  equipped;  but  the 
worst  from  some  States  are  better  equipped  than  the  best  from  others,  and  they  are 
apt  to  know  how  to  continue  to  get  things.  The  struggle  and  delay  in  supplies 
is  still  apparent,  and  the  more  inexperienced  suffer.  Perhaps  the  centralized 
system  of  supplies  and  the  inferior  railroad  facilities  and  lack  of  experienced 
officers  of  the  several  supply  departments  with  subordinate  generals  may  have 
increased  this  congested  state.  In  Second  Division  two  regiments  without  arms, 
and  some  other  regiments  have  none  for  30  to  40  per  cent  of  men,  and  guards 
walk  posts  with  wands.  Many  rifles,  especially  older  models,  even  if  not  already 
unserviceable,  can  hardly  be  expected  to  last  through  a  campaign.  An  issuing 
arsenal  and  repair  shop  seem  needed.  Lack  of  uniforms,  especially  undercloth- 
ing, noted  nearly  everywhere,  and  many  companies  in  mixed  and  some  wholly 
civilian  dress,  and  individuals  purchasing  stores  for  public  purposes,  from  sta- 
tionery and  light-weight  clothing  to  provisions  and  medical  supplies,  is  one  phase 
of  the  situation  here.  Regiments  have  complained  that  sizes  of  clothing  issued, 
from  hats  to  leggings,  sometimes  do  not  fit,  and  the  quartermaster  will  not 
exchange.  Many  men  are  overcome  by  heat.  In  tropical  climate  a  cheap  ven- 
tilator seems  needed  for  hat  under  sweat  leather.  Fresh  meat  issues  have  been 
small,  and  trouble  experienced  with  present  commissary  blanks,  and  return  to 
simpler  ones,  like  those  used  in  the  last  war,  recommended.  It  is  said  1,000,000 
pounds  of  flour  is  accumulating,  but  hard  bread  largely  eaten  heretofore,  and 
contract  for  soft  bread  made  at  about  5  cents  a  loaf.  As  some  question  of  the 
quality  of  water  now  piped  has  been  raised,  it  might  be  well  to  test  samples  in 
Washington. 

Can  not  the  European  system  for  military  post-offices  and  delivery  be  adopted, 
and  men  familiar  with  the  organizations  accompany  them,  instead  of  establishing 
postal  facilities  anew  at  each  place  the  army  moves  to? 

My  party  at  Chattanooga  has  been  compelled  to  go  daily  to  and  from  camp 
to  conduct  inspection,  so  I  directed  transportation  requests  furnished.  Is  it 
approved? 

Breckinridge, 
Major-General  of  Volunteers,'  Inspector-General. 


[Official  telegram.] 

Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga.,  June  2, 1898. 
The  Secretary  of  War, 

Washington,  D.  C: 
In  the  arrival  and  departure  of  troops  from  this  park  and  the  maneuvers  neces- 
sary for  their  instruction,  crops  and  fencing  of  adjacent  farms  are  sometimes 
slightly  damaged.  The  payment  of  such  damage  is  in  Europe  recognized  as  part 
of  the  expenses  necessary  for  the  instruction  and  maintenance  of  an  army.  Can 
not  $1,000  dollars  of  the  emergency  fund,  or  of  such  other  appropriation  as  is 
available,  be  placed  to  the  credit  of  the  chief  quartermaster  of  General  Brooke's 
staff  for  such  purpose?  Payment  and  fair  settlement  of  such  petty  claims  will 
produce  a  good  effect. 

Breckinridge. 
Major-General  of  Volunteers,  Inspector-General 


278  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WTTH    SPAIN. 

[Official  telegram.] 

Macon,  Ga.,  June  4, 1898. 
The  Secretary  of  War, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
This  inspection  of  Camp  Thomas  led  to  formation  for  review  of  all  its  organ- 
ized divisions,  aggregating  nearly  40,000  men,  and  battle  exercises,  where  one  divi- 
sion held  the  fords  of  Chickamanga  against  another,  bringing  nearly  20,000  men 
to  the  test  and  opening  their  eyes  to  the  essential  requirements  and  instruction  of 
the  line  of  battle.  No  other  method  is  more  effective  for  an  improvised  army. 
Just  before  we  left  camp  three  regiments  were  being  critically  inspected  simul- 
taneously by  the  regular  officers  of  my  party,  and  you  will  appreciate  its  effect- 
iveness and  the  sound  principles  inculcated  and  impressed  upon  these  patriotic 
young  soldiers  by  such  carefully  concentrated  attention  by  experts. 

Having  done  my  part  through  this  formative  period,  may  I  not  now  renew  my 
request  for  a  command  appropriate  to  my  rank  and  grade? 

Breckinridge, 
Major-General  of  Volunteers,  Inspector-General. 


[Official  telegram.] 

En  route  to  Tampa,  Fla.,  June  4, 1898. 
General  Miles, 

Commanding  the  Army,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

After  inspecting  over  thirty  thousand  men  at  Camp  Thomas  it  seems  demon- 
strated that  brigade  and  division  commanders,  rather  under  than  over  45  (alert, 
vigorous,  and  experienced,  but  not  stale)  are  especially  needed  for  instruction  and 
leading  an  improvised  army  to  promptly  and  successfully  meet  the  requirements 
of  the  modern  battle  lines,  and  well-instructed  staff  officers  for  these  subordinate 
commands,  even  if  not  so  young,  are  also  needed.  There  are  almost  none  with 
the  brigades.  Having  brigades  and  divisions  so  soon  under  volunteer  colonels 
make  the  regiments  suffer  from  absenteeism  at  the  formative  period  and  necessi- 
tates undue  slowness  in  essential  but  not  showy  instruction.  Is  not  the  impor- 
tance recognized  of  training  the  individual  in  such  matters  as  musketry?  Whole 
regiments  and  parts  of  regiments  arrive  unarmed,  and  yet  no  rifles  are  on  hand 
for  them  when  they  arrive,  and  none  have  had  target  practice  here — not  even 
gallery  practice.  Similarly  the  training  of  the  tactical  unit,  which  may  be 
accepted  as  the  battalion  under  the  present  legal  organization,  needs  to  be  spe- 
cially expedited  in  an  improvised  army,  which  may  be  on  the  battle  line  before 
being  proficient  in  mere  military  incidentals. 

The  way  Major  Parker,  of  the  Twelfth  New  York  (captain  of  the  Fourth  Cav- 
alry), holds  his  battalion  in  hand,  and  is  training  it  in  extended  order,  is  a  favor- 
able illustration;  and  Colonel  Gardiner's  training  of  the  Thirty-first  Michigan, 
though  unarmed,  deserves  similar  notice.  Apparently  from  the  benefits  of  atten- 
tion paid  by  the  States  to  the  National  Guard,  the  regiments  which  represent  the 
States  having  the  best  National  Guard  appear  better  prepared  for  present  con- 
tingencies than  those  from  some  of  the  others,  even  though  the  requirements  of 
battle  line  are  somewhat  ignored.  In  staff  work  during  such  a  press,  it  is  evident 
how  papers,  property,  disbursements,  or  transport  naturally  demand  the  first 
attention,  while  the  green  men  must  almost  take  care  of  themselves,  though 
needing  the  utmost  care,  and  through  their  utter  inexperience  of  every  relation 
of  military  life  and  administration  the  men  suffer  for  days  for  the  want  of  even 
fresh  beef  or  medical  supplies.  When  no  harness  came  with  the  mules  and 
wagons  it  made  the  shortage  of  potable  water  more  severely  felt.     To  obtain 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  279 

direct  knowledge  of  the  individual  soldiers  and  note  their  deficiencies  and  aid 
their  supply  are  the  special  duties  of  the  inspectors,  but  their  duties  seem  to  be 
inadequately  provided  for  and  designated.  There  are  no  brigade  inspectors- 
general  authorized  by  law,  though  there  should  be.  It  can  hardly  be  considered 
that  the  sufferings  of  the  men  will  be  equally  well  guarded  against  and  their  wants 
equally  promptly  provided  for  without  the  energetic  and  well-directed  and  faith- 
ful assistance  of  inspectors;  but  surely  there  has  been  a  decided  deficiency  some- 
where which  is  now  being  partially  remedied,  since  the  presence  of  such  officers 
on  inspection  duty  as  Majors  Thomas  and  Slocum  and  of  staff  officers  of  other 
departments  joining  about  the  same  time.  The  excessive  labor  and  constant 
attention  required  of  those  in  the  higher  positions  in  charge  of  this  concentration 
of  troops,  especially  in  the  highly  centralized  method  in  which  it  is  conducted, 
deserves  favorable  notice  and  considerate  attention,  and,  if  possible,  some  relief 
both  by  adding  to  the  staff  force  employed  and  possibly  by  changing  the  method 
somewhat  as  the  organization  becomes  more  complete. 

Breckinridge, 
Major-General  of  Volunteers,  Inspector-General. 


[Official  telegram.] 

Port  Tampa,  Fla.,  June  11, 1898. 
General  Miles, 

Commanding  the  Army,  Tampa  Bay  Hotel,  Tampa,  Fla.: 
There  was  probably  one  at  first,  but  now  again  there  is  to  be  a  board  of 
officers,  and  doubtless  your  attention  has  already  been  given  to  the  carefully- 
considered  opinion  of  the  medical  officers  as  to  the  present  condition  and  inevit- 
able results  under  the  delay  and  slow  traveling  for  consecutive  days,  which  may 
lead  to  suffering  or  the  enervation  of  the  troops  on  what  they  consider  the  worse 
arranged  or  ill-adapted  transports,  especially  if  overcrowding  continues,  and  so 
militate  against  landing  the  force  in  the  best  fighting  condition.  There  has  been 
some  mention  of  other  ships  within  reach,  and  among  them  some  prizes  now  at 
Key  West,  which  the  public  prints  say  the  Government  intends  to  use.  The 
Concho,  Miami,  San  Diego,  and  Cherokee  are  among  those  I  have  heard  men- 
tioned in  this  connection  as  in  objectionable  condition.  Not  knowing  how  fully 
the  matter  has  already  been  presented  to  you,  it  seemed  best  to  transmit  it 
immediately. 

Breckinridge, 
Major-General  of  Volunteers,  Inspector-General. 


[Official  telegram.] 

Port  Tampa,  Fla.,  June  12, 1898. 
Secretary  of  War, 

Washington,  D.  C: 
The  same  congestion  already  reported  and  given  local  relief  at  Chickamauga  is 
found  intensified  in  the  mails  here.  The  only  permanent  general  relief  can  be 
given  by  a  military  postal  system  as  mobile  as  the  army  itself,  and  definitely 
attached  to  it,  such  as  is  perfectly  exemplified  in  all  its  details  in  several  European 
nations. 

Breckinridge, 
Major-General  of  Volunteers,  Inspector-General. 


280         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN". 

[Official  telegram.] 

Port  Tampa,  Fla.,  June  12, 1898. 
Gen.  J.  P.  Sanger, 

Acting  Inspector-General,  War  Department,  Washington,  D.  C. : 
The  discomfort,  especially  of  the  inexperienced  enlisted  men,  seems  enhanced 
by  the  unsystematic  and  unsupervised  methods  or  lack  of  inspections  of  volun- 
teers by  capable  inspectors  hitherto  prevailing.  Even  the  preliminary  inspec- 
tion of  transports  by  officers  of  this  department,  recognized  in  G-eneral  Sacket's 
Aide  Memoire,  does  not  seem  to  take  place,  and  with  results  easily  anticipated. 
Please  send  me  a  summary  of  the  several  inspection  duties  of  both  the  corps  and 
division  inspectors-general  (perhaps  best  if  the  form  of  an  order)  that  may  bring 
some  good  form  out  of  present  chaos. 

Breckinridge, 
Major-Oeneral  of  Volunteers,  Inspector-General. 


Tampa,  Fla.,  June  13, 1898. 
The  Commanding  G-eneral  United  States  Army, 

Tampa,  Fla. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  an  inspection  of  troops 
at  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Chickamauga  National  Park,  Ga.,  made  May  21  to 
June  3,  1898,  as  part  of  the  inspection  tour  directed  by  the  Major-General  Com- 
manding the  Army,  in  letter  dated  Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Washington,  May 
17, 1898. 

This  was  an  inspection  of  volunteers  made  by  myself  and  by  officers  under  my 
direction,  with  the  primary  object  of  ascertaining  the  status  of  the  troops  and 
outfit  with  reference  to  their  fitness  for  the  active  operations  of  war;  to  point  out 
as  far  as  possible  their  most  urgent  deficiencies;  to  indicate  the  methods  to  be  fol- 
lowed in  order  to  secure  the  most  rapid  improvements,  and,  in  addition,  to  put  in 
actual  operation  exercises  approximating  as  near  as  possible  actual  battle  condi- 
tions with  a  view  of  opening  the  eyes  of  officers  and  men  to  the  end  and  object  of, 
their  preparations. 

To  accomplish  the  ends  in  view  the  following  plan  was  adopted: 

First.  To  hold  a  review  of  each  division. 

Second.  To  make  an  inspection  of  each  regiment.  The  men  were  formed  in 
their  camp  streets  in  light  marching  order,  their  packs  unfolded  and  in  front  of 
their  tents.  The  regimental  inspection  included  the  entire  camp  and  every  man 
in  it,  from  the  colonel  down — their  arms,  accouterments,  clothing,  tents,  kitchen 
sinks,  corrals,  wagons,  hospital,  canteen,  records,  etc.  After  that  the  troops  were 
turned  out  for  drill  and  tested  as  to  proficiency  in  squad,  company,  and  battalion 
drills,  special  attention  being  paid  to  extended  order  maneuvers. 

Third.  The  division  commander  was  then  directed  to  propose  a  battle  exercise 
and  give  the  necessary  orders  to  his  brigades  to  carry  it  out.  After  the  battle 
exercise  was  over  the  inspector  met  the  various  commanders,  umpires,  and 
referees,  and  with  them  went  over  the  various  plans,  dispositions  to  carry  them 
out,  results  of  the  contest,  and  errors  made  and  to  be  hereafter  avoided. 

The  inspection  of  the  next  division  was  then  taken  up  and  continued  on  the 
same  lines.  Each  division,  brigade,  and  regiment  was  furnished  a  blank  field 
return,  which  was  filled  up  and  returned  and  is  now  on  file  in  my  office.  Each 
regiment  and  company  was  furnished  with  a  blank  on  which  to  furnish  the  data 
concerning  the  previous  military  services  of  officers  and  men,  amount  and  condi- 
tion of  arms,  clothing,  etc.,  on  hand,  and  the  amount  necessary  to  fully  equip  the 
organization.     These  blanks  were  made  as  simple  as  possible  and  concerned  mat- 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  281 

ters  which  every  commander  should  have  at  his  fingers'  ends.  As  it  was  antici- 
pated that  there  would  be  a  deficiency  in  clerical  assistance,  no  consolidated 
returns  were  required  and  I  took  with  me  several  clerks  from  my  Washington 
office  to  do  this  work. 

To  expedite  the  regimental  inspection  of  each  division  I  called  upon  officers  on 
duty  in  the  Inspector-General's  Department,  who  were  on  duty  with  me  at  the 
camp,  using  my  aids-de-camp  for  such  duty  where  necessary. 

As  the  inspection  of  an  improvised  army  preparing  for  the  field  was  almost 
unprecedented  and  absolutely  new  to  us,  our  progress  in  the  earlier  stages  of  the 
inspection  was  necessarily  slow,  until  the  plan  above  outlined  was  fully  evolved 
and  presented.  On  those  lines  an  entire  division  can  be  inspected  in  three  days, 
with  the  aid  of  three  assistant  inspector-generals  and  three  clerks.  So  the  details 
of  equipment  and  practical  instruction  can  be  tested  and  fairly  reported  upon  by 
experienced  officers. 

Reports  were  made  of  any  special  matters  by  telegraph  from  time  to  time, 
requiring  immediate  attention,  and  also  to  the  general  commanding  the  camp 
and  some  of  his  subordinates. 

The  First  Army  Corps,  commanded  by  Maj.  Gen.  John  R.  Brooke,  who  was 
also  in  command  of  the  entire  camp,  was  the  first  inspected.  The  First  Divi- 
sion was  commanded  by  Maj.  Gen.  James  H.  Wilson,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  and  the 
brigades  were  commanded  by  the  following  officers:  First  Brigade,  Brig.  Gen. 
A.  S.  Burt,  U.  S.  Volunteers;  Second  Brigade,  Brig.  Gen.  C.  E.  Compton,  U.  S. 
Volunteers;  Third  Brigade,  Colonel  Hulings,  Sixteenth  Pennsylvania.  When 
the  division  was  formed  for  review  it  was  the  first  time  it  had  ever  been 
formed.  The  same  may  be  said  of  every  division  inspected.  The  grounds 
of  Chickamauga  Park  offer  a  number  of  open  fields  large  enough  for  division 
formations,  and,  with  skillful  massing,  for  the  formation  of  an  entire  corps.  The 
First  Division  was  formed  in  two  lines,  the  First  and  Second  brigades  in  the  first 
line  and  the  Third  Brigade  in  the  second  line.  As  the  brigades  were  not  formed 
in  lines  of  masses,  they  stretched  over  a  greater  space  than  necessary. 

The  battle  maneuver  of  the  First  Division  was  based  on  operations  of  the  civil 
war.  One  brigade  was  told  to  take  and  hold  McFarland's  Gap,  and  the  other  two 
brigades  were  directed  to  turn  the  position.  This  involved  a  march  of  several 
miles  from  their  camps,  a  careful  selection  of  routes  of  march,  the  use  of  scouts, 
flankers,  and  skirmishers,  and  a  careful  observation  of  time  in  order  to  seize 
important  points  before  the  arrival  of  the  enemy.  The  turning  maneuver  was 
successful,  and  the  salient  features  of  the  exercise  were  pointed  out  and  empha- 
sized by  General  Wilson  to  the  brigade  commanders. 

The  regimental  inspection  developed  the  precise  needs  of  each  regiment,  and 
led  to  their  being  more  rapidly  and  more  intelligently  supplied.  It  should  be 
said  that  our  work  in  this  inspection  was  much  facilitated  by  the  fact  that  about 
the  time  of  our  arrival  there  the  division  commander  directed  his  brigade  com- 
manders to  make  an  inspection  to  determine  the  equipment  necessary  to  fully 
equip  the  various  regiments  of  his  command. 

The  Second  Division  was  commanded  by  Brig.  Gen.  J.  S.  Poland;  the  First 
Brigade  by  Colonel  Van  Duzee,  Fourteenth  Minnesota;  Second  Brigade  by 
Colonel  Gardener,  Thirty-first  Michigan,  and  Third  Brigade,  Colonel  Smith, 
One  hundred  and  fifty-eighth  Indiana.  For  review  the  division  was  formed  in 
two  lines  of  masses.  The  battle  exercises  consisted  in  one  brigade  taking  up  a 
position  across  a  road  along  which  a  division,  consisting  of  the  other  two  brigades, 
was  attempting  to  advance.  This  required  the  free  use  of  scouts,  the  advance 
and  development  of  formation  for  attack  and  advance  to  the  attack.  A  great 
many  of  the  troops  of  this  division — some  among  the  best — were  without  arms 
or  uniforms. 


282         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  Third  Division  had  been  commanded  for  a  short  time  by  Brig.  Gen. 
S.  Snyder,  but  as  he  was  under  orders  to  go  to  another  command  the  senior  colo- 
nel of  the  division  was  placed  in  command — Colonel  Bobleter,  of  the  Twelfth 
Minnesota.  The  First  Brigade  was  commanded  by  Colonel  Burchfield,  of  the 
Fifth  Pennsylvania;  the  Second  Brigade  by  Colonel  Pew,  of  the  Eighth  Massachu- 
setts, and  the  Third  Brigade  by  Colonel  Dougherty,  of  the  Ninth  Pennsylvania. 

The  division  was  formed  for  review  in  two  lines  of  masses.  The  battle  exer- 
cise of  this  division  consisted  in  taking  up  a  position  to  defend  the  fords  of  the 
Chickamauga  in  a  bend  of  the  river,  the  distance  in  a  straight  line  between  the 
extreme  points  being  a  little  over  a  mile,  but  following  the  course  of  the  river 
over  twice  that  distance.  This  position  was  to  be  attacked  by  the  Second  Divi- 
sion in  an  attempt  to  force  a  crossing.  The  maneuver  was  carried  out,  a  strong 
attack  made  on  one  flank,  and  the  line  declared  forced  at  that  point. 

Many  of  the  troops  of  this  division  were  without  arms  or  uniforms. 

The  Third  Army  Corps  was  commanded  by  Maj.  Gen.  James  F.  Wade 
U.  S.  Volunteers;  the  First  Division  by  Brig.  Gen.  F.  D.  Grant,  U.  S.  Vol- 
unteers; the  First  Brigade  by  Colonel  Battdorf,  First  Missouri;  Second  Brigade, 
Colonel  Biels,  Third  Missouri;  Third  Brigade,  Colonel  Clark,  First  Vermont. 

The  division  was  formed  for  review  in  a  single  line  of  masses.  There  were 
only  two  regiments  to  each  brigade  in  the  division.  Many  of  the  troops  were 
without  arms  or  uniforms. 

At  this  stage  of  the  inspection  I  was  summoned  by  telegraph  to  join  the  forces 
embarking  at  Tampa  for  an  invasion  oi  the  enemy's  territory. 

It  may  be  stated  in  general,  as  determined  by  the  inspection,  that  the  volunteer 
regiments  need  for  an  offensive  campaign  constant  drill  for  at  least  two  months, 
during  which  time  they  should  be  fully  supplied  and  equipped.  All  the  regiments 
have  from  30  to  70  per  cent  raw  recruits,  and  those  who  are  not  raw  have  had 
very  little  drill  in  extended-order  maneuvers.  A  large  percentage  of  officers 
inspected  come  from  the  National  Guard.  They  are,  as  a  rule,  zealous  anl  fairly 
competent — some  noticeably  promising — as  far  as  the  limited  instruction  and 
experience  of  the  National  Guard  can  carry  them;  but  when  all  is  said,  they  are 
as  much  in  need  of  instruction  and  experience  as  the  men  under  them. 

The  most  important  requirements  in  the  way  of  drill  are  target  practice  and 
extended-order  drill.  Giving  each  man  100  rounds  of  ammunition,  it  would  be 
wise  economy  to  expend  10  to  25  in  target  practice.  It  was  my  endeavor  to 
impress  these  requirements  upon  men  and  commanders,  and  it  is  believed  that 
the  plan  of  inspection  followed  tended  to  bring  these  necessities  home  to  them  in 
a  practical  manner. 

I  reported  by  telegraph  from  time  to  time  the  most  salient  features  of  the 
inspection  and  those  matters  requiring  immediate  attention,  and  have  gathered 
here  only  a  brief  outline  of  the  scope  and  results  of  the  inspection  as  far  as  they 
refer  to  the  primary  object  to  be  attained. 

Perhaps  I  can  hardly  hope  now  to  present  the  matter  so  as  to  win  full  appre- 
ciation for  the  energy  and  persistence  with  which  the  inspection  was  pressed, 
and  of  the  intensity  of  the  scrutiny  and  tests  of  each  individual  soldier  as  he  stood 
armed  or  unarmed  in  his  company,  and  also  of  the  organizations  as  they  lived  or 
moved  to  the  battle  line.  It  is  equally  difficult  to  recognize  the  results  due  to  such 
a  united  effort  of  officers,  well  skilled  in  their  various  functions  and  pulling 
together  faithfully  for  all  they  were  worth  to  accomplish  results  or  begin  meth- 
ods that  were  glaringly  needed  and  it  devolved  on  them  to  initiate.  However 
unrecognized  or  unappreciated,  the  work  was  well  and  effectively  done  as  ordered. 
As  the  Secretary  said  orally  that  he  specially  desired  the  report,  this  is  submitted 
before  going  to  sea.  Perhaps  no  such  concentrated  effort  of  an  equally  efficient 
party  can  be  expected  to  again  occur,  and  if  it  makes  no  impress  upon  the  men  it 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  283 

touched  it  will  be  a  remarkable  illustration  of  the  innate  difficulties  of  the  present 
situation.  It  deserves  every  success,  even  if  its  destiny  accords  none,  with  such 
officers  as  Major  Garlington,  Captains  Slocum  and  Rogers,  of  the  cavalry,  and 
Davis,  of  the  artillery,  and  Lieutenants  Foote  and  Rhodes,  from  the  Regular  Army, 
performing  this  duty  with  definite  instructions  to  make  the  requirements  of 
the  campaign  and  line  of  battle  the  dominant  features.  All  who  know  these  officers 
must  be  aware  that  their  united  work  must  tell  effectively.  Each  officer  had  an 
experienced  clerk  helping  on  the  work  most  beneficially. 

It  might  even  appear  that  the  functions  of  the  Inspector-General's  Department, 
and  the  duties  of  inspectors,  individually,  were  in  nearly  absolute  abeyance  when 
the  order  was  being  formulated  and  the  party  started  from  Washington  to  visit 
the  camp,  and  the  results  were  patent.  Neither  the  Department  nor  district  sys- 
tem of  assignment  of  inspectors  fully  fits  the  requirements  of  war,  and  the  law 
for  volunteers  assigns  them  to  corps  and  divisions.  The  number  of  inspectors- 
general  is  noticeably  inadequate;  indeed,  there  are  none  authorized  by  law  for 
brigades,  though  their  need  has  been  established  by  precedent  and  recognized  by 
those  best  able  to  appreciate  their  aid  in  every  military  emergency  since  the 
foundation  of  the  Government  till  now.  To  deprive  the  troops  and  subordinate 
general  officers  of  the  services  so  essential  to  their  comfort  and  efficiency  seems 
hardly  fair  when  patriotic  citizens  are  called  from  their  ordinary  avocations  and 
have  to  undergo  unwonted  hardships  and  discomforts,  which  are  enhanced  into 
trials  and  miseries  by  the  absence  of  an  adequate  force  of  inspectors  whose  duty 
it  is  to  see  each  man  and  find  out  what  is  wrong  and  remedy  it.  But  it  is  believed 
that  when  I  started  from  Washington  there  was  not  an  inspector-general  on  duty 
as  such  with  any  brigade,  division,  or  corps  of  our  Volunteer  Army,  nor  did  it 
seem  possible  to  get  an  adequate  and  capable  force  of  officers  authorized  by  law 
in  time  to  meet  the  first  trying  experiences  of  a  new  life  when  masses  of  inexpe- 
rienced, undisciplined,  partially  organized  men  were  necessarily  herded  in  camps, 
ill  supplied  with  even  water  and  transportation.  Perhaps  this  is  not  scientific 
soldiering,  nor  the  method  of  any  other  nation,  but  it  all  comes  right  in  the  end. 
All  the  supply  departments  may  be  well  supplied  in  advance  and  do  their  perfect 
work  in  their  respective  offices,  but  occasionally  camps  of  untrained  men  might 
still  live  like  an  unkempt  orphan  asylum.  Perhaps  whatever  foundation  exists 
for  the  newspaper  stories  of  suffering  among  the  men  for  food,  etc. ,  may  be  par- 
tially attributed  to  a  lack  all  along  the  line  of  an  early  and  adequate  supply  of 
capable  and  authorized  inspectors;  and  if  that  is  so  perhaps  other  injuries  from 
the  same  source  must  be  expected — too  manifold  and  self-evident  to  be  detailed 
here. 

General  Sackett's  Aide  Memoire  indicates  some  things  that  ought  to  be  care- 
fully scrutinized  by  inspectors-general,  but  are  now  occasionally  receiving  little 
or  no  attention  nor  supervision  from  them;  for  instance,  the  thorough  inspection 
of  transports  before  acceptance  or  sailing.  The  consideration  of  Congress  might 
possibly  be  given  to  the  present  condition — consideration  both  for  the  enlisted 
man  and  the  Inspector-General's  Department;  for,  of  course,  more  than  fairness, 
indeed,  generous  treatment,  is  intended  toward  both,  and  the  relation  of  this  ques- 
tion to  the  contentment  and  daily  life  and  comfort  of  the  enlisted  men  may  deserve 
the  kindliest  appreciation. 

Perhaps  the  military  system  of  our  country  is  in  fault  in  nothing  more  than  in  the 
lack  of  adequate  preparation  and  methods  for  promptly  and  properly  training  and 
caring  for  its  citizen  soldiery,  when  called  out  in  any  large  numbers  commensu- 
rate with  the  wealth  and  extent  of  the  country  or  the  importance  of  the  cause 
which  drives  us  into  the  proverbial  horrors  of  war,  which  need  no  intensifying  by 
ignorance,  indiscretion,  or  careless  or  inadequate  preparation.  Usually  not  only 
the  men  and  regiments,  but  everything  has  to  be  improvised  with  immense 


284         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

energy  and  labor  and  considerable  discomfort,  if  not  suffering,  on  the  part  of 
individuals,  which  would  otherwise  be  quite  avoidable  and  without  a  definite 
plan  of  expansion  and  mobilization  and  assignment  in  advance  of  each  individual 
to  the  duties  about  to  fall  upon  him.  The  best  trained  military  nations  hold  that 
it  requires  a  couple  of  years  of  campaigns  to  thoroughly  train  a  finished  soldier. 
We  are,  therefore,  both  wise  and  fortunate  to  have  so  many  men  in  this  first  call 
for  troops  who  have  served  for  years  either  in  army  or  national-guard  organiza- 
tions, imbued  with  military  traditions  and  possessed  of  military  supplies — stand 
out  in  self-reliance  and  capabilities  that  are  most  desirable  in  these  earlier  stages 
of  the  war  and  have  an  influence  on  their  less  fortunate  comrades  all  around  them. 
As  a  soldier  is  an  efficient  combination  of  a  man  and  a  weapon,  it  will  probably 
be  interesting  to  learn  what  is  the  average  longest  time  it  has  required  our  organ- 
izations to  become  fully  armed  and  equipped,  and  what  killing  knowledge  and 
capacity  for  attack  and  defense  they  have  acquired  as  soldiers;  but  at  present 
these  organizations  are  far  more  diligently  employed  in  getting  preliminary  expe- 
rience and  instruction  than  giving  or  collecting  data,  however  useful  as  a  guide 
to  others  for  military  operations.  If  there  are  regiments  which  have  had  some 
training  in  field  works  or  approaches  to  fortified  positions,  their  reliability  for 
such  a  possible  adventure  might  as  well  be  recorded.  The  difference  between  the 
first  assignment  of  two  untrained  regiments  to  the  fighting  line  might  be  seriously 
affected  by  one  being  composed  of  men  accustomed  from  childhood  to  the  use  of 
firearms,  and  the  other  largely  of  men  who  never  pulled  a  trigger.  Such  data 
seem  only  attainable  orally  now  in  many  cases,  and  may  therefore  be  uninten- 
tionally ignored  at  times.  Of  course,  there  is  a  difference  between  sending  chil- 
dren and  unskilled  men  into  battle  against  regulars,  but  every  opportunity  to 
impart  and  increase  the  most  essential  skill  in  the  use  of  arms  does  seem  impor- 
tant. Life  and  success  may  depend  upon  it.  And  nowhere  has  any  fighting 
practice  with  the  weapons  been  found  under  way  at  the  camps  visited;  not  even 
gallery  practice;  there  may  have  been  some  elsewhere,  and  since  my  telegrams 
and  urgent  conversations  some  practical  steps  may  have  been  taken  at  the  points 
visited  as  well  as  elsewhere.  Whatever  the  difficulties  and  opposition  to  such 
essential  training  for  soldiers  before  sending  them  to  war  and  battle,  they  are 
doubtless  understood  and  located  sufficiently  clearly  to  not  need  remark.  Such 
questions  of  saving  soldiers  from  suffering  and  unnecessary  death,  and  imparting 
due  skill  in  caring  for  themselves,  and  so  saving  lives  and  increasing  efficiency  by 
proper  practice  of  mobilization  and  embarkation  of  troops  before  the  time  of  need, 
and  also  the  possibility  of  experts  most  economically  teaching  military  men  to 
shoot,  as  illustrated  by  the  National  Guard  last  year  near  Santa  Monica,  Cal., 
have  been  so  urgently  and  fully  set  forth  in  the  annual  reports  of  the  Inspector- 
General's  Department  and  so  fully  appreciated  by  the  honorable  Secretary  of  War 
and  the  General  Commanding  the  Army  that  the  indications  occasionally  of  the 
pitiful  lack  of  such  fundamental  soldierly  knowledge  and  experience  can  only  be 
regretted  and  endured,  and,  as  far  as  still  possible,  promptly  remedied.  There- 
fore, the  need  of  arms  is  a  crying  one.  Unarmed  regiments  are  pitiable.  A  call 
to  arms  presupposes  arms  to  issue  immediately  where  the  men  are  assembled. 
Muskets  that  can  hardly  be  expected  to  stand  a  campaign,  and  artillery,  the  parts 
of  which  can  only  be  put  together  with  difficulty,  place  the  soldiers  under  diffi- 
culties and  disadvantages. 
Respectfully  submitted. 

J.  C.  Breckinridge, 
Major-General  of  Volunteers,  Inspector-General. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  285 

Inclosure  B. 

BATTLE  EXERCISES   AND  REVIEWS. 

1.  Orders  of  commanding  general  First  Division,  First  Corps. 

2.  Letter  of  Inspector-General  to  commanding  general  First 

Division,  First  Corps,  on  result  of  exercises. 

3.  Orders  of  commanding  general  Second  Division,  First 

Corps. 

4.  Orders  to  commanding  general  Third  Division,  First  Corps. 

5.  Statement  showing  time  consumed  in  passing  in  review. 


Headquarters  First  Division,  First  Army  Corps, 

Chickamauga  Park,  Ga. ,  May  24, 1898. 
The  Commanding  Officer  First  Brigade. 

Sir:  You  are  directed  by  the  division  commander  to  establish  your  command 
in  the  position  indicated  verbally  by  him  to-day  in  order  to  defend  the  McFarland 
Gap  road  against  a  force  coming  from  the  fords  of  the  Chickamauga.  Your  com- 
mand will  be  in  the  position  at  6.30  a.  m.  to-morrow,  the  25th  instant.  There  will 
be  no  firing  at  closer  range  than  100  yards  and  the  opposing  forces  will  not 
approach  nearer  than  50  yards  of  each  other.  Officers  will  see  that  no  ball 
cartridges  are  in  the  hands  Of  men. 
By  command  of  General  Wilson. 

W.  E.  Wilder,  Lieutenant-Colonel. 


Headquarters  First  Division,  First  Army  Corps, 

Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.,  May  24, 1898. 
Commanding  Officer  Second  Brigade. 

Sir:  The  division  commander  directs  that  your  command  be  in  line  to-morrow 
at  6.30  a.  m.  in  the  vicinity  of  its  encampments,  and  that  you  move  at  that  hour 
and  form  for  attack  so  that  your  extreme  right  shall  rest  upon  the  northern 
boundary  line  of  this  reservation,  your  line  extending  in  a  southerly  direction  as 
far  as  will  be  necessary.  Your  object  will  be  to  secure  the  possession  of  the 
McFarland  Gap  road,  which  is  held  by  a  force  in  the  vicinity  of  Snodgrass  Hill. 
One  battalion  of  your  command  will  be  detached  to  move  a  demonstration  and 
turn  the  left  flank  of  the  enemy.  There  will  be  no  firing  at  closer  range  than  100 
yards  and  the  opposing  forces  will  not  approach  nearer  than  50  yards  of  each 
other.  Officers  will  see  to  it  that  no  ball  cartridges  are  in  the  hands  of  the  men. 
The  division  commander  will  accompany  the  Inspector-General,  Ma j.  Gen.  J.  C. 
Breckinridge  who  will  be  represented  upon  the  field  by  his  chief  of  staff,  Lieut. 
Col.  W.  E.  Wilder,  who  will  issue  such  further  instructions  as  may  be  necessary 
at  the  time. 

By  command  of  General  Wilson. 

W.  E.  Wilder  Lieutenant-Colonel. 


Headquarters  First  Division,  First  Army  Corps, 

Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.,  May  24,  1398. 
Commanding  Officer  Third  Brigade. 

Sir:  The  division  commander  directs  that  your  command  move  to-morrow  at 
6  a.m.,  and  execute,  under  the  guidance  of  its  adjutant,  Lieutenant  Fullington, 


286         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Fourth  Ohio,  a  turning  movement  upon  the  left  flank  of  the  enemy,  holding  the 
McFarland  Gap  road  in  the  vicinity  of  Snodgrass  Hill.  You  will  carry  out  the 
verbal  instructions  issued  to-day.  No  firing  will  be  allowed  at  closer  range  than 
100  yards,  and  the  opposing  forces  will  not  approach  closer  than  50  yards  of  each 
other. 
By  command  of  General  Wilson. 

W.  E.  Wilder,  Lieutenant-Colonel. 


War  Department,  Office  of  the  Inspector-General, 

Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  May  25, 1898. 
Maj.  Gen.  J.  H.  Wilson, 

Commanding  First  Division,  First  Army  Corps, 

Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga 
Dear  General:  A  remark  you  and  I  heard  at  the  exercises  this  morning  pos- 
sibly indicated  that  there  has  been  some  mixed  feelings  concerning  the  methods 
of  the  present  inspection  of  the  expeditionary  army,  but  such  main  features  as  the 
review  and  battle  exercises  of  the  First  Division  of  the  First  Army  Corps  under 
your  command  have  been  completed  with  careful  preparation  and  excellence, 
and  doubtless  some  military  training  and  instruction.  I  hope  I  may  be  per- 
mitted to  express  my  warm  appreciation  of  the  soldierly  and  spirited  assistance 
you  have  so  effectively  and  heartily  given  toward  the  successful  performance  of 
this  almost  unprecedented  inspection;  and  may  I  ask  you  to  assist  still  further,  if 
opportunity  offers,  by  letting  the  divisions  we  may  have  to  inspect  know  and 
fairly  appreciate  how  to  aid  us  in  the  performance  of  this  urgent  public  duty. 
We  can  only  hope  that  as  far  as  carried  out  it  may  prove  beneficial. 
Yours,  very  truly, 

J.  C.  Breckinridge. 


General  Orders,  \      Hdqrs.  Second  Division,  First  Army  Corps, 

I  Camp  George  H.  Thomas, 

No.  19.  )  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga. ,  May  27,  1898. 

This  command  will  engage  in  battle  exercises  to-morrow,  the  28th  instant.  The 
brigades  will  be  formed  and  ready  to  move  out  at  G.45  a.  m.  It  will  be  divided  into 
parts  to  represent  opposing  forces,  and  positions  and  functions  will  be  indicated 
and  assigned  to  each.  In  the  execution  of  these  movements  the  drill  regulations, 
close  and  extended  order,  will  be  conformed  to  as  strictly  as  practicable,  especially 
the  rules  for  the  advance  guards,  scouts,  and  skirmishers. 

No  cartridges  of  any  kind  will  be  carried  by  the  men,  and  each  man  will  be 
carefully  inspected  at  the  formation  under  arms  of  their  companies.  Cartridges 
in  their  hands  now  will  be  turned  in  to  the  first  sergeant  after  breakfast. 

During  the  battle  exercises  opposing  forces  will  not  approach  each  other  nearer 
than  75  yards,  nor  will  the  semblance  of  firing  be  continued  after  reaching  the 
specified  distance  of  75  yards. 

When  the  objects  described  in  the  order  for  the  several  forces  have  been  accom- 
plished by  either  of  the  opposing  forces,  the  signal  "  cease  firing  "  will  be  sounded 
by  the  direction  of  the  division  commander,  and  instructions  will  be  given  to 
return  the  troops  to  their  respective  camps. 

The  first  call  will  be  sounded  at  6.15  a.  m.  and  the  assembly  at  6.30  a.  m.,  at 
brigade  headquarters,  and  repeated  in  the  regiments. 

By  command  of  Brigadier-General  Poland. 

Louis  V.  Caziarc, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  287 

Strictly  confidential.]  Headquarters  First  Division, 

First  Army  Corps, 
Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.,  May  27, 1898. 
Col.  Cornelius  Gardener, 

Thirty-first  Michigan  Volunteers,  Commanding  First  Brigade, 

Second  Division,  First  Army  Corps. 
Sir:  The  proposed  battle  exercises  for  this  command  on  May  18th  are  based 
upon  the  supposition  that  information  has  been  received  by  the  division  com- 
mander that  a  considerable  force  of  the  enemy  is  marching  from  the  Dyer  farm 
west  of  Lafayette  road,  eastwardly  via  Brotherton  road,  having  for  its  objective 
point  the  Alexander  Bridge  on  the  Chickamauga  River  south  of  your  camp.  It  is 
desirable  that  this  force  be  intercepted  and,  if  possible,  destroyed.  You  will 
have  your  brigade  formed  at  6.30  a.  m  ,  and  move  south  on  road  from  Jay's  Hill  to 
point  marked  "A  '  on  the  map,  herewith,  thence  west  to  the  point  marked  "B," 
and  thence  northwest  till  you  meet  the  opposing  force.  You  will  take  every  pre- 
caution against  surprise,  and  will  not  expose  your  troops  unnecessarily  to  view 
by  the  enemy.  To  distinguish  your  troops  from  the  enemy  you  will  cause  your 
officers,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  your  men  to  wear  white  bandages  about  the  hat. 
By  command  of  Brigadier-General  Poland. 

W.  C.  Wren, 
First  Lieutenant,  Seventeenth  Infantry,  Aid-de-Camp. 


Strictly  confidential.]  Headquarters  Second  Division, 

First  Army  Corps, 
Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.,  May  27, 1898. 
Col.  H.  D.  Smith, 

158th  Indiana  Volunteers,  Commanding  Second  Brigade, 

Second  Division,  First  Army  Corps. 
Sir:  The  proposed  battle  exercises  for  this  command  on  Saturday,  May  28,  are 
based  upon  the  supposition  that  information  has  been  received  that  a  considerable 
force  of  the  enemy  is  marching  from  the  Dyer  farm,  west  of  Lafayette  road, 
eastwardly  via  the  Brotherton  road,  having  for  its  objective  point  the  Alexander 
Bridge  on  the  Chickamauga  River.  It  is  desirable  that  this  force  be  intercepted 
and,  if  possible,  destroyed.  As  eventualities  may  require  the  cooperation  of  your 
brigade  with  other  troops,  you  will  move  promptly  at  7  o'clock  a.  m.,  Saturday, 
May  28,  to  the  south  of  your  camp,  halt,  and  report  to  Col.  Cornelius  Gardener, 
Thirty-first  Michigan  Volunteers,  commanding  First  Brigade,  Second  Division, 
First  Army  Corps. 

You  will  have  the  officers  and  men  of  your  command  as  far  as  practicable  wear 
white  bands  on  their  hats. 
By  command  of  General  Poland. 

W.  C.  Wren, 
First  Lieutenant,  Seventeenth  United  States  Infantry,  A.  D.  C. 


Strictly  confidential.]  Headquarters  Second  Division, 

First  Army  Corps, 
Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga. ,  May  27, 1898. 
Col.  W.  D.  Van  Duzee, 

Fourteenth  Minnesota  Volunteers,  Commanding  Third  Brigade. 
Sir:  The  proposed  battle  exercises  for  this  command  on  Saturday,  May  28,  are 
based  upon  the  supposition  that  the  information  has  been  received  by  the  division 
commander  that  a  large  force  is  advancing  from  Jay's  mill,  on  the  Brotherton 


288 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


road.  It  is  important  that  you  take  your  brigade  and  move  it  to  the  position 
indicated  by  the  line  A — B  on  the  map  herewith  inclosed.  You  will  move  your 
brigade  at  6.30  a.  m.  to  the  ravine  west  of  the  field  containing  the  Baldwin  monu- 
ment (west  of  your  camp)  and  employ  them  in  such  manner  as  will,  if  possible, 
prevent  the  further  advance  of  the  enemy.  The  officers  and,  as  far  as  possible, 
the  men  of  the  enemy  will  wear  white  bandages  about  their  hats. 
By  command  of  Brigadier-General  Poland. 

W.  C.  Wren, 
First  Lieutenant,  Seventeenth  United  States  Infantry,  A.  D.  C. 


Headquarters  First  Army  Corps  and 

Department  of  the  Gulf, 
Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Chickamauga  Park,  Oa.,  May  28.  1898. 
Commanding  General,  Third  Division,  First  Corps. 

Sir:  The  major-general  commanding  directs  me  to  inform  you  that  the  Inspector- 
General  will  hold  an  inspection  and  review  of  your  command,  including  battle 
exercises,  beginning  Monday  morning,  the  30th  instant,  time  to  be  given  hereafter. 
In  this  connection  the  major-general  commanding  directs  me  to  inform  you 
that  for  the  protection  of  private  property  it  is  expected  your  command  will  exe- 
cute all  these  exercises  within  the  limits  of  the  Chickamauga  National  Park,  and 
that  the  park  regulations,  as  published  in  General  Orders,  No.  6,  current  series,  these 
headquarters,  will  be  strictly  complied  with. 

Very  respectfully,  M.  V.  Sheridan, 

Assistant  Adjutant-General. 
Official  copy  respectfully  furnished   Maj.   Gen.   J.   C.   Breckinridge  for  his 
information. 
By  command  of  Major-General  Brooke. 

M.  V.  Sheridan, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General. 


Statement  showing  time  consumed  by  certain  regiments  in  passing  in  review. 


Date. 

Regiment. 

Began 
passing. 

Finished 
passing. 

May  30,1898 

a.  m. 
8.49 
8.52* 
8.57 
9.02 
9.06 
9.11 
9.15 
9.19* 
8.54 
8.58 
9.02* 
9.07 
9.11| 
9.15* 

o.  m. 
8  52 

8.56 

12th  New  York 

9.00* 
9.05 

9.09* 
9.14* 
9.18 

2d    Missouri 

9.24 

June    3, 1898 

8.57 

14th  New  York 

9.  01* 
9.  00J 
9.  11 

1st  Vermont 

9.15 

8th  New  York 

9.20 

Inclosure  C. 


CORRESPONDENCE  CONCERNING  A  FEW   OF  THE   DEFECTS   DEVELOPED  DURING  THE 

INSPECTION. 

1.  Scarcity  of  fresh  beef. 

2.  Lack  of  medical  supplies. 

3.  Enlistment  of  colored  troops  in  white  regiments. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  289 

[Memorandum  for  General  Wilson.] 

May  23,  1898. 
The  inspection  of  the  camp  of  the  Sixteenth  Pennsylvania  developed  the  fol- 
lowing deficiencies,  which  appear  to  need  immediate  attention: 

No  fresh  beef  or  dried  fish  has  been  issued  this  regiment  since  its  arrival  in 
camp. 

The  lieutenant-colonel  commanding  reports  that  they  were  issued  incomplete 
rations  for  ten  days,  at  Mount  Gretna,  and  guaranteed  by  the  issuing  commissary 
that  the  deficiencies  would  be  replaced  upon  arrival  at  Chickamauga.  They  have 
not  been  replaced,  causing  a  want  of  proper  amount  of  food  in  this  regiment. 
The  full  ration  of  vegetables  has  not  been  issued,  and  only  one  can  of  tomatoes 
per  company  has  been  issued. 

E.  A.  Garlington, 
Major  and  Inspector-General. 


Headquarters  First  Division,  First  Army  Corps, 

Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga.,  May  23,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General  First  Army  Corps. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  herewith  a  copy  of  an  inspection  memoran- 
dum, and  request  that  such  action  be  taken  as  will  supply  the  deficiencies 
mentioned  therein. 

Very  respectfully,  James  H.  Wilson, 

Major-General,  Commanding. 

[First  indorsement.] 

Office  Chief  Commissary, 
Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga.,  May  2^,  1898. 
To  Chief  Commissary: 

Respectfully  returned  to  the  adjutant-general,  First  Army  Corps,  with  the 
following  report:  Upon  arrival  of  the  Sixteenth  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infan- 
try I  visited  the  command  and  obtained  the  report  that  they  had  ten  days'  field 
rations  supplied  them  for  604  men,  and  two  days'  travel  rations,  and  that  they 
were  rationed  up  to  include  the  26th  instant,  but  were  short  on  the  issues  of  candles 
and  rice.  Last  night  the  commissary  of  the  regiment,  Lieut.  W.  H.  Corrin, 
came  to  my  office  and  asked  if  it  were  possible  to  provide  them  with  some  other 
salt  meat,  stating  that  the  salt  meat  on  hand  made  the  men  sick.  I  found  upon 
investigation  that  the  regiment  had  been  issued  barrel  pork  and  dry  salt  sides, 
the  latter  being  an  entirely  unsuitable  article  to  issue.  Lieutenant  Corrin  stated 
that  the  ten  days'  supply  of  field  rations  was  put  in  the  car  and  that  he  was  fur- 
nished by  the  issuing  officer,  Lieut.  Edgar  W.  Howe,  at  Mount  Gretna,  with  a 
memorandum  of  the  stores  due  them,  and  also  stated  that  a  great  many  of  the 
stores  were  short.  I  inquired  if  he  had  ascertained  that  by  a  board  of  survey,  and 
ascertained  that  it  was  only  a  surmise  on  the  part  of  the  officers  and  that  no  dis- 
crepancy had  been  established  by  an  inventory  of  the  stores.  The  memorandum 
list  furnished  by  Lieutenant  Howe  showed  that  the  exact  quantity  of  all  the 
stores  required  to  constitute  the  ten-days'  supply  had  been  turned  over,  with  the 
exception  of  baking  powder,  of  which  only  25  pounds  had  been  turned  over,  while 
the  command  is  entitled  to  242  pounds.  Lieutenant  Corrin  also  furnished  me 
with  ration  certificate,  received  from  Lieutenant  Howe,  stating  that  the  regiment 
was  rationed  to  include  the  28th,  and  that  217  pounds  of  baking  powder  was  due 
the  regiment.  I  instructed  him  to  return  the  ration  certificate  to  Lieutenant 
Howe  for  correction  as  to  the  date  to  which  it  was  rationed,  as  it  was  evidently 
an  error  and  should  have  read  to  include  the  26th.  The  command  suffered  con- 
siderably from  the  quality  of  the  salt  meat  issued,  and  also  from  the  fact  that 
they  had  not  sufficient  baking  powder.  I  authorized  Lieutenant  Corrin  to  turn 
7833— vol.  1 19 


290        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

in  3  barrels  of  barrel  pork  and  1,000  pounds  of  dry  salt  sides,  and  instructed  the 
depot  commissary  to  invoice  him  1,600  pounds  of  bacon,  3,000  pounds  of  hard 
bread,  and  217  pounds  of  baking  powder,  so  as  to  make  up  the  shortage,  and 
Lieutenant  Corrin  stated  that  this  arrangement  would  be  satisfactory.  Regard- 
ing the  vegetable  component,  the  memorandum  furnished  by  Lieutenant  Howe 
showed  that  916  cans  of  tomatoes,  604  pounds  onions,  and  4,520  pounds  potatoes 
were  issued  the  command,  which  constitutes  the  full  vegetable  ration  for  ten 
days.  Whether  or  not  all  or  only  part  of  these  stores  were  received,  I  can  not 
state,  and  Lieutenant  Corrin  was  unable  to  state  that  they  were  not. 

Henry  G.  Sharpe, 
Major  and  Commissary  of  Subsistence  U.  S.  Army,  Chief  Commissary. 


On  June  3,  1898,  the  chief  commissary,  Major  Sharpe,  made  a  further  report 
concerning  the  issue  of  fresh  beef,  as  follows: 

"The  Adjutant-General  First  Army  Corps, 

"  Department  of  the  Gulp, 

"  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Oa. 

"  Sir:  In  compliance  with  instructions  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  follow- 
ing report  concerning  the  issue  of  fresh  beef  to  the  Second  Brigade,  Third  Divi- 
sion, First  Corps,  which  the  inspector  reports  was  made  but  three  times  in  two 
weeks: 

"  The  arrangements  for  providing  the  command  with  fresh  beef  were  not  per- 
fected and  in  operation  until  May  26.  The  regiments  comprising  the  brigade 
were  rationed  as  follows:  Eighth  Massachusetts  to  May  29;  Twelfth  New  York 
to  May  29;  Twenty-first  Kansas  to  May  30,  when  they  arrived  at  this  camp. 

"  On  the  29th  of  May  three  days'  rations  were  issued  to  the  first  two  regiments, 
and  two  days'  rations  to  the  latter,  making  them  rationed  up  to  and  including  the 
1st  of  June.  On  these  issues  the  brigade  received  5,301  rations  of  fresh  meat, 
equivalent  to  6,627£  pounds. 

"  Through  misunderstanding  on  the  part  of  the  then  division  commissary  the 
first  drawing  of  fresh  beef  was  made  at  the  rate  of  1£  pounds  of  meat  for  each 
meal  of  the  day,  and  the  issues  were  made  in  that  way  to  the  regiments  compris- 
ing the  brigade,  so  that  the  balance  of  the  allowance  of  fresh  beef  had  to  be 
apportioned  out  several  days  in  order  not  to  exceed  the  total  amount  of  fresh 
beef  allowed  for  the  brigade.  The  brigade  commissary  ascertained  the  error 
made  by  the  division  commissary,  and  corrected  it  in  the  manner  described  by 
reducing  the  quantities  issued  to  each  regiment,  and  skipping  a  day  or  two  so  as 
to  prevent  the  allowance  being  exhausted. 

"  Issues  were  made  to  the  brigade  for  a  period  of  five  days,  commencing  June 
2,  and  they  then  received  a  credit  of  9,939  rations  of  fresh  beef,  or  an  allowance 
of  12,423^  pounds  of  fresh  beef,  against  which  they  are  now  drawing  every  day, 
the  meat  component  being  issued  in  the  proportion  of  seven-tenths  fresh  beef, 
and  three-tenths  salt,  so  that  each  regiment  in  the  brigade  can  draw  over  1,000 
pounds  of  meat  for  nearly  four  days  and  not  exhaust  the  amount  they  are  entitled 
to  for  the  period  of  this  issue." 


[Memorandum  for  Gen.  J.  R.  Brooke,  commanding  First  Army  Corps.] 

Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga.,  June  2, 1898. 

Inspector  of  the  Second  Brigade,  Third  Division,  reports  that  fresh  meat  has 
been  issued  but  three  times  in  two  weeks  in  that  brigade. 

Inspector  of  the  Third  Brigade,  Third  Division,  states  that  it  is  reported  that  in 
the  First  New  Hampshire  Regiment  there  are  over  100  men  at  sick  call  every 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  291 

morning;  that  there  are  almost  no  medical  supplies  on  hand,  and  no  instruments, 
that  requisitions  for  medical  supplies  have  been  sent  in  repeatedly,  but  have  not 
been  filled,  so  that  it  has  been  necessary  for  the  regiment  to  purchase  the  neces- 
sary medicines  and  instruments  from  their  private  funds. 

J.  C.  Breckinridge, 
Major-General  of  Volunteers,  Inspector-General. 


June  2, 1898. 
Maj.  Gen.  J.  C.  Breckinridge, 

Inspector-General  United  States  Army,  Camp  Thomas. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  statements  relative  to  the  health 
and  medical  requirements  of  the  First  New  Hampshire  Volunteer  Infantry,  of 
which  I  am  the  regimental  surgeon: 

We  came  into  camp  here  two  weeks  ago  to-day.  We  have  made  repeated  requi- 
sitions for  medical  supplies.  My  first  requisition  was  made  on  or  about  May  21. 
Another  was  made  two  days  later,  and  others  have  been  made  since.  The  sup- 
plies we  received  were  almost  nothing.  The  medical  director  told  me  personally 
that  no  hospital  furniture  would  be  furnished  to  regiments,  and  my  requisition 
for  the  same  was  not  honored.  Since  that  date  the  Second  Missouri,  brigaded 
with  us,  has  received  hospital  furniture.  We  have  had  from  150  to  300  at  sick 
call  each  morning.  For  the  most  part  the  trouble  has  been  intestinal.  Many 
have  been  very  ill  with  "  bloody  dysentery."  We  have  twenty-five  or  more  cases 
now,  mostly  in  quarters.  We  have  not  had  medicines  for  their  relief,  and  having 
become  tired  of  going  to  Lytle  and  returning  with  practically  nothing  for  our  sick 
men,  yesterday  I  personally  went  to  Chattanooga  and  bought  about  $40  worth 
of  medicines,  cots,  etc. ,  which  were  urgently  needed.     These  we  paid  for  ourselves. 

We  brought  with  us  a  hypodermic  syringe,  which  was  broken  when  we  first 
arrived.  We  tried  to  have  one  issued  to  us,  but  failed.  The  so-called ' '  emergency 
case"  contains  such  a  syringe,  and  we  made  requisition  for  it.  The  medical 
director  scratched  it  out,  and  said,  "  The  regiments  can  not  have  them."  I  under- 
stand some  have  been  recently  issued,  though  they  were  held  in  the  medical  sup- 
ply depot  when  most  needed. 

The  supplies  which  have  been  issued  to  us  I  will  put  upon  an  attached  slip. 
They  are  as  nearly  correct  as  I  can  figure  at  this  moment. 

Our  men  are  suffering.  Besides  that  which  we  have  bought,  we  have  practi- 
cally no  medical  supplies.  We  have  not  a  single  surgical  instrument.  We  are  in 
extremity  now.  If  we  were  ordered  out,  you  can  well  judge  of  our  condition 
and  ability  to  do  the  work  required  of  us.  We  respectfully  ask  that  something 
be  done  at  once  to  equip  this  regiment  with  medical  and  surgical  supplies. 
Very  respectfully, 

Robert  Burns, 
Major  and  Surgeon,  First  New  Hampshire  Volunteer  Infantry. 

(Inclosure:)  Acid,  carbolic,  1  bottle;  ether,  1  can;  spt.  seth.  nit.,  1  bottle;  spt. 
ammon.  arom.,  1  bottle;  bismuth  subnit.,  1  bottle;  argent,  nit.,  small  quantity; 
canth.  einp.,  1  tin;  chloroform,  1  bottle;  collodion,  4  bottles;  pil.  copaibae  co.,  4 
bottles;  glycerini,  1  bottle;  ol.  ricini,  3  bottles;  tab.  salol.,  2  bottles;  tab.  soda 
bicarb.,  4  bottles;  oxide  zinc,  1  bottle;  whisky,  1  qt.;  stationery,  1  pad;  cotton, 
absorbent,  4  packages;  plaster,  adhesive,  1  roll;  muslin,  unbleached,  3  yards; 
syringes,  urethral,  12. 

Headquarters  Second  Division,  Third  Army  Corps, 
Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.,  June  3, 1898. 
Lieut.  S.  M.  Foote,  U.  S.  Army,  A.  D.  C. 

Sir:  Understanding  from  our  conversation  this  p.  m.  that  the  Inspector-General 
of  the  Army  desired  to  know  the  action  taken  in  reference  to  the  enlistment  of 


292         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

colored  men  in  the  First  Maine  Infantry  Volunteers,  I  have  the  honor  to  forward 
for  his  information  a  copy  of  a  letter  this  day  mailed  to  the  Adjutant-General 
of  the  Army  referring  thereto. 

Very  respectfully,  C.  E.  Compton, 

Brigadier-General  of  Volunteers,  Commanding. 

[lnclosure.] 

Headquarters  Second  Division,  Third  Corps, 
Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.,  June  3, 1898. 
Adjutant-General  United  States  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  there  is  at  this  date  the  following-named 
colored  men,  W.  W.  Ruby,  Company  A;  James  A.  Paris,  Company  L,  and  Ran- 
dolph Cushen,  Company  K,  enlisted  and  serving  as  privates  in  the  First  Maine 
Infantry  Volunteers. 

I  make  this  report  under  an  interpretation  of  the  law  that  colored  men  shall  be 
assigned  to  colored  regiments,  and  also  from  the  fact  that  two  affairs  have  come 
to  my  knowledge  which  are  likely  to  grow  into  detrimental  and  serious  obstacles 
to  the  well-being  of  the  service. 

As  far  as  I  am  able  to  learn,  the  trouble  has  arisen  between  the  First  Maine  and 
the  Second  Kentucky  Infantry  Volunteers,  in  camp  contiguously,  by  reason  of,  in 
one  instance,  a  colored  soldier  of  the  First  Maine  running  the  guard  of  the  Second 
Kentucky;  arrested,  and  attempted  rescue  by  the  men  of  the  First  Maine;  the  other 
an  altercation  between  one  of  the  colored  soldiers  of  the  First  Maine  and  a  sentinel 
of  the  Second  Kentucky.  A  friction  between  the  two  regiments  has  thus  been 
engendered  and  is  likely  to  increase  rather  than  subside.  I  am  aware  that  the 
War  Department,  by  the  mingling  of  troops  from  all  States  of  the  Union,  has 
done  much  to  allay  the  prejudices  of  the  former  conflicting  sections.  In  this 
division,  now  camped  together,  are  regiments  from  Maine,  New  York,  Kentucky, 
Missouri,  Arkansas,  and  Mississippi,  with  none  but  the  most  amicable  feeling 
toward  each  other  excepting  in  the  instances  and  cases  here  noted. 

I  respectfully  recommend  that  the  colored  men  herein  mentioned  be  discharged 
from  the  military  service  or  assigned  to  one  of  the  colored  regiments  now  in 
service. 

I  deem  this  a  matter  of  great  importance. 
Very  respectfully, 

C.  E.  Compton, 
Brigadier-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Second  Division,  Third  Corps. 


Inclosure  D. 

RETURNS  AND  STATISTICAL  INFORMATION. 

1.  Return  of  troops. 

2.  Previous  service  of  officers  and  enlisted  men. 

3.  Arms,  equipments,  clothing,  and  other  supplies  reported  on 

hand,  unserviceable  and  needed. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS. 


293 


Return  of  troops,  First  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga.,  May 

June  1, 1898. 


to 


Command. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

1st  Ohio 

3d    Wisconsin 

5th  Illinois 

Second  Brigade : 

4th  Ohio 

3d    Illinois 

4th  Pennsylvania 

Third  Brigade : 

16th  Pennsylvania 

2d    Wisconsin 

157th  Indiana 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade: 

31st  Michigan 

3d    Pennsylvania 

160tb  Indiana 

Second  Brigade : 

6th  Ohio 

158th  Indiana 

1st  West  Virginia  ... 
Third  Brigade: 

2d    Ohio 

1st  Pennsylvania 

14th  Minnesota 

THIRD  DIVISION- 

First  Brigade . 

1st  Illinois 

12th  Minnesota 

5th  Pennsylvania 

Second  Brigade : 

8th  Massachusetts  . . . 

21st  Kansas 

12th  New  York 

Third  Brigade: 

9th  Pennsylvania 

2d    Missouri 

1st  New  Hampshire.. 


u  5 

a 


Present. 


568 
975 


616 
836 
529 

458 
760 
706 


788 
460 
779 

564 
761 
726 

765 
620 
978 


979 
805 
473 

648 
846 

727 

476 
761 

787 


Absent. 


219 

"94 

221 
138 
75 

146 
215 


187 
142 
178 

202 
214 
245 


134 


177 
130 

247 
114 
249 


179 
175 


Total  present  and  absent. 


By  regi- 
ments. 


By  brgades. 


Is 

•3  a 

pa 


787 
975 
974 

837 
974 
604 

604 
975 
973 


46  975 
35  602 
50  957 

47  I  766 

50  975 

51  971 


765 
754 


979 


976 

604 
940 


146 


135 


148 


137 


136 


145 


130 


^a 
s 


2,736 


2,415 


2,552 


2,534 


2,712 


2,500 


2,564 


2,831 


2,506 


By  divi- 
sions. 


417 


416 


411 


1, 


•3  a 


7,703 


7  746 


7,901 


Return  of  troops,  Second  Division,  Third  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  H.  Thomas, 
Ga.,  May  20  to  June  1, 1898. 


1 

'A 

to 

Present. 

Absent. 

Total  present  and  absent. 

Command. 

CD 

E 
9 

1 

i 

a 

l 

CD 

1 

i 

i 

0 

a 

1 
00 

1 

By  regi- 
ments. 

By  brigades. 

By  divi- 
sions. 

1 

sa 
0 

1   • 

Is 
■a  a 

CO 

s 

s 

Is 

•a  a 

■ 

u 

1 

§ 

ii 

First  Brigade: 

12 
12 
12 

12 
12 

12 
12 
12 

46 
50 

50 

45 

45 

42 

45 
49 

982 
927 
974 

984 
971 

965 
944 
819 

46 
50 
50 

45 
48 

46 
46 
50 

982 
930 
974 

984 
976 

970 
952 
822 

146 
93 

142 

2,886 

1,960 
2,744 

381 

.... 

3 

9th  New  York 

Second  Brigade : 

3 

4 
1 
1 

5 

5 
8 
3 

Third  Brigade: 

7,590 

294 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Statistics  of  officers  and  enlisted  men,  First  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  H.  Thomas, 
Oa.,  May  21  to  June  1, 1898. 


Command. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade: 

1st  Ohio 

3d    Wisconsin 

5th  Illinois 

Second  Brigade : 

4th  Ohio 

3d   Illinois 

4th  Pennsylvania 
Third  Brigade: 

16th  Pennsylvania , 

2d    "Wisconsin  — 
157th  Indiana 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

31st  Michigan 

3d    Pennsylvania . 

160th  Indiana 

Second  Brigade : 

6th  Ohio 

158th  Indiana 

1st  West  Virginia 
Third  Brigade: 

2d    Ohio 

1st  Pennsylvania  . 
14th  Minnesota 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

1st  Illinois , 

12th  Minnesota 

5th  Pennsylvania . .. 
Second  Brigade : 

8th  Massachusetts . . 

21st  Kansas 

12th  New  York 

Third  Brigade: 

9th  Pennsylvania  . . . 

2d    Missouri 

1st  New  Hampshire. 


Date  of  muster. 


May  6, 7. 

do  .. 

May  7... 


May9 

May  7, 10. 
May  10... 


....do. 
May  12. 
May  10. 


May  8, 10. 
May  9, 11. 
May  12... 


....do  ... 
May  10... 
May  5-14. 


May  10.... 
May  10, 11. 
May8 


May  11. 


....do.... 
May  12-14. 
May  13.... 


May  11.. . 
May  12... 
May  9-14. 


Date  of 
starting 

for 
camp. 


May  14 
!!".do*.! 


May  15 
May  14 
May  15 


.do 
.do 
.do 


May  15 
May  16 


May  17 
May  16 
...do  ... 


.do... 
.do... 
.do... 


May  17 

May  16 
May   17 


...do... 
May  18 
May  17 


Date  of 
arrival 
at  camp. 


May  16 

do  ... 

...do.. 


....do... 
....do.. 
....do... 

May  17 

do  . . . 

....do... 


May  17 

May  18 

May  19 
May  18 
May  19 

May  18 
...do  ... 
May  19 


May  19 

May  20 
May  19 
May  20 


...do... 
May  21 
May  20 


Officers. 


§ 

& 

o 

%  ■ 

fl'S 

<B  >> 

*% 

*g 

s^ 

a^ 

B 

B 

fe 

m 

3* 

.2 


F 


a  . 
*.s 

OB    O 

-  - 

-  00 

O 


®  0,2 

SCO 


11 


INSPECTION    REPORTS. 


295 


Statistics  of  officers  arid  enlisted  men,  First  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  H.  Thomas, 
Ga.,  May  21  to  June  1,  1898 — Continued. 


Enlisted  men. 

Command. 

Native 
born. 

For- 
eign 
born. 

From 

National 

Guard. 

From 
mili- 
tary 
schools. 

From 
Regu- 
lar 
Army. 

With 
previous 
military 
training 
of  1  year 
or  over. 

With 
less  than 
1  year's 
training. 

Raw 
re- 
cruits. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

1st  Ohio 

744 
807 
933 

821 

875 
584 

574 

760 
945 

896 
543 
955 

644 

952 
882 

689 
709 
760 

43 
159 
36 

16 
150 
20 

30 
215 

28 

83 
60 
19 

23 
10 
15 

15 

45 

227 

577 
503 
387 

328 
355 
310 

240 
512 
521 

562 
353 

770 

747 
571 
398 

*    656 
422 
308 

7 
6 
14 

84 
8 
6 

17 

15 

5 

9 
1 
9 

7 
4 
22 

17 
3 
6 

29 
5 
14 

18 
12 
6 

6 
6 
6 

12 

10 

3 

6 
12 
9 

8 
4 
24 

344 

269 
155 
327 

441 
321 

75 

159 
535 
371 

254 
89 
394 

322 
340 
277 

252 
203 
174 

174 

3d    Wisconsin 

297 

349 

397 
386 
322 

446 

Second  Brigade: 

4th  Ohio 

440 

287 

4th  Pennsylvania 

Third  Brigade: 

16th  Pennsylvania 

209 
185 

2d    Wisconsin 

424 
150 

306 
268 
217 

316 
213 
218 

375 
276 

248 

0 
452 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

31st  Michigan 

3d    Pennsylvania 

160th  Indiana 

283 
238 
419 

Second  Brigade: 

6th  Ohio .* 

143 

425 

1  st  West  Virginia. . . 
Third  Biigade: 

2d    Ohio 

586 
122 

1st  Pennsylvania 

14th  Minnesota 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

First  brigade: 

207 
564 

12th  Minnesota 

5th  Pennsylvania 

Second  Brigade ; 

8th  M  assachusetts . . . 

587 

760 
919 
743 

528 
921 
823 

17 

127 

43 

233 

72 
16 
142 

380 

457 

127 
599 

344 
687 
470 

6 

3 

8 
8 

0 
6 
3 

3 

2 
6 
10 

5 

10 
8 

280 

388 

75 

359 

211 
312 
222 

142 

186 
112 
421 

226 
349 
113 

221 

314 
813 

12th  New  York 

Third  Brigade : 

ftth  Pennsylvania 

312 

253 
275 

1st  New  Hampshire . 

406 

296         INVESTIGATION    <>F    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Statistic*  of  ([tJicers  and  enlisted  men,  Second  Division,  Third  A  nut/  Corps,  Camp 
George  H.  Thomas,  Ga.,  June  1  to  3,  1898. 


Date  of  muster. 

Date  of 
starting 
for  camp. 

Date  of 
arriving 
at  camp. 

Officers. 

Command. 

*3 

1 

o 

2 

■ 

r 

J3 

it 
©_ 

a  © 

a>  ID 

o  *■> 
V  a 

fe     ©        * 

s  ©.5 

a  . 

OB   O 

11 

®^ 
©  g » 

C  ©  O 

eg  *f  y 
-   :    r. 

0 

First  Brigade: 

Mav  14-20 

May  3-20 

May21 

May  14-25 

May  25 

do  ... 

May  24 

May  27 
May  26 
do  ... 

22 

26 
47 

33 
13 

36 
38 
50 

12 

2d    Kentucky 

9th  New  York 

1 

3 

3 
1 

2 

3 
3 

Second  Brigade : 

..... 

l 

2 
1 

1 

0 

..... 

3 

May  18 

May  11-13 

May  16-24 

May25 

May  25 

May  27 
May  30 
May  28 

May  27 

May  30 
Mav  31 
....do  ... 

11 

Third  Brigade : 

3 

1st  Mississippi 

1 

1 

6 
4 

Enlisted  men. 

Command. 

Native 
horn. 

For- 
eign 
horn. 

From 
National 
Guard. 

From 
mili- 
tary 
schools. 

From 
Regu- 
lar 
Army. 

With 
previous 
military 
training 
of  1  year 
or  over. 

With 
less  than 
I  year's 
training. 

Raw 
re- 
cruits. 

First  Brigade: 

924 
900 
773 

963 
902 

868 
913 
756 

40 

13 

204 

22 
66 

101 
36 
66 

*  168 
233 
238 

211 
556 

628 
216 
628 

42 
13 
12 

12 
64 

34 
79 
31 

4 
12 
12 

6 

28 

5 

7 
16 

84 
39 
196 

78 
143 

356 
176 
331 

41 

35 

322 

202 
232 

308 

40 

398 

625 

2d   Kentucky 

9th  New  York 

Second  Brigade : 

579 
197 

843 

454 

Third  Brigade: 

180 

1st  Mississippi 

660 
54 

INSPECTION    REPORTS. 


297 


Equipments  and  supplies  on  hand,  First  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  H.  Thomas, 
Ga.,  May  21  to  June  1, 1898. 


Transportation. 

Clothing  and  camp  equipage. 

Command. 

i  • 

K   00 

r 

* 

u 

1 

i 

1 

3 

O  <D 

■ 

&# 
5  * 

OS 

4 

8 
+3 

00 
+3 

•2  8 

■ 

I 

00 

1 
0 

1 

8 

H 

a 

?! 

m 
O 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade: 

1st  Ohio 

2 
15 
2 

2 
2 
2 

2 
2 

14 

0 

14 

"6" 
"o 

60 
60 
60 

60 
56 
60 

60 
60 
56 

58 
30 
60 

8 
72 
64 

60 

8 

60 

8 
60 

"2 
"8 

52 
24 

58 

5 

23 
34 

30 

8 

60 

3 

0 
0 

0 
4 
0 

0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

"0 

0 

(a) 

976 
969 

838 
1,025 

870 
974 
969 

870 
974 
969 

208 

976 

(«) 

Yes 
11 
<«) 

969 

Second  Brigade : 

4th  Ohio 

1,025 

1,025 

1,025 

4th  Pennsylvania  d 

Third  Brigade : 

602 
957 
950 

980 
604 
901 

976 
975 
961 

845 
757 
621 

512 
0 

979 

350 

0 

0 

0 

962 

0 

554 

0 

567 
975 
950 

977 
604 
971 

825 
839 
950 

699 
743 
633 

567 
975 
950 

976 

603 
965 

675 

787 
953 

702 
736 
503 

589 

Yes 
(«) 

10 
6 

0 

12 
14 
11 

14 

11 
0 

975 

15 

3 

9 

1 

2 

18 
16 

15 
2 
15 

950 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

""62 
162 

0 

65 

0 

"*68" 
0 

209 
100 
65 

184 
166 
277 

198 
166 
105 

976 

3d    Pennsylvania 

160th  Indiana 

589 
951 

622 
688 
938 

668 

Second  Brigade : 

6th  Ohio 

1st  West  Virginia 

Third  Brigade : 

2d    Ohio 

1st  Pennsylvania 

633 
513 

THIED  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

1st  Illinois 

12th  Minnesota 

5th  Pennsylvania 

Second  Brigade : 

8th  Massachusetts 

15 

9 

15 

2 

0 
0 
15 

10 
10 
0 

59 

36 

60 
7 

40 
40 
59 

60 

36 
60 

7 

40 
40 
30 

— 

11 

107 

61 

154 

67 

300 

30 
146 
209 

618 

814 

1,379 

968 

600 
960 
913 

465 

813 

58 

946 

637 

864 
909 

604 

809 
960 
930 

628 
920 

875 

604 

813 

585 
890 

636 
928 
858 

454 
881 

0 

"0 

10 
14 

12 

9 

11 

e49 
162 

38 

103 

0 

526 

12th  New  York 

999 

Third  Brigade : 

9th  Pennsylvania 

500 
929 

1st  New  Hampshire 

775 

a  All  except  3.  6  Sufficient. 

d  Complete  new  outfit  of  clothing  and  camp  equipage  needed. 


0  All  but  1. 

e  Sibley. 


298         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

/.< i u qrments  and  supplies  on  hand.  First  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  II.  Thomas. 
Ga.,  May  21  to  June  i,  1898— Continued. 


Clothing  and  camp  equipage. 

Medical  department. 

Command. 

00 

oi 

u 
II 

313 

'3 
p. 

3 
3 

I 
"3 
p. 
5 
8 

i 

a 

•& 

■ 

a* 

So 

®   . 

>.    CO 

^■3 

08 

W4    CD 

H 

•81  . 

~    CO 

|J 

f 

C    00 

■~  a 

is 

<!\  to 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

1st  Ohio 

27 

8 

22 

16 
67 
16 

4 
10 
75 

30 
15 
35 

19 
10 

44 

20 

..... 
..... 

0 

4 
3 

1 

1 
2 
5 

..... 

2 

No... 
No... 
No... 

Fairly 
No... 
Yes.. 

No... 
No... 
No... 

No... 
No... 
No... 

No... 
No... 
No... 

No... 
No... 
Yes.. 

No. 

976 
969 

275 
969 

976 

No. 

989 

No. 

Second  Brigade : 

4th  Ohio 

Fairly 
No. 

3d    Illinois 

1,025 

1,025 

1.025 

1,025 

1,025 

Fairly 
No. 

Third  Brigade : 

16th  Pennsylvania 

451 
975 
950 

975 

553 

1,833 

83 

75 

956 

4 
371 
413 

476 

424 

452 
346 
950 

461 

518 
1,037 

318 

751 
962 

667 
397 
632 

582 
975 
950 

975 

379 

1,036 

682 
892 
905 

528 

0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

0 

950 

0 
312 

b  1,  737 

258 
1,045 
1,926 

993 

0 

412 

950 

0 

307 

1,190 

387 

1,183 
1,844 

1,117 

"i,58i' 

No. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade: 

No. 

3d    Pennsylvania 

No. 
No. 

Second  Brigade: 

6th  Ohio 

No. 

No. 

1st  West  Virginia 

Third  Brigade : 

2d   Ohio 

No. 
Yes. 

Yes. 

826 

0 

42 

Yes. 

THIRD   DIVISION. 

First  Brigade: 

5th  Pennsylvania 

Second  Brigade : 

478 

0 

1,559 
863 

432 
2,699 
1,203 

0 

171 

330 

865 
866 

576 

852 
787 

0 

31 
..... 

5 

40 
14 
45 

17 
30 
51 

546 
14 

350 
1,704 
1,605 

2,250  1     847 
1,231 

2 
1 

No... 
No... 

No. 

12th  New  York 

No. 

Third  Brigade: 

9th  Pennsylvania 

950 
2,556 
1,454 

513 

864 
770 

1 
2 

Yes.. 
No... 

Yes. 

1st  New  Hampshire 

No. 

a  Complete  new  outfit  of  clothing  and  camp  equipage  needed. 


b  Drawers. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS. 


299 


Ordnance  stores  reported  on  hand,  rations,  etc.,  First  Army  Corps,  Camp  George 
H.  Thomas,  Ga.,  May  21  to  June  1,  1898. 


Ordnance  stores. 

Command 

t 

of 

a 
e 

a 

~    00 

I1 

1 

i 

o 

m 

Jk 

i 
©  . 

«    00 

£  9 

¥ 

PQ 

<D 

o 

■ 

1 

©© 

>  so 

a 
M 

0D 

M 

1 

u 

> 

cS 

w 

i 

i 

0 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

1st  Ohio „. . 

714 
920 
948 

791 
946 
584 

592 
921 
930 

59 

376 

0 

555 
629 
703 

506 
460 
545 

35,  000 
55, 440 
17, 000 

3,980 
25,  532 
30, 000 

29,  500 

55,  440 

0 

24, 000 
0 
0 

600 

3,590 

37,  390 

8,270 

34,  000 

0 

Second  Brigade: 

4th  Ohio 

4th  Pennsylvania 

Third  Brigade: 

16th  Pennsylvania 

574 

574 

550 

582 

0 

562 

521 

487 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

60 

370 

0 

551 
627 
622 

511 
461 
365 

60 

373 

0 

532 

627 
671 

504 
495 
357 

0 

371 

0 

534 

0 

591 

540 

491 

0 

0 

377 
0 

542 

0 

595 

513 

499 

0 

60 
0 
0 

0 

627 

52 

0 

0 

366 

0 

383 
0 

584 
639 
435 

548 
492 
345 

977 

380 

0 

579 

638 
50 

532 
482 
349 

972 

3d    Pennsylvania 

160th  Indiana 

367 
0 

Second  Brigade : 

6th  Ohio 

473 

639 

1st  West  Virginia 

Third  Brigade: 

2d    Ohio 

658 
502 

1st  Pennsylvania 

482 
340 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

5th  Pennsylvania 

Second  Brigade : 

365 
856 

16,  800 

344 
115 

368 

368 

372 
10 

0 
873 

465 

888 

471 

88fi 

458 

320     39,000 
946     40. 600 

12th  New  York 

556 

333 
561 
919 

7 

302 

51 

4 

940 

0 
527 
932 

879 

363 
576 

947 

443 
52 

Third  Brigade : 

9th  Pennsylvania 

359 
591 
935 

36, 000 

36,  000 

8,120 

333 

575 

332 

0 

357 

1st  New  Hampshire 

923 

0 

0 

786 

815 

300 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Ordnance  stores  reported  on  hand,  rations,  etc.,  First  Army  Corps,  Camp  George 
H.  Thomas,  Oa.,  May  21  to  June  1,  1898— Continued. 


Rations,  etc. 

Command. 

Rations  sat- 
isfactory. 

Properly 
cooked. 

How  often 
fresh  meat. 

What  cook- 
ing outfit. 

Is  it  com- 
plete. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

Second  Brigade : 

4th  Onio 

Third  Brigade : " 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

Yes 

Yes 

Once     and 
twice  since 
arrival. 

Once  in   10 
day  8. 

Weekly  and 

Once  in  10 
days. 

Buzzacott  .. 

do 

do 

Myers    and 

Buzzacott. 

Buzzacott  .. 

Buzzacott 
and  field. 

Yes. 

3d    Pennsylvania 

Not    in   all 

companies. 

Yes 

Generally... 
Yes 

Yes. 

Yes;  except 
3  com  pa- 
nics. 

Yes. 

Second  Brigade: 

6th  Ohio 

No 

1st  West  Virginia 

Third  Brigade: 

2d    Ohio 

Not   in    all 
companies. 

...do 

do 

do 

Weekly 

Once  in  10 

days. 
Once  in  8  or 

10  days. 
Weekly 

companies. 
No. 

No. 

do 

do 

Buzzacott  .. 
Hunt  oven.. 

Yes. 

do 

Not   in    all 
companies. 

Yes. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade: 

5th  Pennsylvania 

Second  Brigade : 

Not   in    all 
companies. 

do 

Not   in   all 
companies. 

Yes 

3   times   in 

11  days. 
7  days  in  10. 
Infrequent  . 

Twice  in  10 

days. 
3     times 

weekly. 

Twice  week- 
ly,    one- 
third  of 
full  ration. 

Buzzacott  .. 
do 

Yes. 

TSTnt     in     3 

Yes 

No 

do 

do 

companies. 
...do '  Yes. 

12th  J«ew  York 

Third  Brigade: 

do 

do 

do 

Buzzacott 
and    one 
Hunt. 

Buzzacott  .. 

Yes. 

Yes 

do 

No. 

1st  New  Hampshire 

Not   in   all 
companies. 

do 

Not    in   all 
companies. 

INSPECTION    REPORTS. 


301 


Ordnance  stores  reported  on  hand,  rations,  etc.,  First  Army  Corps,  Camp  George 
H.  Thomas,  Ga.,  May  21  to  June  1,  1898— Continued. 


Rations,  etc. 

Command. 

Company 
funds. 

Regimental 
funds. 

Regimental 
canteen. 

What  disposition  of 
canteen  profits. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

1st  Ohio 

Second  Brigade : 

4th  Ohio 

Third  Brigade: ' 

• 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

No 

No 

Yes  .. 

Not  yet  made. 
Divided     among 
messes. 

3d   Pennsylvania 

160th  Indiana 

In  1  company. 
In  2  companies 
No 

do 

do 

do 

do 

No 

Second  Brigade : 

6th  Ohio 

do  .. 

1st  West  Virginia 

do 

do 

Yes 

No  profit. 

Third  Brigade : 

2d    Ohio 

do 

do 

No 

do 

Not  yet  made. 

do 

do 

No  .. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

12t  h  Minnesota 

5th  Pennsylvania 

No 

Second  Brigade : 

8th  Massachusetts 

In  1  company. 
No 

do 

Yes 

Distributed  to  organi- 
zations. 

12th  New  York 

Yes 

Third  Brigade : 

9th  Pennsylvania 

2d   Missouri 

No 

No 

do  ... 

Distributed  to  organi- 
zations. 

In  2  companies 
In  4  companies 

do 

No 

1st  New  Hampshire 

do 

do 

302 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Equipments,  clothing,  ordnance,  etc.,  reported  uivserviceahJc.  First  Army  Corps, 
Camj)  George  H.  Thomas,  Oa.,  May  21  to  June  1,  1898. 


Transportation. 

Clothing  and  camp  equipage. 

Command. 

no 

O 
M 

1 

F 

>. 

I 

00 

a 

1 

I 

00 

n 

GO 

00 

I 

1 

Si 

O 

! 

8 

i 

u 

as 

|S 

o 

i 

1 

3 

1 
■ 

i 

1 
P 

of 

1 

3 

A 

t 

a 

§ 
s 

00 

o 

s 

I 

00 

■♦J 

a] 

A 

a 
B 
| 

1 

o 

00 

s 

00 

a 

4) 

1 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade: 

1st  Ohio 

2 

48 

5th  Illinois 

Second  Brigade: 

5 

2 

2 

Third  Brigade: 

2d    Wisconsin  c 

157th  Indiana  d 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

i 

164' 

"o 

18 

35 

176 

420 
229 
91 

389 
16 
89 

67 

47 

205 

426 
196 
82 

375 

50 
68 

69 
32 
17 

"iii" 

50 

o 

6 
0 

2 
2 

46 

160th  Indiana 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

1 
0 

159 

471 

30 

0 

126 

48 
109 

22 

Second  Brigade : 

6th  Ohio 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

4 

2 

Third  Brigade : 

2d    Ohio 

16 

6 

25 
39 

36 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade: 

12th  Minnesota 

el 

181 

163 

119 

Second  Brigade : 

1 

4 

2 

12th  New  York 

20 

166 

0 

103 

58 

60 
56 

0 
2 

Third  Brigade: 

0 

19 
0 

22 

1 

1st  New  Hampshire 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

40 

a  Clothing  indifferent. 
&  Clothing  unsatisfactory. 


c  Shirts,  leggings,  and  Mouses  poor. 
d  Some  of  clothing  poor. 


e  Sihley. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS. 


303 


Equipments,  clothing,  ordnance,  etc.,  reported  unserviceable,  First  Army  Corps, 
Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga.,  May  21  to  Junel,  1808 — Continued. 


Clothing  and  camp 
equipage. 

Ordnance  stores. 

Command. 

i 

i 

6 
m 

3 

s 

Xtl 

E 

§ 

GO 

1 

■ 
• 

o 
f. 

! 

05 

a 

3 

i 
a 

& 

9 
0 

I 

CO 

1 

i 

00 

1 
1 

OS 

<s 
M 
o 

,Q 
O 
Bj 

1 

O 

i 

h 
IS 
J 

3 
h5 

a 
bfl 

| 

i 

o 

00 

M 

j 
1 

CD 

M 

to 
E 

■ 
> 

w 

00* 

1 

CD 

1 

a 

o 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

1st  Ohio 

a  37 
(&) 
(6) 

42 

Second  Brigade : 

4th  Ohio        

3d    Illinois   

(«) 

(d) 

dl04 
105 

Third  Brigade: 

16th  Pennsylvania  .. 

• 

(e) 

49 
100 

SECOND  DIVISION. 
First  Brigade : 

0 
28 
14 

28 

269 

2 

13 

136 
0 

249 

118 

69 

127 

50 
1 

50 
0 

50 

...... 

0 
24 

13 

0 
72 

0 
0 

44 

44 

26 

160th  Indiana 

Second  Brigade : 

6tn  Ohio 

9 
46 

258 

10 
60 
65 

0 

36 

103 

6 

7 
6 

144 
13 

104 

53 

245 

259 

..... 

0 

10 
0 
0 

4 
205 

37 
0 
0 

9 

87 

0 
2 

0 

4 

28 

1st  West  Virginia.. 
Third  Brigade: 

2d    Ohio 

0 

55 
104 

0 
55 

147 

2 

1st  Pennsylvania  .. 

104    

81 

162 

34 

81 

50 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

43 

63 
146 

25 

1 

3 

46 

51    

1 

79         86 
296  j 

87 

Second  Brigade : 

28 

12th  New  York 

52 
0 

0 

54 
0 

441 

3 

40 

140 
446 

290 

7 

25 
6 

0 

1 

11 
0 
0 

Third  Brigade: 

9th  Pennsylvania  . . 

14 

1 
0 

6 
0 
5 

8 

28 

104 

15 
1 

40 

1st  New  Hampshire 

4 

2 

0 

0 

0 

61 

a  107  need  repairs.        6  Good.  c  Generally  bad.         d  Repairs  needed.  e Generally  poor. 


304         INVKSTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Equipments  and  supplies  reported  needed,  First  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  H. 
Thomas,  Ga.,  May  21  to  June  1,  1898. 


Transportation . 

Clothing  and  camp  equipage. 

Command. 

00 

1° 

f! 

B 

00 

H 

i 

"8  8 

■ 

02 

O       . 
00 

u  fcl 

<£>    C 

•J 

1 

i 
! 

00 

■*> 

® -5" 
M  o 

s 

0,0 

00 

1 

00 

3 

o 

H 

FIBST  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade: 

1st  Ohio 

31 
31 
31 

29 
31 
31 

29 
27 
16 

1 
...... 

126 
126 
126 

126 
134 
126 

126 
106 
130 

4 

42 

0 

4 

126 
126 
126 

126 

134 

6186 

126 
166 
130 

2 

36 

0 

4 
16 

3 

5 

5th  Illinois 

1 

Second  Brigade : 

4th  Ohio 

4th  Pennsylvania  a 

Third  Brigade : 

16th  Pennsylvania 

1 

8 
50 

88 
913 

37 

136 

1 

10 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

79 
24 
2 

16 
2 
6 

42 
8 
3 

239 
75 
89 

275 

*926 

4 

66 
48 
37 

239 
410 
505 

759 

975 

9 

138 
299 
243 

251 

3d    Pennsylvania 

160th  Indiana 

3 

1 

1 

16 

5 

80 
103 

Second  Brigade : 

6th  Ohio 

2 

362 

427 

4 

134 

Third  Brigade : 

2d    Ohio 

291 

6 

13 

30 

2 

8 

4 

224 

THIBD  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade: 

1 

28 

cl 

3 

3 

28 
76 
19 

5 

296 
78 

7 

20 
326 
500 

199 

148 
99 
39 

66 

172 

6 

182 

Second  Brigade : 

266 

1 

12th  New  York 

1 

4 

1 

571 

Third  Brigade : 

30 

28 

112 

112 

19 

60 
3 

173 

45 

a  Complete  new  outfit  of  clothing  and  camp  equipage  needed.       6  Single  sets.         c  And  3  Sibley. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS. 


305 


Equipments  and  supplies  reported  needed,  First  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  H. 
Thomas,  Ga.,  May  21  to  June  1,  1898 — Continued. 


Clothing  and  camp  equipage. 

Medical  depart- 
ment. 

Command. 

I 

00 

i 

o 
u 
H 

fcJD 

.em 

O 

0 

°4 

e   . 

of 

."S  © 

eta 

8 
3 

■ 

i 

u 
§ 

| 

6 
53 

m 

to 

p 
"So 

© 

S3 
3  o 

0Q 

"S  » 

73    © 

O  *^ 

w 

02 

s 

'3 

I 

0 
© 

I 

'Ji 

a 

H 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

1st  Ohio 

5 

a  479 

562 

105 

Yes. 

Fes. 

Yes. 
Yes. 

Yes. 

Yes. 

(b) 

(6) 

al,025 

Yes. 

Second  Brigade: 

4th.  Ohio    



1,025 

1,025 

Yes. 

Yes. 

Third  Brigade : 

16th  Pennsylvania 

37 

228 

10 

290 

86 

139 

470 

1,414 

79 

280 

71 

347 

15 
52 

263 
582 

103 

220 

115 
262 

22 
85 

(d) 

(d) 

2 

(d) 
(d) 
Yes. 

Yes. 

Yes. 
Yes. 

Yes. 

(4) 

(d) 
Yes. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade: 

294 

105 

30 

184 
350 
45 

1 

40 
288 

319 
139 
125 

222 

1,632 
328 

65 
358 
338 

1,474 

217 

71 

203 

1,039 

12 

2,208 
376 
500 

173 

1,978 

12 

536 
97 
26 

164 

1,  626 

429 

16 
211 
248 

240 

343 

Yes. 

3d    Pennsylvania 

160th  Indiana 

333       150 
16  !     265 

Yes. 

Second  Brigade: 
6th  Ohio 

181 

272 

89 

140 

379 

63 

Yes. 

401 
159 

138 

1st  "West  Virginia 

Third  Brigade: 

2d   Ohio 

Yes. 

Yes. 

Yes. 

Yes. 

1st  Pennsylvania 

195 
269 

248 
199 

325 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

5th  Pennsylvania 

Second  Brigade : 

178 

616 
173 
960 

24 
171 
643 

172 

297 
29 
372 

100 

167 

24 

197 

444 
126 
81 

452 

172 

4 

415 

421 
a  78 
131 

380 
172 
922 

420 

485 

156 

52 

404 

258 

1,055 

486 

277 

81 

390 

205 

2 

518 

380 

280 

150 

74 

Yes. 
Yes. 

Yes. 

12th  New  York 

525 

6 
86 
18 

80 
555 

Yes. 

Third  Brigade : 

9th  Pennsylvania 

1st  New  Hampshire 

405 

Yes. 

Yes. 

a  Shirts. 

b  Undershirts. 

7833— vol.  1- 


c  Complete  new  outfit  of  clothing  and  camp  equipage  needed. 
d  Complete  outfit. 


-20 


306 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Ordnance  stores  reported  needed,  First  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga., 

May  .1  to  June  1,  1898. 


Command. 

1 

Rounds  of  hall 
cartridges. 

4 

© 

j 

1 

i 

"as 
ll 

r 

© 
•*  © 

i 
o 

i 

I 

u 

© 

M 

1 

OS 

© 
a* 
©  © 

■1 

•1 

00 

1 

1 

© 

1 
I 

i 

00 

I 

§ 

0 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade: 

1st  Ohio 

45 
56 
26 

42 

79 

Second  Brigade : 

4th  Ohio 

Third  Brigade : 

92 

105 

10 

941 

15 

18 

42 

20 

584 

49 

81 

118 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

260,  000 

911 

256 
928 

250 

941 

253 
928 

413 
195 

287 

156 
140 
294 

947 

"928' 

768 

87 

484 

69 
379 
304 

975 
286 

908 

192 

83 

223 

130 

426 
299 

238 
289 
968 

202 

85 

353 

146 
159 
304 

243 

263 

247 
0 

223 
0 

303 

160th  Indiana 

Second  Brigade: 

6th  Ohio 

928 

178 
209 
473 

100 
230 
401 

360,  000 

968 
340 

192 

111 

1st  West  Virginia 

Third  Brigade: 

2d   Ohio 

292 

102 
191 
317 

152 

128 
81 
81 

121 

166 
85 

81 

280 

140 

159 

334 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

First  Brigade : 

243 
213 

218 

227 

237 

90 
3 

294 

219 

218 
223 

196 

208 

Second  Brigade ! 

222 

12th  New  York 

26 

365 
780 
935 

3 

265 

365 

5 



11 

598 

413 

10 

16 

266 
355 
242 

92 

214 
873 

7 

111 

Third  Brigade: 

257       261 

146 

289 

350 

8 

568 

1st  New  Hampshire 

32,  995 

0 

0 

88 

INSPECTION    REPORTS. 


307 


Equipments,  clothing,  supplies,  etc.,  reported  on  hand,  unserviceable,  and  needed, 
Second  Division,  Third  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga.,June  1  to  3, 
1898. 

ON  HAND. 


Transportation. 

Clothing  and  camp  equipage. 

Command. 

J 
I 

•4 

cS 

tl 

8 
H 

BO 

<M    OS 

9 

CO 

B 

EC 

5 

*  S 
oj  s 

s| 

M 

o 

£ 

3 

■ 

B 
-4 

05 

a 

► 

m 

• 

cq 

CO 

s 

oo 

c 

00 

First  Brigade : 

137 

61 

910 

2,305 

966 

980 
942 

959 

953 
755 

953 
0 

752 

19 
16 

3 
9 

0 
3 
3 

0 

77 
65 

12 
36 

0 
12 
12 

70 
64 

12 
20 

0 
3 
6 

314         44 

1,841 

9th  New  York 

Second  Brigade : 

13 
11 

11 

a  282 
3 

45 
cl80 

306 

24 
159 

&74 
d46 
217 

972 
969 

Third  Brigade : 

0 

0 

8 

969 
""'823" 

969 

1st  Mississippi 

362 
801 

UNSERVICEABLE. 


First  Brigade: 

2d   Kentucky 

1 

i 

22 

9th  New  York 

6 

47 

Second  Brigade : 



no 

1 

15 
4 

147 

2 

Third  Brigade : 

0 

0 

175 

362 

6 

33 

5 

NEEDED. 


First  Brigade : 

2 
3 

1 
1 

14 
16 

5 

8 

1 
55 

"io6" 

624 

229 

4 

312 

2:50 

11 

325 

309 

41 

Second  Brigade : 

18 
3 

..... 
24 

108 
10 

96 

108 
6 

96 

12 

121 

13 

4 

567 

10 

1,890 

97 

566 
6 

"'6' 

563 

Third  Brigade : 

167 

945 

27 

109 

54 



2 

423 

36 

a  Various  kinds. 


b  Shelter  and  conical. 


c3  flies,  wall. 


d  2  hies,  wall. 


308 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Equipments,  clothing,  supplies,  etc.,  reported  on  hand,  unserviceable,  and  needed, 
Second  Division,  Third  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga.,  June  1  to  3 
1S98— Continued. 


ON  HAND. 


Clothing  and  equipage. 

Medical  department. 

Command. 

§ 

■ 

a 

2 

H 

,4 

§0 

1 
& 

i 

■ 

1 

1 
o 

1 

a 

•3 

I 

! 

1 

■ 

be 

i 

•a 

bo 
\ 

& 

a  . 

3  J 

"•« 

■3 

op 

1 

••£ 

s 

39 
25 
16 

125 

69 

16 
54 

00 

1 

3 

a.* 

a 

1. 
is 

a 

^a 

a 

«4 

First  Brigade: 

409 

1,747 

969 

528 
286 

970 
334 
769 

603 

1,655 

889 

793 
584 

959 

0 

802 

""94" 

74 

1,063 
641 

619 

932 
446 

1,316 

1,439 

3,280 

577 

2,791 
i.ftn2 

866 

875 
102 

863 
685 

ft 

572 

1,813 

905 

0 
1 

958 

0 

765 

..... 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

2 

1 

7 
3 

0 
3 

"Yes." 

No. 

No. 
No. 

No." 

2d   Kentucky 

9th  New  York 

Second  Brigade: 

2d   Arkansas 

No. 
Fair. 

No. 
No. 

Third  Krigade: 

0  1         0           0 

0 

1st  Mississippi 

0  1         0  1         0  I         0 
884   1-30< 

No. 

' 

UNSERVICEABLE. 


First  Brigade: 

9th  New  York 

56 



40 

Second  Brigade: 

Third  Brigade: 

177 

334 

4 

122 

8 

1st  Mississippi 

9 

80 

10 

NEEDED. 


First  Brigade : 

1st  Arkansas.. 

2d    Kentucky  . 

9th  New  York . 
Second  Brigade: 

2d    Arkansas . . 

5th  Missouri... 
Third  Brigade; 

1st  Maine 

1st  Mississippi 
52d   Iowa 


518 

309 

43 

410 
615 

168 

1,890 

32 

164 

232 

235 

156 

156 

98 

3 

100 
36 

123 

<&) 
21 

41 

(a) 
242 

94 
(b) 
67 

240 

1,940 

<&) 
64 

560 

1,941 
(b) 

0 

3,722 
(b) 

121 

1,  940 
(b) 
86 

161 

994 
66 

a  Full  supply. 


b  Full  outfit  needed. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS. 


309 


Ordnance  stores,  etc.,  reported  on  hand,  unserviceable,  and  needed,  Second  Division, 
Third  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga. ,  June  1  to  . 


ON  HAND. 


Ordnance  stores. 

Command . 

03 

m 

^  bo 
o  3 

5 

pq 

03 

© 
be 

eg 

o 

© 

r-c 
© 

,£3 

I 

© 

Hi 

•  © 

►    fed 

4 

M 

Q 

£ 

© 

to 

a 
© 

1 

■ 

0 

First  Brigade : 

88 
186 
952 

29 

84 
184 
952 

86 
170 

86 

62 

278 

02 

56 

394 

71 

76 

573 

71 

96 

620 

"132' 

622 

75 

94 

9th  New  York 

593 

Second  Brigade: 

28 

42 

926 
0 

481 

18,  440 
0 

44 

928 

0 

479 

43 

932 

0 

460 

43 

n:io 

0 
0 

43 

941 
0 
0 

Third  Brigade: 

0 

0 

453 

0 
0 

970 
0 

968 

0 

339 

UNSERVICEABLE. 


First  Brigade : 

37 

37 

37 

37 

37 

1 

3 

8 

9th  New  York 

39 

178 

5 

Second  Brigade : 

178 

178 

178 

178 

Third  Brigade : 

377 

620 

387 

13 

12 

67 

111 

8 

5 

4 

73 

NEEDED. 


First  Brigade : 

152 

76 

76 

76 

76 

76 

78 

78 

9th  New  York 

15 

944 
319 

331 

31 

944 
319 

863 

19 

""iiii," 

17 

979 
319 

21 

16 

Second  Brigade: 

14,  540 

944 
319 

2 

944 
319 

703 

951 

78 
160 

80 
2 

322 

Third  Brigade : 

68 

377 

251 

263 

294 

264 

493 

504 

a  Report  is  for  4  companies. 


b  Full  equipment  of  ordnance  stores  needed. 


310         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Ordnance  stores,  etc.,  reported  on  hand  unserviceable,  and  needed.  Second  Division. 
Third  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Oa.,  June  1  to  3,  1S98 — Cont'd. 

ON  HAND. 


Rations,  etc. 

Command. 

Rations  sat- 
isfactory. 

Properly 
cooked. 

How  often 
fresh  meat. 

What  cook- 
ing outlit. 

Is  it  com- 
plete? 

First  Brigade: 

Not  in  2  com- 
panies. 

Not  in  5  com- 
panies. 

Not  in  3  com- 
panies. 

Yes 

Yes 

Daily 

5  companies 
daily ;  oth- 
ers none. 

Twice  in  12 
days. 

Daily 

Never 

Daily 

None  in  10 

days. 
3  times  per 

week. 

Generally 

good. 
do 

Buzzacott  .. 

Sufficient 

for  present. 

Primitive . . . 

Buzzacott  .. 

do 

Buzzacott  . . 

Yes. 

2d  Kentucky 

Generally; 

yes. 

Yes 

9th  New  York 

panies. 

Second  Brigade : 

do 

No 

No 

Generally; 

yes. 
Yes 

No. 

Third  Brigade : 

Not  in  6  com- 
panies. 
Generally... 

do 

Generally. 
Yes. 

Generally... 

Generally. 

UNSERVICEABLE. 


First  Brigade : 

9th  New  York 

Second  Brigade: 

Third  Brigade : 

52d   Iowa 

1  Buzzacott. 

NEEDED. 


First  Brigade: 

9th  New  York  . . 

Second  Brigade: 

Third  Brigade: 

3  Buzzacott. 

a  Report  is  for  4  companies. 


b  Full  equipment  of  ordnance  stores  needed. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS. 


311 


Ordnance  stores,  etc.,  reported  on  hand  unserviceable  and  needed,  Second  Division. 
Third  Army  Corps,  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga. ,  June  1  to  3, 1898 — Cont'd. 

ON  HAND. 


Rations,  etc. 

Command. 

Company  funds. 

Regimental 
funds. 

Regimental 
canteens. 

What  disposi- 
tion of  canteen 
profits. 

First  Brigade: 

No... 

No 

2d  Kentucky 

do 

do    

do 

9th  New  York 

Yes 

Second  Brigade : 

No 

No 

No 

do 

do 

do  . . . 

Third  Brigade : 

Tes;    in     most 

companies. 
No 

Yes 

No 

No... 

do  .  . 

. .  .do  . . 

...do  .. 

UNSERVICEABLE. 


First  Brigade : 

:::::::::::::::::: 

9th  New  York 

Second  Brigade: 



Third  Brigade: 

1st  Maine 



1st  Mississippi 

52d  Iowa 

NEEDED. 


First  Brigade : 

1st  Arkansas 

2d  Kentucky 

9th  New  York 

Second  Brigade : 

2d  Arkansas 

5th  Missouri  (a) 
Third  Brigade : 

1st  Maine 

1st  Mississippi  (6) 

52d  Iowa 


a  Report  is  for  4  companies. 


fcFull  equipment  of  ordnance  stores  needed, 


312         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Inclosure  E. 

OBSERVATIONS  AND  MEMORANDA  DURING   EXPEDITION  TO  CUBA. 

1.  Intrenching  tools. 

2.  Lessons  of  the  expedition,  need  of  strategic  staff,  etc. 

3.  The  present  military  problem. 

INTRENCHING  TOOLS. 

It  is  believed  that  special  attention  should  be  called  to  the  general  absence  of 
intrenching  tools  as  a  regular  part  of  the  equipment  of  the  troops.  Hardly  any 
intrenching  tools,  save  the  usual  small  number  of  picks  and  shovels  for  public 
purposes,  accompany  this  expedition;  though  this  nation,  in  the  war  of  the  rebel- 
lion, brought  the  use  of  hasty  intrenchments  into  such  prominence  as  to  mate- 
rially affect  the  tactics  and  strategy  of  its  armies.  If  the  use  of  the  bayonet  or 
other  makeshifts  for  this  purpose  was  formerly  inadequate,  it  is  no  longer  so. 
The  modern  shelter  trench  for  skirmishers  is  normally  2\-  feet  in  thickness,  for 
protection  against  the  penetration  of  modern  small  arms,  and  this  would  seem  to 
require  the  use  of  a  tool  specially  adapted  for  the  purpose  required.  So  patent  has 
this  need  become  that  one  young  company  commander  is  said  to  have  purchased 
mason's  trowels  at  Tampa,  for  the  use  of  his  company  in  Cuba. 

LESSONS   OP  THE   EXPEDITION— STRATEGIC   STAFF,  ETC. 

This  expedition  is  composed  of  the  flower  of  the  American  Army.  Despite  the 
newspaper  freedom  of  assertion,  its  purpose  is  said  to  be  definitely  known  to  but 
few,  but  it  is  doubtless  worthy  of  its  high  quality.  America  has  no  fighting  force 
of  equal  size,  worthy  to  represent  her,  if  this  is  not.  Every  general  and  line  officer 
has  come  up  through  the  different  grades  in  her  military  service,  and  is  as  ripe  as 
any  we  have  for  their  respective  commands;  and  many  of  the  staff  officers  have 
had  broad  experience  perhaps  even  in  their  present  particular  positions.  The 
adaptability  of  Americans  is  illustrated  by  the  admirable  work  being  done  by 
many  officers  outside  their  own  legitimate  field.  Officers  of  the  line  are  doing 
every  kind  of  staff  duty  in  a  manner  it  is  impossible  to  too  highly  appreciate.  The 
elasticity  and  adventurousness  of  youthful  vigor  may  occasionally  be  somewhat 
lacking,  and  the  siege  artillery  material  may  lack  preliminary  adjustment  and 
practice  in  expeditions  seaward;  or  even  in  the  ordinary  experience  in  the  practi- 
cal maneuvers  of  large  bodies  of  men,  and  under  a  questionable  policy  is  particu- 
larly deficient  in  military  transportations.    An  immobile  army  is  ridiculous. 

Many  foreign  countries  are  also  studying  every  detail  and  the  varying  phases 
of  this  expedition  with  most  critical  care,  for  few  are  exempt  from  similar  possi- 
bilities. The  Fifth  Corps  is  not  alone  in  need  of  all  the  benefits  that  can  be  gleaned 
from  such  experience;  the  whole  army  should  derive  full  advantage  from  it.  The 
difficulties  have  been  immense,  and  have  been  overcome  with  remarkable  energy. 
Only  the  ultimate  result  can  fully  prove  how  well  or  how  ill  every  possible  con- 
tingency has  been  provided  for  and  met.  The  careful,  painstaking  preparation 
and  study  of  every  detail  of  the  problem  to  be  met,  and  the  persistent  exertion  to 
fully  meet  it  to  the  utmost  limit  of  the  powers  of  a  great  department  of  the  Gov- 
ernment, and  with  the  combined  provision  and  united  effort  of  every  bureau, 
which  was  so  admirably  illustrated  in  the  naval  expedition  to  the  Philippines,  is, 
of  course,  also  to  be  expected  in  this  earliest  military  expedition. 

From  ordnance  to  small  stores  and  air  space  every  detail  has  doubtless  been 
thought  out;  and  now,  with  the  experience  fresh  on  hand  affecting  every  branch, 
both  of  supply  and  of  those  who  use  the  supplies,  can  not  all  be  called  upon  to  record 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  313 

the  lesson  thus  learned  from  experience?  There  is  little  or  no  time  for  this  under 
the  pressure  of  stirring  events,  but  even  a  word  in  season  may  be  important.  For 
instance,  the  system  of  communicating  at  sea,  whether  by  voice,  by  dispatches,  by 
signals,  or  in  person,  deserves  to  be  carefully  provided  for  in  every  detail  and 
with  every  appliance.  Otherwise  there  may  be  most  unnecessary  delays  and 
annoyances.  In  loading,  General  Chaffee's  command,  of  General  Lawton's  divi- 
sion, furnished  a  good  model,  as  might  well  be  expected  of  two  such  officers. 
The  wisdom  of  guarding  so  large  a  fleet  from  being  unduly  emasculated  by  slow 
or  ill-conditioned  members  or  tours  goes  without  saying,  as  the  speed  of  all  is 
measured  by  the  slowest,  and  results  may  depend  upon  united  effort.  The  need 
of  adequate  terminal  facilities  is  evident,  both  for  the'  railroad  and  steamers, 
but  marking  each  car  with  its  contents  seems  not  to  receive  due  attention,  espe- 
cially when  they  are  gorged  and  side-tracked  for  scores  of  miles.  And  the 
advantage  of  starting  from  a  large  commercial  center  where  any  shortage  can 
promptly  be  made  good  and  competition  will  control  prices  and  expedite  work 
and  furnish  experts  for  every  exigency,  needs  no  comment.  How  much  atten- 
tion has  been  given  these  matters  and  how  much  effort  to  fully  provide  for 
the  difficulties  of  landing,  can  be  best  told  by  the  officers  controlling  the 
different  features  of  this  great  expedition;  and  they  can  best  tell  how  the  conven- 
iences and  means  provided  can,  if  possible,  be  still  further  improved.  The 
military  service  furnishes  no  better  officers.  I  have  already  taken  such  action, 
by  telegraph  and  otherwise,  as  may  indicate  my  special  appreciation  of  the  work 
done  by  Deputy  Quartermaster-General  C.  F.  Humphrey.  The  way  such  a  vol- 
canic eruption  overwhelms  the  ordinary  operations  of  a  small  town  may  be  illus- 
trated by  the  tons  of  mail  matter  that  almost  swamped  the  post-office,  both  here 
and  at  Camp  George  H.  Thomas.  If  simple  little  matters  like  letters  voluntarily 
supplied  complete  for  transportation  clog  one  greatf  department,  the  work  given 
the  other  may  be  more  easily  appreciated. 

The  great  lack  in  the  Army  to  positively  insure  coherent,  prompt,  and  effective 
work  in  the  field  is  the  well-recognized  need  of  a  body  of  skillful  and  trusted 
officers,  duly  organized  into  the  strategic  staff,  such  as  all  continental  armies  pos- 
sess— absolutely  disconnected  from  all  entanglements  or  organic  connection  with 
any  other  branch  of  the  line  or  staff,  but  equally  in  touch  with  all.  The  over- 
whelming details  of  returns  and  reports  and  requisitions  and  accounts  and  spe- 
cial orders  and  correspondence  which  legitimately  devolve  upon  our  present 
bureaus,  and  must  cling  to  them  as  fatally  as  the  poisoned  shirt  of  Nessus.  But 
the  higher  general  staff  our  service  needs  should  be  free  from  all  this,  so  that  its 
highest  trained  military  officers  can  give  their  undivided  attention  to  the  system- 
atic preparation  and  execution  of  every  important  military  affair  in  easy  mastery 
of  all  necessary  knowledge,  and  with  previous  assignment  of  the  proper  officer 
to  every  necessary  duty,  and  the  indefatigable  pressure  and  watchful  attention 
from  start  to  finish  to  every  step,  so  they  are  the  quiet  right-hand  of  the 
executive,  and  then  their  one  word  "  mobilize  "  means  and  accomplishes  more 
under  their  ordinary  care  than  can  mountains  of  less  skillfully  directed  and  per- 
fectly organized  and  single-headed  work.  Such  a  strategical  staff  would  permit 
no  symptoms  of  chaos;  would  hold  all  to  their  full  and  proper  work,  and  would 
mold  the  organized  forces  and  control  their  movements,  so  that  the  Secretary 
and  all  commanders  would  feel  the  national  Army  responsive  to  their  touch  and 
will  as  a  bridle-wise  charger.  It  is  a  consummation  devoutly  to  be  wished,  and  it 
is  respectfully  submitted  that  Major-General  Otis,  or  some  superior  officer,  could 
organize  such  a  strategic  staff,  and  prove  its  invaluable  services  to  our  country  if 
afforded  the  opportunity  under  the  present  exigencies.  Such  a  staff  has,  in  other 
countries,  been  called  the  brains  of  the  army;  it  is  instinct  with  horsemanship 
and  work  in  the  open,  rather  than  office  desks  and  the  combinations  they  instinc- 
tively effect. 


314         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

THE  PRESENT  MILITARY   PROBLEM. 

In  considering  the  present  military  problem,  would  it  be  untimely  to  submit 
that  the  adventure  at  the  Philippines  can  be  fairly  accepted  as  setting  the  key- 
note to  the  campaign  and  war,  and  it  might  look  like  inconstancy  to  vary  much 
from  it,  unless  most  favorable  openings  or  pressing  necessities  arise.  If  it  is 
determined  that  in  this  war  we  can  not  reach  the  heart  or  vitals  of  Spain,  is  it  also 
impossible  to  lop  off  her  limbs?  And  if  practicable  we  should  hold  something  in 
hand  to  insure  an  early  peace.  Every  nation  has  its  vital  lines;  and  our  war  is 
with  Spain,  whose  grasp  on  Cuba  must  necessarily  be  relaxed  when  she  finds  it 
costing  all  her  possessions  elsewhere.  This  is  what  Cuba  can  not  do  for  herself, 
and  what  she  may  well  thank  us  for  doing  for  her.  What  we  are  doing  and  have 
done,  even  while  training  our  improvised  Army,  and  at  the  time  of  year  she  can 
strike  best  and  strongest  for  herself,  has  certainly  been  already  effective  against 
her  tyrannical  enemy;  and  all  the  influences  of  time  are  now  with  us  if  we  can  be 
strongly  patient  and  persistent  in  the  course  thus  set.  To  secure  a  permanent  place 
promptly  the  Mediterranean  may  not  offer  to  a  bold  and  capable  commander 
more  effective  opportunity  than  the  Caribbean  Sea.  To  concentrate  all  military 
effort  upon  the  single  island  of  Cuba,  which  we  have  declared  we  do  not  wish 
to  hold,  which  Spain  may  already  anticipate  that  destiny  compels  her  to  abandon, 
may,  merely  by  undue  haste,  cost  valuable  lives,  intensify  the  strife  there,  attack 
the  least  vulnerable  and  fatal  spot,  impose  no  new  loss  nor  danger  upon  our 
enemy,  and  may  hamper  or  weaken  our  diplomatic  position.  We  must  try  to 
make  an  impression  upon  Spain  where  she  lives,  and  strike  if  possible  the  solar- 
plexus  blow,  now  that  the  pace  is  set. 


Appendix. 


REPORT  OF  A   TOUR  OF    DUTY  WITH    THE   ARMY   OF  INVASION  OF  CUBA,   JUNE 

5  TO  JULY  25,  1898. 

On  Board  Transport  Hudson, 
En  route  from  Santiago  de  Cuba  to  the  United  States,  July  25, 1898. 
Sir:  Unless  Spain  could  display  some  dominance  or  peculiar  aggressiveness  in 
her  sea  power  the  absolute  security  of  the  United  States  on  land  was  assured,  and 
the  interest  of  the  present  expedition  was  therefore  largely  centered  in  the  possi- 
bility of  destroying  Cervera's  fleet  at  Santiago,  and  thereby  removing  all  possibility 
of  aggression  on  the  part  of  Spain.  In  the  broadest  view  of  the  situation,  the 
quickest  way  to  insure  peace  may  now  lie  in  an  assault  upon  the  resources  or 
domination  of  Spain  nearest  to  her  vital  lines  of  commerce,  and  therefore  rather 
in  the  Mediterranean  than  the  Caribbean  Sea.  But  in  June,  and  merely  locally, 
the  navy  had  its  attention  centered  upon  Guantanamo  Bay,  which  it  was  using 
as  its  secondary  base,  and  Santiago  de  Cuba,  in  which  it  was  intently  watching 
the  fleet  of  Cervera.  There  was,  therefore,  some  reason  to  effect  a  landing  some- 
where between  these  two  points,  although  points  at  the  mouth  of  the  harbor  and 
also  those  west  might  be  brought  up  for  consideration,  as  in  the  one  case  giving 
a  general  opportunity  for  the  navy  to  clear  the  torpedoes  and  mines  away,  and 
in  Cabanas  Bay,  on  the  other  hand,  might  be  found  special  advantages  for  landing 
large  bodies  of  troops  in  small  boats.  But  Daiquiri  having  been  selected,  the  land- 
ing could  not  have  been  effected  with  less  loss,  and  the  movements  of  the  troops 
thereafter  were  merely  limited  by  the  speed  with  which  supplies  could  be  gotten 
from  the  vessels,  even  with  the  advantage  of  Siboney  also,  both  of  which  were 
little  more  than  indentations  on  an  open  coast  without  landing  facilities.  And  it 
was  seldom,  indeed,  that  the  supplies  were  brought  up  to  the  fighting  lines  in  any 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  315 

great  excess  of  their  immediate  needs,  and  the  entire  absence  of  the  usual  comforts 
and  conveniences  of  even  the  simplest  army  life  during  the  whole  of  this  expedi- 
tion, and  sometimes  of  medical  essentials  even  in  the  hour  of  utmost  need,  was  one 
of  its  most  marked  features  after  landing.  Even  the  shelter  tents  and  flies  were 
abandoned,  and  all  bivouacked  without  the  wall  tent  General  Grant  allowed  brigade 
and  division  headquarters,  or  the  common  tent  he  allowed  companies  at  Vicks- 
burg  when  starting.  The  energy  with  which  every  element  was  driven  from  first 
to  last  will  be  sufficiently  understood  when  such  men  as  General  Shatter  and 
Colonels  Humphrey  and  Weston  had  the  task  in  hand.  The  liberality  with  which 
every  necessary  article  was  purchased  that  could  be  found  in  the  market  goes 
without  saying.  But  the  means  for  expediting  the  landing  of  stores  seemed  inade- 
quate even  to  the  last,  and  it  is  understood  that  lighter  after  lighter  ordered  to 
the  Cuban  coast  was  sunk  at  sea,  and  the  lack  of  quick  communication  between 
the  vessels  or  of  any  launches  was  apparently  irremediable.  The  extent  to  which 
the  transports  suffered  in  their  ground  tackles,  capstans,  small  boats,  and  other 
paraphernalia,  and  the  dread  their  masters  had  of  even  greater  loss  on  such  a 
surf -beaten,  rock-bound  shore  was  constantly  shown,  and  the  navy  appeared  to 
leave  the  army  at  last  much  to  its  own  devices. 

It  was  natural  to  suppose  that  there  might  well  be  heavy  loss  in  such  an  adven- 
ture at  at  least  three  points,  to  wit:  The  landing  place,  at  some  intermediate 
fortified  position  like  San  Juan,  and  in  the  final  assault  or  contest;  but  all  the 
loss  in  battle  was  concentrated  practically  in  the  single  battle  of  the  1st  and  2d  of 
July.  The  several  organizations  appear  content  with  how  they  played  their  own 
part  and  with  their  immediate  commanders,  and  look  upon  the  demands  made 
upon  them  as  at  least  up  to  the  usual  powers  of  man,  and  worthily  met. 

Great  security  was  given  to  the  enemy  by  the  blockhouses,  wire  entanglements, 
etc. ,  created  during  the  long  course  of  defensive  construction  for  the  purpose  of 
dominating  the  country  from  the  insurgents,  and  it  is  remarkable  that  such 
ubiquitous  defenses  were  not  more  frequently  defended.  Special  interest  was 
given  to  this  battle,  where  our  men  for  the  first  time  faced  smokeless  powder  in 
rapid-fire  Mauser  guns  handled  by  men  in  invisible  rifle  pits,  to  whom  every  ford 
and  road  were  absolutely  familiar  objects.  To  most  of  our  enlisted  men,  all  of 
whonvwere  regulars  but  three  regiments — the  First  Volunteer  Cavalry,  Second 
Massachusetts,  and  Seventy-first  New  York — this  was  the  first  battle  against  a 
civilized  foe.  In  peace  our  Army  is  administered  rather  by  post  and  departments, 
and  our  staff  officers  are  diligent  at  their  desks,  especially  in  the  bureaus.  Now 
the  regiments  and  brigades  were  recognized  in  campaign,  where  nearly  every 
officer  is  performing  unwonted  duties,  even  among  the  regulars,  so  there  are  some 
of  the  usual  indications  of  unfamiliar  occupations. 

Nothing  like  the  usual  proportion  of  artillery  was  present  on  the  field  to  aid 
the  other  arms  as  accessories  before  the  fact,  and  comments  on  and  results  of 
this  can  come  best  from  line  officers  of  the  other  arms.  The  remarkable  marks- 
manship of  our  trained  soldiers  was  hardly  more  exploited  than  the  gross  igno- 
rance of  our  recruits.  The  books  say  that  it  ought  not  to  be  possible  to  success- 
fully assault  in  front  unshaken,  still  more,  well-fortified  infantry,  under  modern 
conditions.  But  in  this  instance  dismounted  cavalry,  as  well  as  its  confrere  of  the 
infantry  arm,  did,  without  bayonets,  successfully  assault  infantry  posted  on  com- 
manding ground,  behind  water,  well  intrenched,  valiant  and  unshaken,  and  the 
severity  of  the  task  is  indicated  by  the  list  of  casualties,  as  compared  with  the 
actual  numbers  the  immediately  opposing  trenches  will  hold.  And  when  the  fight 
was  over,  though  successful  everywhere,  we  had  no  reserves — Bates's  independent 
brigade  having  been  in  the  assault  first  at  Caney  and  then  by  a  night  march 
reenforcing  the  left  at  San  Juan,  as  Lawton's  division  also  came  from  Caney  to 
the  right  at  San  Juan  under  most  urgent  calls.    It  was  afterwards  supposed  that 


31()         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

the  gap  between  our  right  and  the  bay  was  closed  by  Garcia's  forces,  and  the 
demand  for  the  surrender  of  the  Spaniards  was  made  prior  to  any  knowledge  of 
the  intention  of  Cervera  to  escape  with  his  fleet  or  the  arrival  of  the  enemy's 
reenforcements.  Such  a  conjunction  of  events  may  indicate  the  rapidity  of  the 
changes  of  the  situation. 

Doubtless  through  telegrams  and  otherwise  there  have  been  sufficient  indica- 
tions of  the  intense  strain  in  the  whole  military  situation  on  the  field  of  operations 
which  led  to  the  consultation  at  the  El  Poso  house  on  the  night  of  July  2,  and  to 
some  of  the  general  officers  favoring  a  retrograde  movement  during  the  day  or 
two  prior  to  our  intrenchments  taking  shape  and  the  armistice  being  agreed  upon, 
which  latter  remained  almost  unbroken  until  the  surrender.  The  part  I  played 
in  the  consideration  of  these  questions  will  probably,  and  may  as  well,  remain 
unrecorded,  and  needs  merely  to  be  referred  to  here.  Probably  it  is  now  evident 
to  all  that  it  was  far  better  to  stand  steadfast,  and  perhaps  quite  possible  to 
advance  rather  than  retreat,  so  near  the  4th  of  July;  and  certainly  we  have  dem- 
onstrated our  ability  to  hold  our  own.  Indeed,  the  fighting  of  this  army  came  up 
to  the  highest  expectations,  and  accomplished  results  beyond  what  it  is  usual  to 
expect  of  a  force  so  constituted.  And  Cervera's  fleet  and  every  fortification  or 
armed  organization  to  whose  protection  he  had  run  is  now  numbered  among 
the  American  conquests.  And  at  the  moment  this  was  attained  this  tour  ended, 
and,  under  orders  already  received,  I  turned  to  Washington  to  submit  my  report, 
and  then  report  to  General  Brooke  for  assignment  to  the  command  of  a  division. 
And  I  have  already  submitted  a  partial  report,  to  which  this  is  a  conclusion;  and 
have  submitted  also,  by  telegraph,  my  earnest  desire  that  the  command  given  to 
me  should  be  in  the  face  of  the  enemy. 

EMBARKATION. 

Port  Tampa,  Fla. ,  was  selected  as  the  place  for  the  embarkation  of  the  first 
expedition  for  the  invasion  of  Cuba,  the  army  of  invasion  being  under  the  com- 
mand of  Maj.  Gen.  William  R.  Shafter,  United  States  Volunteers.  Port  Tampa 
is  at  the  head  of  Tampa  Bay,  and  about  30  miles  from  the  bar.  It  could  be  easily 
protected  from  such  small  Spanish  vessels  as  could  threaten  it  by  two  or  three 
small  vessels  of  our  Navy.  The  distance  from  Port  Tampa  to  Cuba  is  "shorter 
than  from  any  other  point  on  our  mainland.  From  the  city  of  Tampa  to  the  port 
is  about  10  miles.  The  country  is  flat  and  sandy,  covered  with  an  open  pine  for- 
est. The  docking  facilities  at  Port  Tampa  are  for  steamship  lines  running  from 
this  point  to  the  various  points  in  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  The  railway  facilities 
consist  of  a  single  line  of  a  single-track  railroad,  connected  with  the  northern 
and  eastern  roads  near  Jacksonville,  some  200  miles  from  Tampa.  Great  con- 
gestion occurred  on  this  road,  and  consequently  delayed  in  bringing  troops  and 
supplies.  Whether  this  could  have  been  remedied,  in  part  at  least,  by  special 
management  under  military  authority  or  otherwise,  or  by  adopting  another  point 
of  departure  is  a  matter  worthy  of  inquiry  and  consideration. 

The  troops  were  encamped  in  the  vicinity  of  Tampa  for  several  weeks  before 
actually  going  on  board  ship,  during  which  time  their  facilities  for  drill,  target 
practice,  or  military  exercises  were  limited. 

The  health  of  the  troops  was  generally  good,  though  the  climate  was  hot;  much 
hotter  than  most  of  the  troops  were  accustomed  to.  Good  potable  water  was  not 
to  be  found  in  the  vicinity,  but  was  brought  from  a  distance.  The  transports 
employed  were  those  engaged  for  the  most  part  in  trade  between  the  United 
States,  the  West  Indies,  and  Central  America.  Some  of  the  transports  were  freight 
steamers,  and  were  fitted  up  between  decks  with  temporary  berths  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  troops.  As  a  rule  these  berths  were  quite  narrow  and  in  tiers  of 
three.   Ventilation  was  not  good.    In  some  cases  temporary  structures  were  made  on 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  317 

the  upper  decks  to  accommodate  the  officers,  there  not  being  sufficient  cabin  room 
on  the  ships.  Animals  were,  as  a  rule,  carried  on  steamers  built  for  that  purpose. 
After  the  transports  were  loaded  it  was  found  that  some  were  overcrowded, 
and  it  was  feared  that  fevers  might  break  out  from  the  unsanitary  condition  result- 
ing from  crowding.  Other  transports  were  brought  in  and  the  number  of  troops 
on  the  crowded  vessels  was  reduced.  It  may  be  stated  here  that  there  was  very 
little  sickness  among  the  troops  on  the  journey,  although  it  was  a  longer  one  than 
was  contemplated  when  the  troops  were  put  aboard.  It  was  necessary  to  tow 
lighters  and  water-carrying  vessels,  resulting  in  reducing  the  speed  of  the  fleet 
much  below  that  of  the  ordinary  speed  of  the  slowest  vessel  in  the  fleet.  One  of 
the  scows,  bought  at  Tampa,  was  lost  en  route,  and  the  landing  facilities  were  far 
from  adequate;  so  that  both  the  embarkation  and  debarkation  were  most  laborious, 
though  driven  by  men  of  the  utmost  energy. 

JOURNEY. 

After  passing  the  bar  the  fleet  was  formed  up  in  three  columns,  the  columns 
being  about  1,000  yards  from  each  other,  and  the  distance  between  the  vessels  in 
the  same  column  being  about  400  yards.  It  was  found  that  during  the  night  the 
column  would  string  out  to  much  greater  length  than  during  the  daytime,  and 
several  instances  occurred  of  vessels  having  barges  in  tow  being  obliged  to  fall 
behind  the  column;  and  one  lighter  was  completely  lost,  and  a  steamer  ordered  to 
accompany  the  fleet  (the  Uncle  Sam)  failed  to  do  so. 

The  convoy  consisted  of  5  small  naval  vessels  until  the  fleet  reached  a  point 
between  the  Dry  Tortugas  and  Key  West,  where  10  more  naval  vessels,  one  of 
them  being  the  battleship  Indiana,  joined  the  fleet,  making  a  convoy  of  some  15 
vessels  along  the  northern  coast  of  Cuba.  The  weather  was  fine  from  the  time 
the  fleet  started  from  Tampa  until  it  reached  the  southern  coast  of  Cuba;  the 
only  rough  weather  encountered  being  that  in  the  Windward  Passage.  Only  a  few 
animals  died  en  route.  The  fleet  sailed  from  Port  Tampa  on  June  14  and  arrived 
off  Santiago  de  Cuba  June  20. 

LANDING. 

The  coast  of  Cuba  in  the  vicinity  of  Santiago  Bay  is  steep  and  rocky,  with  few 
good  landing  places.  There  was  at  Daiquiri  an  iron  pier  used  by  a  railroad  com- 
pany for  unloading  iron  ore,  and  also  a  part  of  a  wharf  was  still  standing.  The 
beach,  while  having  considerable  surf,  was  still  not  too  rough  to  permit  the  land- 
ing of  horses  and  mules  by  swimming  ashore.  On  the  20th  a  reconnoissance  was 
made  east  and  west  of  Santiago  Bay,  and  the  commanding  general  went  ashore  at 
Aserradero,  about  18  miles  west  of  Santiago.  This  point  was  in  the  hands  of  the 
Cubans,  and  the  landing  was  made  for  the  purpose  of  a  conference  with  General 
Garcia,  the  Cuban  leader.  On  June  21,  plans  for  a  landing  were  made  out  and 
transmitted  to  the  various  commanders.  On  the  22d  the  Navy  bombarded  all 
the  villages  along  the  coast  in  the  vicinity  of  Santiago,  and  under  cover  of  this 
fire  an  unopposed  landing  was  made  by  our  troops  at  Daiquiri.  As  the  water  in 
the  small  bay  was  not  deep  enough  for  ships  to  come  alongside  the  wharf,  it  was 
necessary  to  make  the  landing  in  small  boats  belonging  to  the  transports  and  to 
the  Navy.  The  Navy  furnished  the  steam  launches  to  tow  these  boats  back  and 
forth  between  the  shore  and  transports.  The  distance  required  of  some  appeared 
excessive  and  communications  between  vessels  habitually  slow. 

THE  ADVANCE. 

As  soon  as  landed,  the  troops  formed  and  moved  inland,  taking  up  positions 
along  the  banks  of  the  Daiquiri  River,  and  extending  to  a  distance  of  about  H 
miles  from  the  village  of  Daiquiri.     A  number  of  Cubans  that  had  been  landed 


318         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

the  night  previous  at  a  point  east  of  Daiquiri  marched  westward,  and  entered 
Daiquiri  from  the  land  side  at  about  the  same  time  our  first  troops  landed. 
Under  the  circumstances,  the  landing  of  our  troops  was  necessarily  slow.  No 
horses  were  landed  on  the  first  day,  and  less  than  one  division  of  soldiers  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  ashore.  On  the  23d  the  landing  of  troops  continued,  and  the 
advance  pushed  on  to  Siboney,  a  coast  village  about  9  miles  distant  from  Dai- 
quiri. Horses  and  mules  were  landed  by  swimming,  and  in  the  afternoon  we 
began  to  land  troops  at  Siboney,  where  the  beach,  though  not  extensive,  was  much 
smoother  than  at  Daiquiri.  There  was  no  wharf  at  Siboney,  but  later  on  a  small 
one  was  built  by  the  engineers  from  timbers  found  in  a  sawmill  near  by,  belonging 
to  the  Juragua  Mining  Company.  Perhaps  a  battalion  would  have  been  captured 
at  Siboney  if  a  single  staff  officer  had  had  a  horse  to  carry  the  order. 

THE   FIRST   RESISTANCE. 

On  the  24th  the  landing  of  troops  continued.  The  advance,  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, reached  the  Las  Guasimas,  about  4  miles  west  of  Siboney,  where  a  skir- 
mish had  occurred  the  day  before  between  Cubans  and  Spaniards,  in  which  1 
Cuban  was  killed  and  8  wounded.  Here  our  advance  met  a  portion  of  the  enemy 
posted  behind  stone  walls  on  a  very  high  and  steep  hill,  and  facing  a  point  in  the 
road  which  was  necessary  for  our  troops  to  pass  on  marching  from  a  sunken  road 
into  the  open  space.  Here  occurred  what  has  since  been  called  the  action  of  Las 
Guasimas.  The  First  and  Tenth  regiments  of  regular  cavalry  (dismounted)  de- 
ployed, and  charged  up  the  hill  in  front;  the  First  Volunteer  Cavalry  deployed 
upon  the  other  or  ridge  road  from  Siboney,  which  forks  at  this  point  with  the 
valley  road,  and  charged  in  flank  on  the  left,  driving  the  enemy  from  his  position, 
but  not  until  we  had  sustained  severe  losses  in  both  killed  and  wounded.  Our 
forces  pushed  on,  and  at  nightfall  occupied  a  line  a  mile  or  more  in  advance  of 
the  position  occupied  by  the  enemy  in  the  morning.  The  conduct  of  the  troops, 
both  white  and  colored,  regular  and  volunteer,  was  most  gallant  and  soldierly, 
and  General  Young's  dispositions,  plan,  and  execution  were  skillful,  dashing,  and 
successful. 

It  may  be  said  in  general  with  regard  to  the  roads  in  this  portion  of  Cuba  that 
they  are  not  wagon  roads,  but  are  simply  trails  for  pack  or  riding  animals.  Some 
of  them  have  been  used,  doubtless,  in  times  past  for  carts,  but  are  now  in  such 
condition  as  to  require  special  preparation  before  being  passable  for  wheeled 
vehicles.  The  soil  is  rich  and  supports  a  luxuriant  growth  of  trees,  brush,  and 
vines,  making  a  chaparral  rather  noticeably  thorny  and  poisonous,  that  is  often 
impossible  to  penetrate  unaided  by  the  machete.  On  the  hill  and  between  the 
river  valleys  the  soil  is  rather  porous,  and,  as  soon  as  broken  down  in  any  way,  is 
readily  washed  away  by  the  heavy  rains,  so  that  sunken  roads  are  very  common, 
though  the  ridge  road  was  less  sunken  than  that  in  the  valley,  which  was  most 
used  by  the  army.  The  streams  in  this  vicinity  are  for  the  most  part  readily 
fordable,  except  for  a  few  hours  immediately  after  heavy  and  long-continued 
rains.  The  roads  become  then  almost  impassable,  but  dry  up  very  quickly  after 
the  rains  are  over.  Concerning  the  rains,  we  did  not  find  that  they  occur  with 
that  regularity  that  we  had  been  led  to  expect.  Several  days  will  pass  without 
rain,  and  while  a  great  majority  of  the  rains  do  occur  in  the  afternoon,  it  still 
does  occasionally  rain  in  the  morning  and  during  the  night.  During  these  first 
few  days,  while  we  were  slowly  landing  our  troops,  the  enemy  seemed  to  display 
no  activity  or  enterprise,  and  our  base  and  flanks  were  securely  protected  by  very 
small  guards.     Disembarking  stores  continued  a  thankless,  fateful  task. 

On  June  25  our  advance  occupied  the  high  ridge  of  Sa villa  in  full  view  oi 
the  city  of  Santiago,  and  about  5  or  6  miles  distant  from  it — Lawtoifs  division 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  319 

(Second)  in  advance,  Wheeler's  dismounted  cavalry  some  distance  behind  Lawton, 
and  Kent's  (First)  division  coming  up  in  the  rear  of  Wheeler. 

On  the  27th  the  advance  continued,  the  outpost  having  reached  points  within 
3  or  4  miles  from  the  city  of  Santiago,  the  order  of  the  advance  remaining  the 
same.  The  light  batteries,  as  they  came  up,  passed  through  Kent's  division  into 
camp  near  Wheeler's  division,  about  the  center  of  the  entire  army  as  it  then 
stood.  The  mounted  squadron  of  the  Second  Cavalry  occupied  a  position  near 
the  light  batteries.  On  this  date,  also,  transports  containing  reenforcements 
began  to  arrive. 

On  the  28th  the  reenforcements  land  and  go  into  camp  near  Siboney,  On  the 
29th  General  Shafter  came  ashore  with  his  staff,  moved  out  to  the  front,  and 
there  established  his  headquarters  beside  General  Lawton's.  General  Ludlow  had 
assumed  command  of  his  brigade  and  reconnoitered  the  commanding  ground  on 
the  left  of  the  road  well  beyond  El  Poso. 

BATTLE   OF  EL  CANEY. 

On  the  30th  General  Lawton,  commanding  the  Second  Division,  accompanied 
by  his  brigade  commanders  and  myself,  made  a  thorough  reconnoissance  of  the 
terrain  about  the  village  of  El  Caney,  which  lies  some  3  miles  northeast  of  San- 
tiago; and  there  was  afterwards  a  gathering  of  general  officers  on  the  afternoon 
of  this  date  at  General  Shafter 's  headquarters.  Orders  were  issued  for  an  attack 
to  take  place  July  1  on  El  Caney,  with  a  view  to  making  a  turning  movement, 
swinging  well  to  our  right  and  passing  through  the  village  of  El  Caney  and  strik- 
ing the  left  flank  of  the  enemy,  perhaps  ultimately  reaching  to  the  northern  side 
of  Santiago.  In  order  that  troops  should  be  in  position  to  begin  this  movement 
early  in  the  morning,  they  are  moved  out  of  their  camps  late  this  afternoon  and 
marched  during  the  early  part  of  the  night,  bivouacking  near  the  roads,  ready  to 
take  up  their  position  in  the  battle  line  at  earliest  dawn.  It  may  be  worthy  of 
remark  that  the  moon  favored  us  during  all  the  latter  part  of  June  and  early  part 
of  July,  enabling  us  to  use  many  hours  of  the  night  for  movements  that  would 
not  have  been  possible  in  darkness. 

At  early  dawn  of  July  1  the  troops  of  Lawton's  division  started  into  the  posi- 
tion previously  designated  for  them  to  occupy.  The  one  battery  of  artillery 
assigned  to  duty  with  this  division  for  the  day  occupied  a  position  overlooking 
the  village  of  El  Caney,  2,400  yards  distant.  General  Chaffee's  brigade  took  up  a 
position  east  of  the  village,  ready  to  carry  the  town  as  soon  as  it  should  have 
been  bombarded  by  the  artillery.  General  Ludlow's  brigade  took  up  a  position 
west  of  the  village,  in  order  to  cut  off  the  retreat  of  the  Spaniards  when  they 
should  be  driven  out  and  attempt  to  retreat  to  the  city  of  Santiago.  But  with 
soldierly  instinct  and  admirable  effect  he  closed  in  upon  the  defenses  of  the  vil- 
lage, and  his  white  sailor  hat  became  a  target  for  the  enemy  during  the  hours  he 
hugged  the  blockhouses  on  his  flank  of  the  well-defended  village.  General  Miles's 
brigade  was  held  in  reserve  south  of  the  village. 

The  artillery  opened  fire  about  7  a.  m.  The  battery  was  entirely  beyond  the 
reach  of  small-arms  fire,  and  the  enemy  had  no  artillery.  The  battery  opened 
with  shrapnel  at  what  appeared  to  be  a  column  of  cavalry  moving  along  the  road 
from  El  Caney  toward  Santiago,  then  fired  a  few  shots  at  the  blockhouses,  then 
a  few  at  hedges  where  the  enemy's  infantry  seemed  to  be  located,  and  then  fired 
a  few  shots  into  the  village.  At  about  11  o'clock  the  battery  stopped  firing.  Dur- 
ing all  this  time  a  continuous  fire  of  musketry,  partly  firing  at  will  and  partly  by 
volleys,  was  kept  up  in  all  parts  of  the  lines.  Our  lines  were  drawing  closer 
toward  the  enemy's  works,  and  the  brigade  in  reserve  was  brought  up  on  the 
line.  General  Bates's  Independent  Brigade  reached  the  position  in  the  afternoon 
and  also  went  into  the  line,  all  closing  in  toward  the  village.     Between  1  and  2 


320         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

o'clock  the  division  commander  directed  the  battery  of  artillery  to  concentrate  its 
fire  upon  the  stone  fort,  or  blockhouses,  situated  on  the  highest  point  in  the  vil- 
lage on  the  northern  side,  and  which  was  the  keypoint  to  the  village.  This  fort  was 
built  of  brick,  with  walls  about  a  foot  thick,  about  45  by  35  feet,  with  semicircular 
bastions  diagonally  opposite  each  other.  The  practice  of  the  artillery  against  this 
was  very  effective,  knocking  great  holes  into  the  fort  and  rendering  it  untenable. 
The  infantry  of  Chaffee's,  Bates's,  and  Miles's  brigades  then  made  an  assault  upon 
the  work  and  carried  it.  There  were  a  number  of  small  blockhouses  on  the  other 
side  of  the  village,  from  which  a  strong  fire  was  kept  up  for  some  time  after  the 
stone  fort  had  fallen.  Word  was  sent  to  the  commander  of  the  artillery  to  bring 
his  battery  down  so  as  to  take  these  blockhouses,  but  by  the  time  the  battery 
arrived  the  fire  had  ceased.  But  there  was  one  blockhouse  still  occupied  by  the 
Spaniards,  and  at  this  the  battery  fired  four  shots,  resulting  in  the  loss  of  a  num- 
ber of  Spaniards — killed  inside  the  blockhouse. 

Orders  having  reached  the  division  commander  in  the  meantime  to  withdraw 
his  forces  as  soon  as  possible  and  come  into  touch  with  the  division  on  his  left, 
our  troops  were  not  moved  into  the  village,  but  were  ordered  to  bivouac  near  the 
road  leading  into  the  city  of  Santiago.  I  was  with  General  Lawton's  command 
from  daylight  on  July  1  until  about  7  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  July  2,  and,  except 
when  they  were  carrying  orders  for  General  Lawton  or  engaged  in  other  parts  of 
the  field,  was  accompanied  by  Lieutenant  Foote  and  other  members  of  my  staff. 

BATTLE  OF  SAN  JUAN. 

On  June  30  all  the  troops  were  in  camp  near  the  Savilla-El  Poso-Santiago 
road,  Lawton's  division  (Second)  in  advance,  Wheeler's  division  of  dismounted 
cavalry  next,  and  Kent's  division  (First)  in  rear.  None  of  the  troops  had  passed 
El  Poso.  El  Poso  is  the  name  of  a  ruined  plantation  about  3  miles  from  Santiago. 
Lawton's  division,  as  we  have  seen,  turned  off  to  the  north  on  the  afternoon  of 
June  30;  at  the  same  time  a  general  movement  of  all  the  troops  began.  The 
road  leading  to  Santiago  was  scarcely  more  than  a  wagon  trail,  and  its  condition 
was  wretched.  The  dense  thicket  confined  men  and  teams  to  a  single  trail.  There 
were  several  fords  across  the  Rio  Seco  and  other  small  streams,  which,  with  the 
mud  holes,  caused  long  delays  for  the  artillery  and  retarded  the  advance  of  the 
infantry.  The  utmost  confusion  prevailed;  bodies  of  troops,  in  their  eagerness  to 
go  forward,  cut  others  in  two  repeatedly.  It  was  midnight  before  the  march  of 
3  miles  was  accomplished. 

The  dawn  of  July  1  found  the  troops  bivouacked  on  the  eminence  of  El 
Poso,  Kent's  division  bivouacked  near  the  road  back  of  El  Poso;  Grimes's  bat- 
tery went  into  position  about  250  yards  west  of  the  ruined  buildings  of  El  Poso 
soon  after  sunrise  and  prepared  gun  pits.  El  Caney,  the  Ducrat  home,  and  other 
buildings  where  Lawton's  division  was  operating,  were  plainly  visible  about  3 
miles  toward  the  nothwest.  At  6.45  a.  m.  the  first  gun  of  artillery  against  El 
Caney  was  heard.  Grimes's  battery  opened  against  San  Juan  a  little  before  8 
a.  m.  The  troops  of  the  cavalry  division  were  scattered  about  on  El  Poso  hill,  in 
rear  and  around  the  battery,  apparently  without  order,  and  with  no  view  to  their 
protection  from  the  enemy's  fire.  This  condition  rectified  itself  when  the  enemy, 
after  five  or  six  shots  from  our  battery,  replied  with  shrapnel  fire  at  correct  range 
and  with  accurately  adjusted  fuses,  killing  two  men  at  the  first  shot.  After  some 
firing,  soon  after  9  a.  m. ,  Wheeler's  division  was  put  in  march  toward  Santiago. 
At  the  first  stream,  called  the  Aguadores,  it  crossed  the  stream  and  turned  toward 
the  right,  under  the  direction  of  General  Sumner,  who  was  in  command  at  that 
time,  owing  to  General  Wheeler's  illness.  Scattered  shots  were  fired  by  the  enemy 
before  the  arrival  of  the  first  troops  at  the  crossing,  but  his  volley  firing  did  not  com- 
mence until  the  dismounted  cavalry  went  into  position,  crossing  the  open  ground. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  321 

Kent's  division  followed  Wheeler,  moving  across  the  stream,  advanced  on  the 
road  in  close  order  under  a  severe  enfilading  fire.  After  advancing  some  distance, 
it  turned  off  to  the  left.  Lieutenant  Ord  (killed  in  battle)  made  a  reconnoissance 
from  a  large  tree  on  the  bank  of  the  stream.  At  about  1  o'clock,  after  a  delay  of 
nearly  two  hours,  waiting  for  the  troops  to  reach  their  position,  the  whole  force 
advanced,  charged,  and  carried  the  enemy's  first  position.  They  afterwards 
formed  on  the  crest  so  carried  and  threw  up  intrenchments  facing  the  enemy's 
second  line  at  a  distance  of  500  to  1,000  yards. 

Up  to  the  time  our  general  advance  began  there  had  been  hardly  any  firing  by 
our  men,  except  some  scattering  shots  and  an  occasional  small  volley  on  the 
right.  In  the  charge  the  Second  Brigade  of  Kent's  division  advanced  behind  the 
First,  some  of  the  regiments  getting  into  the  first  line  and  reaching  the  crossing  at 
about  the  same  time  as  the  regiments  of  the  leading  brigade.  The  division  was 
put  into  position  on  the  crest  later  in  regular  order,  the  First  Brigade  on  the  right, 
the  second  in  the  center,  the  third  on  the  left.  Similarly,  after  capturing  the 
First  line  of  intrenchments  to  our  right  on  the  San  Juan  position,  the  cavalry 
division  occupied  the  crest  so  taken  and  moved  the  rear  brigade  to  the  right,  so 
extending  our  lines  in  that  direction.  Some  of  the  regiments  of  this  division 
were  not  in  position  at  the  time  of  the  charge  and  did  not  advance  upon  the  crest, 
but  were  still  present  to  act  as  reserve  and  later  to  extend  the  lines  toward  the 
left.  As  the  action  progressed  the  enemy's  artillery  fire  began,  the  shells  all 
exploding  beyond  the  ford,  because,  as  was  afterwards  learned,  they  were  firing 
at  the  balloon.  At  about  one  o'clock  General  Wheeler  arrived  at  the  crossing, 
and,  after  a  brief  stay,  proceeded  on  the  road  toward  San  Juan  with  his  staff, 
obtaining  a  good  view  of  the  troops  as  they  were  ascending  San  Juan  hill  in  the 
final  stage  of  the  battle,  and  soon  afterwards  reached  the  command.  General 
Bates,  of  the  Independent  Brigade,  on  reaching  the  road  that  turns  off  from  the 
Savilla-Santiago  road  toward  El  Caney,  was  directed  to  proceed  to  El  Caney. 
After  participating  in  the  battle  at  El  Caney  it  was  moved  back  to  the  left,  and 
went  into  position  on  July  2  on  the  extreme  left  of  our  lines.  Such  was  the 
position  of  our  troops  in  front  of  the  eastern  face  of  Santiago  at  sunset  of  July  1. 

IN   FRONT  OF  SANTIAGO. 

Returning  now  to  El  Caney,  about  6.30,  orders  were  received  by  General  Law- 
ton  to  move  his  troops  toward  the  city  at  once.  These  orders  were  immediately 
sent  to  the  brigade  commanders,  and  were  complied  with  by  them  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible. The  troops  moved  to  within  two  miles  of  the  city  of  Santiago  on  the  main 
road,  and  bivouacked  there  beside  the  road.  General  Lawton  went  forward  with 
his  staff  to  find  and  definitely  locate  the  position  which  his  troops  were  to  occupy, 
and  continued  along  the  road  to  within  about  a  mile  of  the  city,  when  he  was 
fired  into  by  the  Spanish  pickets.  He  then  returned  and  sent  forward  a  strong 
patrol  of  Cubans  to  find  out  the  condition  of  affairs.  He  then  reported  the  mat- 
ter to  corps  headquarters  and  waited  until  about  2.30  a.  m.,  and  not  receiving  any 
report  from  the  Cubans,  or  any  further  direction  from  headquarters,  he  started 
forward  again,  but  was  overtaken  with  orders  from  corps  headquarters  to  coun- 
termarch his  division  and  come  up  in  rear  of  the  other  divisions,  to  take  position 
on  the  right.  The  division  was  put  in  march,  and  by  a  long  detour,  requiring  all 
the  rest  of  the  night  and  a  good  part  of  the  following  morning,  the  division  came 
around  and  went  into  position  on  the  right  of  cavalry  division,  on  a  ridge  facing 
the  Spanish  intrenchments  in  front  of  the  city  of  Santiago,  and  about  1,500  to 
2,500  yards  distant  from  the  city.  Firing  was  kept  up  during  the  whole  of  the 
2d  of  July  by  both  sides,  our  troops  having  thrown  up  hasty  intrenchments  in 
many  positions  the  night  previous.  During  the  2d  of  July  there  were  a  great 
many  casualties,  resulting  not  entirely  from  aimed  fire,  but  from  bullets  clearing 
7833— VOL.  1 21 


322         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

the  crest  of  our  intrenckments  and  going  far  beyond,  striking  men  as  they  were 
coming  up  to  gather  into  position,  or  as  they  were  going  back  and  forth,  bringing 
water,  caring  for  the  wounded,  and  so  on.  Many  casualties  also  resulted  from 
the  fire  of  sharpshooters,  stationed  in  trees  with  such  thick  foliage  that  the  sharp- 
shooters could  not  be  seen.  It  seemed  incredible  that  men  should  be  so  reckless 
as  to  remain  within  our  lines  and  continue  firing,  and  it  was  believed  by  many 
that  what  was  reported  to  be  fire  from  sharpshooters  was  simply  spent  bullets 
that  came  over  the  crest  of  our  works.  But  I  and  the  members  of  my  staff  can 
testify  to  the  fact  that,  in  many  places  along  the  road  leading  up  to  the  center  of 
our  lines  the  sharp  crack  of  the  Mauser  rifle  could  be  heard  very  close  to  the 
road;  and  there  were  all  the  usual  indications  of  the  near  and  selected  aim  against 
individuals.  Scouting  parties  were  sent  out  from  time  to  time  tp  get  hold  of 
these  fellows,  and  a  number  of  them  were  captured  or  shot.  It  was  not  until  a 
day  or  two  afterwards,  however,  that  they  were  all  cleared  out. 

On  the  morning  of  the  2d,  three  batteries  of  artillery  went  into  action  near  San 
Juan,  right  behind  the  infantry  intrenchments,  and  about  600  yards  from  the 
enemy's  intrenchments.  Firing  black  powder,  instead  of  smokeless,  they,  of 
course,  instantly  drew  all  fire  in  that  vicinity,  and  being  unable  to  work  the  guns, 
were  obliged  to  withdraw.  The  question  as  to  smokeless  powder,  intrenchments, 
and  batters  of  both  light  and  siege  artillery,  were  matters  of  the  highest  moment 
to  the  men  most  nearly  exposed  to  the  steady  fire  from  the  intrenched  lines,  so 
adniirably  laid  out  and  stoutly  defended  as  in  this  fight.  During  the  night  of  the 
2d  our  troops  continued  intrenching  on  a  crest  from  500  to  1,500  yards  distant 
from  the  crest  occupied  by  the  Spanish  intrenchments,  and  in  more  cases  having 
higher  command.  The  Spaniards  made  an  attack  on  the  night  of  the  2d  upon  our 
lines,  which  was  repulsed  with  very  little  loss  to  ourselves.  General  Hawkins 
was  then  wounded,  whose  gallantry  in  the  infantry  charge  had  been  so  conspic- 
uous at  the  head  of  his  brigade.  Captain  Haskell,  commanding  a  battalion  of  the 
Twelfth  Infantry,  attracted  special  attention  at  the  assault  upon  the  principal 
stone  blockhouse  at  El  Caney. 

NEGOTIATIONS   FOR  SURRENDER. 

On  the  3d  there  was  comparatively  little  firing  on  either  side.  In  the  morning 
the  Spanish  fleet  left  the  harbor  and  attempted  to  escape  to  sea,  but  was  destroyed 
by  our  Navy  lying  in  wait  for  it  outside  the  harbor.  General  Shaf ter  sent  in  a 
demand  for  the  surrender  of  the  Spanish  forces  and  city  of  Santiago.  From  this 
time  until  the  surrender  of  the  army  and  the  city,  which  took  place  on  the  14th, 
there  was  no  firing  except  on  the  afternoon  of  the  10th,  when  a  desultory  bom- 
bardment of  the  lines  and  city  was  made  by  our  artillery,  beginning  about  half- 
past  4,  and  lasting  until  nearly  dark,  accompanied  by  very  little  small-arms  firing 
on  either  side,  and  resulting  in  few  casualties  and  probably  not  a  great  amount 
of  damage.  The  Navy  took  part  in  this  bombardment  from  a  point  outside  of  the 
entrance  to  the  harbor.  The  result  of  the  bombardment  by  the  Navy  is  not 
known,  but  thought  not  to  be  very  serious,  any  more  than  our  own. 

In  demanding  the  surrender  of  the  town,  we  notified  the  enemy  of  a  bombard- 
ment in  case  the  city  were  not  surrendered.  Permission  was  given  for  the  non- 
combatants  to  leave  the  city.  They  did  leave  in  the  following  days  to  the  number 
of  perhaps  20,000,  filling  the  neighboring  villages  and  roads  with  destitute  people, 
mostly  women  and  children.  •  It  then  seemed  to  fall  to  our  lot  to  see  that  these 
people  did  not  starve  in  a  desolate  country,  and  to  be  as  much  our  duty  to  take 
care  of  these  people,  whom  our  policy  had  driven  from  their  home,  as  it  was  for 
Spain  to  feed  the  reconcentrados,  whom  they  drove  from  their  homes  under  their 
war  policy.     The  task  was  not  insignificant. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  323 

INVESTMENT   OF  THE  CITY. 

From  the  1st  of  July  on  we  continued  to  extend  our  lines  on  both  flanks,  but 
especially  around  toward  our  right,  until  the  city  was  completely  invested  on  the 
eastern  and  northern  sides.  Spanish  reinforcements  had  been  expected  from  the 
north,  and  besides  that  the  city  was  not  so  strongly  defended  on  this  side  as  on 
the  east.     Our  lines  of  intrenchments  were  occupied  as  follows: 

On  the  extreme  right,  the  Cubans,  under  General  Garcia;  next,  Lawton's  divi- 
sion; next,  Wheeler's  division  of  dismounted  cavalry;  next,  Kent's  division;  and, 
on  the  left,  Bates'  independent  brigade.  A  brigade  of  volunteers,  under  General 
Duffield,  was  left  at  Siboney  and  vicinity. 

There  was  a  heavy  rain  on  the  afternoon  of  July  10 — heavy  rain  that  night;  and 
nearly  all  day  of  the  11th,  with  very  heavy  rain  at  night.  The  water  supply  of 
the  city  of  -Santiago  was  out  on  the  8th  of  July.  This,  it  is  thought,  had  very 
little  effect,  on  account  of  the  heavy  rains  that  followed  and  the  ample  cisterns 
which  the  city  of  Santiago  contains. 

The  light  batteries,  which  arrived  with  other  troops  on  the  9th  of  July,  began 
to  unload  as  soon  as  possible,  but  the  roads  were  rendered  so  bad  by  the  rains 
which  followed  almost  immediately  that  it  was  next  to  impossible  to  get  them  up 
to  the  front.  Two  batteries,  however,  did  arrive  before  the  close  of  hostilities,  the 
others  were  stopped  on  the  way. 

General  Miles,  Commanding  the  Army,  reached  headquarters  in  the  field  on  the 
afternoon  of  July  12,  and  held  a  conference  with  the  Spanish  commander  on  the 
13th.  He  was  present  at  the  capitulation  on  the  14th,  and  returned  to  his  ship  in 
the  port  of  Siboney  on  the  same  day. 

NOTES. 

It  is  not  known  that  the  Spaniards  have  taken  a  single  prisoner  from  the  army 
during  this  campaign.  We  have  taken  several  hundred  Spanish  officers  and 
soldiers,  some  of  whom  were  wounded.  These  Spanish  prisoners,  from  their  con- 
duct, apparently  expected  to  receive  harsh  treatment,  if  not  immediate  execution; 
but  they  were,  of  course,  well-treated,  and  seemed  to  be  surprised  at  it.  The 
wounded  prisoners  were  sent  into  the  Spanish  lines.  Some  of  those  not  wounded 
were  exchanged  for  some  of  our  sailors  who  were  held  prisoners  by  the  Spaniards, 
and  one  wounded  Spanish  officer  was  exchanged  for  Lieutenant  Hobson,  of  the 
Navy,  though  General  Shatter  was  ready,  if  necessary,  to  give  three  of  equal  rank 
for  him. 

There  were  a  number  of  deserters  from  the  Spanish  lines  into  ours,  the  reason 
of  their  desertion  being  given  by  them  as  ill  treatment  on  the  part  of  their  officers 
and  Government. 

Experience  has  shown  that  there  can  be  no  doubt  as  to  the  bravery  of  the 
Spanish  soldier  when  fighting  behind  intrenchments.  As  to  their  qualities  to 
fighting  in  the  open  we  have  had  no  opportunity  to  judge,  as  they  have  been 
wholly  on  the  defensive  and  far  from  aggressive  or  enterprising  in  this  campaign. 

The  Mauser  rifle  seems  to  be  an  excellent  and  rapid  weapon,  and  its  smokeless 
cartridge  adds  to  its  special  efficiency,  whether  equal  to  our  own  or  better.  It 
is  a  magazine  rifle  and  is  loaded  with  five  cartridges  at  a  time.  These  cartridges 
are  held  in  a  clip,  and  are  detached  from  the  belt  and  placed  in  the  rifle  in  one 
motion. 

The  uniform  worn  by  the  Spanish  soldier  consists  of  blouse  and  trousers  of  a 
light  blue  drilling,  with  fine,  white  vertical  stripes,  a  good,  serviceable  straw  hat, 
and  rather  light-weight  shoes.  They  seem  to  use  no  tentage,  their  protection  from 
the  weather  being  by  means  of  their  blockhouses,  or  other  houses,  or  sheds  in  the 
vicinity,  and  by  such  covering  as  they  can  get  by  putting  up  temporary  structures 


324         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

of  palm  leaves.  Their  food,  so  far  as  can  be  judged  from  what  was  found  in  their 
intrenchments  after  they  had  left,  consisted  mostly  of  rice  and  hard  bread  of  a 
brownish  color. 

In  the  beginning  the  Cuban  soldiers  were  largely  used  as  outposts  on  our  front 
and  flanks.  There  has  been  a  great  deal  of  discussion  among  officers  of  this 
expedition  concerning  the  Cuban  soldiers  and  the  aid  they  have  rendered.  They 
seem  to  have  very  little  organization  or  discipline,  and  they  do  not,  t>f  course, 
fight  in  the  battle  line  with  our  troops.  Yet  in  every  skirmish  or  fight  where 
they  are  present  they  seem  to  have  a  fair  proportion  of  killed  and  wounded.  They 
were  of  undoubted  assistance  in  our  first  landing  and  in  our  scouting  our  front  and 
flanks.  It  is  not  safe,  however,  to  rely  upon  their  fully  performing  any  specific 
duty,  according  to  our  expectation  and  understanding,  unless  they  are  under  the 
constant  supervision  and  direction  of  one  of  our  own  officers,  as  our  methods  and 
views  are  so  different,  and  misunderstanding  or  failure  so  easy. 

Our  troops  seem  to  have  been  reduced  to  a  minimum  of  protection  from  the 
weather  that  they  could  have  by  means  of  clothing  and  tentage,  and  from  the 
nature  of  the  case  they  often  suffered  a  great  deal  from  unavoidable  exposure, 
both  from  the  heat  and  tropical  rains.  Many  days  and  nights  it  was  necessary  for 
them  to  bivouac  without  putting  up  their  shelter  tents.  In  other  cases  the  ground 
has  been  so  wet  that  it  was  impossible  to  be  protected  from  it,  and  so  they  have 
been  obliged  to  remain  for  days  and  nights  together  in  their  wet  clothing.  The 
same  is  true  of  the  officers  as  of  the  men — the  officers  in  no  case  having  greater 
protection  than  the  men. 

It  is  difficult,  perhaps  impossible,  to  give  adequate  impression  of  the  straits  and 
discomforts,  even  suffering,  to  which  individuals  were  driven,  which  may  seem 
remarkable,  as  we  were  never  beyond  a  day's  march  from  the  base  of  supplies. 
In  the  trenches  it  was  either  very  hot  on  clear  days,  with  the  sun  beating  down 
upon  them,  or  very  wet  on  rainy  days,  with  the  trenches  partly  filled  with  water. 
As  a  result  considerable  sickness  was  to  be  expected  among  the  men,  the  trouble 
being  mostly  in  the  nature  of  fever,  not  always  malarial,  but  a  fever  that  was 
quite  high,  and  lasted  from  three  to  six  days. 

We  were  told  when  we  entered  upon  this  campaign  that  it  was  necessary  above 
all  things  to  sleep  off  the  ground,  and  hammocks  were  recommended  to  secure 
this  end.  Some  were  seen  in  the  original  bales  on  the  transports,  and  it  is  doubtful 
whether  the  soldiers  could  have  carried  hammocks  in  addition  to  what  they  already 
had  to  carry.  Even  such  heavy  intrenching  tools  as  were  on  hand  were  felt  to 
be  a  burden.  Perhaps  it  is  possible  to  make  a  hammock  that  will  at  once  furnish 
shelter  and  keep  the  soldiers  from  the  ground,  which  would  have  a  material  effect 
in  preserving  the  health  of  the  soldier  during  the  rainy  season  in  this  climate. 
That  there  should  be  any  suffering  or  ill  health  along  the  firing  line  for  lack  of 
food,  clothing,  modern  arms,  or  other  supplies,  may  either  be  temporarily  neces- 
sary or  hardly  credited,  according  to  the  point  of  view  taken,  especially  during 
the  days  when  it  seemed  that  no  tents,  and  but  little  eating,  and  no  animals 
were  possible  on  the  advance  or  fighting  line.  The  need  of  witnesses  from  every 
corps  and  bureau  of  the  army  may  not  have  been  appreciated,  if  indeed  any  were 
needed.  What  the  army  cheerfully  endured  and  accomplished  with  its  valor 
deserves  the  clearest  apppreciation,  and  has  doubtless  received,  and  protection 
against  unnecessary  deprivations  is,  of  course,  always  assured. 

Some  men,  notably  among  the  volunteers,  started  out  carrying  overcoats. 
These  were  left  on  the  transports  or  quickly  abandoned.  In  some  cases  even 
blankets,  blouses,  and  underclothing  were  thrown  away.  Knapsacks  were  strewn 
along  the  roadside.  And  yet  it  is  almost  as  difficult  in  this  climate  to  keep  warm 
at  night  as  it  is  to  keep  cool  in  the  daytime,  as  there  is  hardly  a  night  when  a  cov- 
ering is  not  needed  in  addition  to  the  usual  clothing  worn,  and  never  a  day  when 
the  usual  clothing  is  not  uncomfortably  warm.    What  became  of  personal  prop- 


INSPECTION*  REPORTS.  325 

erty  wherever  left  will  possibly  prove  a  problem  to  some  to  solve.  The  khaki 
uniform,  worn  by  many  officers,  quickly  loses  its  shape  and  dandy  color,  and  is 
not  strong  enough  to  withstand  the  thorns  constantly  met  with  beside  the  road 
and  in  the  underbrush,  through  which  it  is  often  necessary  to  pass.  Many  wear 
workmen's  suits  or  the  brown  canvas  uniform  as  more  suitable  in  this  sort  ofcoun- 
try,  service,  and  climate,  than  the  blue.  It  is  perhaps  but  little  cooler,  but  it  is 
cheaper  and  stands  the  wear  and.  tear.  The  blue  flannel  or  black  shirt,  campaign 
hat,  brown  canvas  leggings,  shelter  tents,  haversacks,  canteen  with  leather  strap, 
meat  can,  knife,  fork,  and  spoon,  however,  seem  to  give  fair  satisfaction.  The  knap- 
sack, or  pack  of  whatever  nature,  seems  to  disappear,  and  all  come  down  natu- 
rally to  plain  blanket  roll.  The  tin  cup  is  of  proper  size  and  material,  but  is 
still  unsatisfactory  on  account  of  its  being  so  unhandy  for  the  purpose  of  boil- 
ing coffee.  What  it  requires  is  a  bail  in  addition  to  the  handle  which  it  now  has, 
and  nesting  qualities,  and  a  model  for  patent  has  been  seen.  This  would  add  but 
very  little  to  its  weight  and  would  make  the  cup  very  handy  for  one  of  its  princi- 
pal uses,  i.  e.,  cooking.  If  made  to  nest  with  countersunk  •  top  it  would  be  an 
improvement. 

A  serious  question,  that  seems  ever  to  return  for  sufficient  consideration,  is, 
what  shall  be  done  with  the  soldier's  heavy  pack  when  he  goes  into  action?  Shall 
he  carry  it  with  him,  weighing  him  down  in  the  charge  and  pursuit,  or  shall  he 
throw  it  qside,  never  to  see  it  again,  perhaps.  In  the  battle  of  July  1  and  2  it 
became  in  most  cases  a  physical  necessity  to  throw  the  pack  aside.  In  some 
cases  regiments  deposited  their  packs  by  the  roadside,  and  marched  some  miles 
after  the  battle  to  recover  them  again.  In  others,  packs  were  thrown  haphaz- 
ard into  the  bushes,  and  in  many  cases  were  never  recovered  by  their  proper 
owners.  Apparently  the  Cubans  and  sick  found  some  comfort  from  the  owner's 
loss. 

The  field  transportation  accompanying  this  army  was  hardly  sufficient,  or  else 
there  would  have  been  less  deprivation.  Both  pack  animals  and  packers  were 
overworked.  It  was  some  time  before  the  wagons  could  be  unloaded  and  used. 
Even  after  that  the  roads  were  so  bad  at  times  that  supplies  had  to  be  brought  up 
by  pack  animals.  At  one  time  nearly  all  the  packers  were  sick,  and  soldiers  had 
to  be  taken  off  the  firing  lines  and  out  of  the  trenches  to  do  their  work.  As  an 
indication  of  the  strain,  little  or  no  commissary  supplies,  such  as  are  furnished  by 
the  post  exchanges  and  commissaries,  were  at  any  time  furnished  by  the  com- 
missary department  beyond  Sa villa.  Such  things,  for  instance,  as  pocket  combs, 
toothbrushes,  shoe  strings,  matches,  tobacco,  pipes — little  things  that  do  not  take 
up  much  room  and  are  of  very  small  weight,  but  are  of  incalculable  comfort  to 
the  soldiers.  The  stories  of  the  prices  paid  for  tobacco,  and  discontent  about 
insufficient  coffee,  officers  without  a  shirt  to  their  backs,  and  clusters  of  them 
in  ragged  and  soiled  trousers,  are  too  numerous  to  need  more  than  a  reference. 

It  has  certainly  been  clearly  demonstrated  in  this  war  that  smokeless  powder 
is  an  absolute  necessity  for  both  small  arms  and  field  guns.  Often  we  fought  for 
hours  against  an  invisible  enemy  who  was  firing  fatally  upon  us  all  the  time. 
The  volunteers,  as  soon  as  the  Springfields  were  fired,  at  once  revealed  their 
position  and  drew  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  besides  hiding  the  enemy  from  their 
view.  They  found  it  difficult  to  contend  with  an  invisible  enemy,  pouring  in  an 
effective  fire  from  a  position  impossible  to  determine. 

Capron's  battery  at  El  Caney  had  an  ideal  position,  being  beyond  the  range  of 
the  infantry  fire,  and  yet  within  comparatively  easy  range  for  its  own  guns. 
Although  firing  black  powder  and  stationed  upon  a  hill  within  plain  view  of  the 
enemy's  infantry,  it  never  received  a  shot  during  the  entire  day.  The  moral 
effect  of  fire  that  can  not  be  returned  or  prevented  in  any  way  is  sure  to  be  very 
great.  The  enemy  had  no  artillery  at  El  Caney.  In  his  intrenchments  in  front 
of  Santiago  the  enemy's  artillery  was  for  the  most  part  of  an  obsolete  type,  con- 


326         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

verted  bronze  muzzle-loading  rifles,  firing  studded  projectiles.  Two  modern 
rapid-fire  guns  of  about  4  inches  caliber  were  found  lying  on  the  ground  beside 
the  pillar  mounts,  which  had  been  made  ready  for  them  in  the  trenches.  There 
was  plenty  of  ammunition  also.  Apparently  these  guns  had  been  taken  from  one 
of  the  war  ships,  but  too  late  to  get  them  mounted  in  time  for  action. 

I  have  made  diligent  inquiry  among  the  troops  engaged  all  along  the  line,  and 
have  been  unable  to  find  any  in  which  the  bayonet  was  fixed  in  the  charges, 
either  at  El  Caney  or  San  Juan.  The  bayonet  has  been  used  to  a  certain  extent 
as  an  intrenching  tool  or  to  grind  coffee.  I  can  not  find  that  the  bayonet  is  even 
used  as  much  as  the  machete  is  used.  It  is  believed  that  if  the  bayonet  were 
made  much  smaller,  lighter,  and  sharper  it  would  serve  its  present  purpose  just 
as  well  or  better.  Such  an  article  would  do  for  cannoneers  much  better  than  the 
absurd  knives  which  they  now  carry.  It  will  be  noticed  that  the  dismounted 
cavalry  took  part  in  the  charges  the  same  as  the  infantry,  and  even  to  a  greater 
extent,  for  the  action  of  Las  Guasimas  was  carried  on  by  the  cavalry  alone,  and 
they,  of  course,  carried  no  bayonet. 

It  is  suggested  that  where  maps  are  to  be  reproduced  for  field  purposes  that 
some  black  process  is  preferable  to  the  blue,  for  the  reason  such  maps  can  be  filled 
out  more  readily  with  an  ordinary  lead  pencil. 

The  Spanish  blockhouse  is  ubiquitous  and  a  more  elaborate  structure  than  we 
had  been  led  to  expect.  It  has  the  air  of  an  evolution  during  a  course  of  years 
for  dominating  an  inimical  and  insurgent  country  at  every  high  point 'and  cross- 
road. It  is  usually  placed  upon  a  commanding  position  and  affords  a  lookout, 
the  lower  part  built  of  stones  and  earth,  and  two  tiers  of  fire,  and  the  upper  part 
of  wood,  the  top  of  the  parapet  being  the  top  of  the  stone  wall,  so  that  up  to  the 
height  of  the  breast  there  is  complete  protection  against  small-arms  fire.  Around 
the  blockhouses  and  connected  with  it  by  intrenchments  are  sometimes  several 
successive  lines  of  field  intrenchments.  These  intrenchments  are  very  narrow  in 
profile,  and  instead  of  earth  being  thrown  to  the  front  it  is  more  often  thrown  to 
the  rear,  to  one  side,  so  that  the  protection  in  front  of  the  trench  is  natural  solid 
earth.  The  soil  is  of  such  a  nature  that  it  will  stand  almost  vertical  in  its  natu- 
ral condition,  so  that  the  slope  of  the  trench  is  very  slight.  Such  a  trench  as  this 
is  extremely  difficult  to  injure,  even  in  artillery  fire,  and  it  is  extremely  difficult 
to  reach  men  in  the  intrenchments,  as  they  are  thoroughly  protected,  even  from 
artillery  fire,  by  crouching.  The  trenches  are  usually  very  short,  so  that  there  is 
not  much  chance  of  bringing  an  enfilading  fire  upon  them.  In  fact,  nearly  all 
the  trenches  we  have  met  with  have  been  in  the  nature  of  permanent  or  semi- 
permanent works.  Barbed  wire  has  been  used  very  freely  in  front  of  the  intrench- 
ments and  rather  near  to  them,  that  near  Santiago  being  interlaced  on  four  or 
six  rows  of  stakes  in  quincunx  order.  In  fact,  barbed  wire  fences  are  about  the 
only  kind  that  are  seen  in  this  country,  and  every  company  should  carry  with  it 
wire  cutters.  It  is  suggested  that  one  wire  cutter  be  furnished  to  each  section, 
to  be  carried  preferably  by  the  chief  of  section  himself.  The  concentration  of 
the  fire  and  its  effects  rather  than  the  garrison  was  shrewdly  managed. 

Another  matter  that  should  be  considered  is  that  of  distribution  of  mail  to  the 
Army.  I  suppose  there  might  be  a  question  as  to  whether  receiving  mail  from 
home  would  make  the  soldier  more  contented  or  more  discontented  with  his  lot. 
But  abroad  it  is  considered  the  right  thing  to  facilitate  the  distribution  of  mail  to 
the  troops,  and  to  keep  up  their  connection  with  home.  In  this  campaign  the 
distribution  of  mail  has  been  in  hopeless  confusion,  and  there  seems  to  have  been 
no  encouragement  given  to  facilitate  the  operations  by  which  letters  or  papers 
could  reach  the  individuals  to  whom  addressed.  It  is  believed  that  this  could  be 
remedied  with  comparatively  little  trouble,  and  that  the  failure  to  distribute  mail 
results  in  a  needless  deprivation  to  the  soldier. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  327 

It  is  understood  the  foreign  military  attaches  allowed  to  accompany  an  army  in 
the  field  are  to  a  certain  extent  guests  of  our  Government.  If  that  is  so,  it  would 
seem  that  where  there  are  a  number  of  them  together  some  officer  should  be 
detailed  to  accompany  them,  and  to  look  out  for  their  mess,  their  mounts,  tent- 
age,  etc.,  and  that  they  should  not  be  left  to  shift  for  themselves. 

In  this  campaign  we  have  found  the  country  as  we  had  expected,  in  an  abso- 
lutely desolate  condition.  The  ruins  of  once  prosperous  plantations  are  met  with 
on  every  hand,  but  only  in  the  villages  very  close  to  the  city  of  Santiago  were 
there  any  inhabitants  whatever. 

The  Ducrat  House,  about  1  mile  from  El  Caney  and  2  miles  from  Santiago, 
appeared  all  the  more  prominent  on  account  of  the  almost  universal  destruction 
of  the  luxurious  homes  which  had  formerly  surrounded  it,  as  was  shown  by  the 
numerous  ruins  throughout  our  entire  march.  There  are  certain  nutritious  fruits 
that  grow  wild  and  upon  which  a  great  proportion  of  the  remaining  population  of 
Cuba  has  subsisted.  The  principal  of  these  fruits  is  the  mango,  which  grows  in 
great  profusion  in  this  portion  of  the  country.  The  bamboo  tree  has  been  found 
very  useful  for  making  tent  poles,  or  temporary  shelter  of  one  kind  or  another, 
and  the  larger  stalks  for  carrying  and  holding  water. 

A  balloon  was  sent  down  with  this  army,  but  its  principal  value  was  not  dem- 
onstrated. This  is  a  difficult  country  to  see  moving  troops,  or  anything  of  that 
sort,  even  from  a  balloon,  on  account  of  the  thickly  wooded  nature  of  the  country. 
On  the  1st  of  July  the  balloon  accompanied  a  marching  column  and  drew  much 
of  the  fire  from  the  Spanish  position,  and  some  casualties  probably  resulted  from 
this  fire  among  the  troops  coming  along  the  same  line  as  the  balloon. 

The  value  of  submarine  mines  in  connection  with  shore  guns  as  a  coast  defense 
seems  very  clearly  illustrated  at  Santiago.  The  proposition  seemed  to  be  about 
this:  The  entrance  to  Santiago  Bay  is  quite  narrow.  There  were  submarine  mines 
known  to  have  been  planted  in  this  entrance.  Our  navy  could  silence  the  fire  of 
the  forts,  but  could  not  keep  down  infantry  fire  long  enough  to  go  in  and  take  up 
these  mines  from  open  boats.  Therefore,  they  were  unable  to  enter  the  harbor 
and  take  the  fleet  in.  The  army  was  asked  to  come  down  and  capture  the  forts 
bordering  on  the  shores  of  the  harbor,  so  that  the  navy  could  then  go  in,  take  up 
the  mines,  and  enter  the  harbor  with  the  fleet.  We  may  learn  from  this,  in  rela- 
tion to  the  defenses  of  our  own  coast,  that  where  we  have  submarine  mines  well 
protected  by  guns  on  shore  that  we  may,  as  a  rule,  consider  the  channels  thus 
defended  as  safe  from  purely  naval  attack.  And,  again,  if  we  would  be  absolutely 
safe  from  attack  by  sea,  we  must  see  to  it  that  our  fortifications  are  safe  against 
a  land  attack  also. 

The  old  Springfield  seemed  a  begrimed  and  suicidal  blunderbuss  upon  the  bat- 
tlefield. Of  course  it  can  still  administer  death  to  enemies,  like  the  obsolete  cannon 
in  the  enemy's  trenches  did  to  us,  as  a  pitiful  makeshift. 

Among  the  telling  features  frequently  remarked  upon  by  those  present  were 
the  conspicuous  gallantry  of  the  gray-haired  officers  (General  Hawkins  at  San 
Juan  and  Captain  Haskell  at  the  Caney  blockhouse) ,  when  they  led  their  com- 
mands to  the  final  assaults,  and  the  courage  and  conduct  of  the  colored  troops  and 
First  United  States  Volunteers  seemed  always  up  to  the  beat.  The  admiration 
certain  other  organizations  also  elicited  from  their  comrades  was  noticeable  where 
all  were  such  good  soldiers. 

The  three  officers  assigned  to  my  staif  for  this  expedition  were  Captains  Alger 
and  Rhodes  and  Lieutenant  Foote,  and  each  was  required  to  make  full  notes  of 
what  they  saw.  On  July  1  Captain  Alger  was  with  the  demonstration  at  Aguadores 
on  the  left,  Captain  Rhodes  at  the  center  and  right,  and  Lieutenant  Foote  with  me, 
accompanying  General  Lawton's  division.  Their  admirable  personal  and  official 
conduct  during  the  battle  has  already  been  referred  to  in  a  telegram  to  the  Depart- 
ment, and  special  attention  is  again  invited  to  their  admirable  record  and  soldierly 


328         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

qualities.  Attention  is  also  respectfully  invited  to  the  faithful  and  intelligent 
services  of  the  clerks  and  messengers  accompanying  this  tour — Messrs.  Dickens, 
Parker,  and  Pratchett,  to  the  campaign  in  Cuba  up  to  date,  and  Messrs.  Kent  and 
Bunnemeyer  as  far  as  Port  Tampa,  Fla.  The  work  and  results  show  the  benefit 
of  their  labors. 

There  appears  to  be  some  difference  in  the  effectiveness  of  the  organization  and 
knowledge  of  the  different  branches  of  duty  when  the  expedition  began  and 
afterwards  when  it  was  completed,  but  it  may  have  little  or  no  utility  in  other 
expeditions. 

The  earnestness  and  skill  is  doubtless  recognized  with  which  all  that  pertained 
to  this  expedition  was  driven  and  done,  regardless  of  the  cost  of  health  or  life  and 
of  financial  loss,  and  with  mental  and  physical  strain  to  the  utmost  upon  every 
individual,  especially  those  in  the  trenches.  General  Shafter  seemed  to  perform 
six  men's  work,  and  organizations  displayed  a  coherence  and  power  that  won  uni- 
versal admiration,  and  made  every  call  upon  the  forces,  fully  met  from  squad  and 
company  leader  up,  under  circumstances  illustrated  by  the  successive  loss  of  four 
brigade  commanders  within  a  half  hour. 

If  any  recognition  is  to  be  fairly  given  to  staff  work  of  such  a  famous  military 
expedition,  attention  is  perhaps  doubly  due  the  supreme  labors  of  Col.  C.  F. 
Humphrey  and  Col.  J.  F.  Weston,  who  did  more  work  and  endured  more  than 
many  men  are  capable  of,  and  they  are  working  at  a  financial  loss  since  their  com- 
mutation of  quarters  is  stopped.  And  Lieut.  Col.  G-.  McC.  Derby,  of  the  engineers, 
and  some  of  the  medical  officers,  have  labored  in  their  line  with  unending  energy 
and  under  difficulties  and  dangers  rivaling  past  records  of  their  corps.  What  man 
could  do  these  men  have  done.  If  more  men  of  the  permanent  staff  corps,  both 
those  now  represented  and  others,  can  by  any  means  be  spared  for  work  immedi- 
ately with  the  fighting  line,  possibly  some  of  the  discomforts  and  deficiencies  now 
endured  there  will  not  be  repeated.  And  may  it  not  be  submitted  under  the 
changed  conditions  (since  for  the  present  contest  the  control  of  the  sea  is  ours) 
that  the  foot  artillery,  and  perhaps  some  other  regulars,  can  possibly  be  given  a 
due  and  needed  experience  in  aggressive  warfare,  and  form  another  division  as 
effective  as  the  dismounted  cavalry  with  General  Shafter's  force.  Mobility  is  the 
first  essential  of  an  army,  and  it  may  work  permanent  injury  to  have  any  large 
part  of  the  regular  establishment  unpracticed  now  in  embarkation  and  debarka- 
tion in  the  presence  of  the  enemy.  The  volunteers  are  learning  much  wherever 
they  are  encamped,  but  the  regulars  can  acquire  little  or  nothing  of  value  from  this 
war  save  in  the  actual  presence  of  the  enemy.  It  is  hoped  that  the  most  of  them 
will  get  there.  And  it  is  a  glory  and  safety  to  the  American  Republic  that  this 
is  the  first  desire  of  the  heart  of  its  young  men  of  this  generation,  whether  organ- 
ized in  the  regular  or  volunteer,  the  temporary,  or  permanent  part  of  our  armed 
force.  The  complete  annihilation  of  all  opposing  force  successively,  as  accom- 
plished by  both  the  army  and  navy,  tends  to  shorten  and  severely  limit  the  expe- 
rience in  this  war. 

Among  the  general  officers  whose  names  I  have  not  seen  among  those  promoted 
who  participated  in  this  engagement,  may  I  be  permitted  to  mention  General 
Sumner,  who  commanded  the  division  of  dismounted  cavalry  on  July  1,  and 
General  Ludlow,  who  was  in  command  of  one  of  the  brigades  of  General  Law- 
ton's  division?  Their  gallantry  and  conduct  in  battle  seem  to  deserve  recogni- 
tion. The  soldierly  action  of  such  volunteers  as  Colonel  Wagner,  Captain  Alger, 
and  Captain  Anderson,  who  were  permitted  to  serve  in  the  front  and  render  such 
service  as  only  resolute  and  zealous  and  accomplished  officers  can  perform,  also 
deserves  to  be  specially  noted. 

If  consonant  with  our  national  policy,  it  may  be  easy  to  establish  a  dominating 
tie  among  the  leading  spirits  of  the  island  population,  and  aid,  if  not  furnish,  a 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  329 

career  for  some  of  them  in  the  present  transition  state  of  things,  if  places  were 
open  to  them  in  the  army,  either  regular  or  volunteer. 

Always  throughout  his  career  good  judges  seem  to  have  recognized  that  in 
every  exigency  of  campaign  and  battle  Lawton  was  capable  of  adequately  per- 
forming more  than  was  ever  assigned  to  him,  though  some  of  the  severest  military 
tasks  and  duties  have  been  performed  by  him.  This  judgment  still  stands  well 
established,  though  the  command  of  a  division  of  regulars  and  the  front  and 
swinging  right  wing  of  an  invading  and  assaulting  army  has  been  intrusted  con- 
fidently to  his  command.  The  reserve  force  and  quiet  self-control  with  which 
every  step  in  action  was  conducted  equaled  his  proverbial  energy,  endurance, 
courage,  and  tenacity.  And  it  is  believed  his  immediate  commander  (General 
Shafter) ,  whose  force  and  energy  are  also  phenomenal,  appreciates  the  soldierly 
qualities  of  his  loyal  subordinate  fully,  as  on  his  recommendation  promotion  has 
been  given  for  conduct  on  the  field  of  battle;  but  as  an  eyewitness,  this  testimony 
to  well-proven  military  merit  may  be  also  permitted  to  the  Inspector-General  of 
the  Army. 

Of  course  his  immediate  superiors,  both  in  advance  of  and  since  the  Santiago 
expedition,  have  carefully  determined  the  military  and  personal  qualities  of  the 
commanding  officer  of  this  expedition;  but  if  permitted  me,  it  seems  due  that  I 
should  bear  willing  testimony  to  the  remarkable  energy,  decision,  and  self-reliance 
which  characterized  General  Shaffer's  course  during  this  distinguished  military 
adventure  throughout  its  arduous  course  to  its  most  honorable  conclusion.  At 
every  stage  of  this  proceeding  General  Shafter  was  the  dominant  spirit  at  the 
scene  of  action. 

Oppressed  with  sickness  and  overweighted  with  responsibilities  and  care,  he 
carried  the  fate  of  his  army  to  a  successful  and  glorious  issue.  And  any  prec- 
edent is  rare  where,  amidst  such  natural  obstacles  and  dangers  and  limited 
means  and  opposing  defenses,  a  more  numerous,  well  disciplined,  and  gallant 
force  capitulated  to  invaders  who  had  upon  their  fighting  line  a  smaller  force 
than  that  surrendered.  The  glory  of  this  belongs  to  General  Shafter  and  his 
army  and  the  Administration  sustaining  it.  And  whatever  influence  was  felt 
from  this  army  toward  the  driving  out  and  destruction  of  the  Spanish  fleet  may 
also  go  to  its  credit, 

How  earnestly  I  have  been  impelled  to  seek  service  in  face  of  this  enemy  of  my 
country,  regardless  of  all  lesser  considerations,  is  of  course  appreciated  by  my 
superiors.  Up  to  the  limit  of  my  powers  I  crave  to  render  such  service  as  may 
be  possible.  Perhaps  I  should  justly  recognize  that  all  others,  with  proper 
soldierly  instinct,  ardently  press  to  the  front  also  and  may  deserve  higher  consid- 
eration. But  permit  me,  at  this  close  of  my  long  duty  as  Inspector-General  of  the 
Army,  to  solicit  such  active  service,  and,  if  possible,  command,  in  the  face  of  the 
enemy  as  the  kindly  consideration  of  my  superiors  and  their  regard  for  others  and 
the  needs  of  the  public  service  may  be  able  to  accord. 

Respectfully  submitted,  in  compliance  with  the  instructions  from  the  Adjutant- 
General's  Office  of  May  17, 1898. 
Very  respectfully, 

J.  C.  Breckinridge, 
Major-General  of  Volunteers,  Inspector-General,  U.  S.  A. 


War  Department,  Inspector-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  August  3,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General  United  States  Army. 

Sir:  Pursuant  to  instructions  contained  in  letter  from  your  office,  dated  August 
1, 1898,  to  proceed  to  New  York  City  and  obtain  all  the  facts  possible  in  reference 


330        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

to  the  public  charges  made  concerning  the  steamships  Seneca  and  Concho,  trans- 
porting our  sick  and  wounded  from  Santiago,  I  have  the  nonor  to  report: 

On  arrival  in  New  York  City,  7  a.  in.,  the  2d  instant,  I  went  at  once  to  the  hos- 
pital steamer  Relief,  which  was  under  orders  to  sail  for  Santiago  under  charge  of 
Maj.  G.  H.  Torney,  surgeon,  United  States  Army. 

Major  Torney  stated  as  follows: 

"  The  Relief  arrived  at  Siboney,  the  base  of  supplies  of  the  army  of  invasion  of 
Cuba,  on  the  7th  of  July.  We  were  then  unable  to  obtain  any  anchorage.  I 
reported  my  arrival  to  General  Shafter  and  told  him  what  I  was  directed  to  do, 
and  asked  that  the  stores  on  the  Relief  be  unloaded.  He  issued  an  order  to  the 
commissary  who  had  charge  of  the  lighter.  There  was  only  one  lighter  in  the 
harbor,  and  no  other  means  of  unloading  anything.  He  issued  an  order  to  Colo- 
nel Weston  that  one  load  of  the  lighter  should  be  given  to  me.  It  was  not  prac- 
ticable to  anchor  that  day.  We  did  not  get  at  anchor  the  next  day  because  the 
transports  crowded  in  there  and  took  all  the  room.  I  then  got  an  order  next 
morning  from  Colonel  Humphrey  to  give  me  an  anchorage,  which  was  accom- 
plished after  many  hours  of  labor.  In  trying  to  do  this  the  ship  lost  an  anchor 
and  lost  a  windlass  and  was  partially  disabled,  so  that  we  did  not  get  into  an 
anchorage  until  the  9th.  On  the  10th  or  11th,  I  forget  which,  General  Miles 
arrived.  The  wounded  in  the  meantime  began  to  be  sent  aboard  the  Relief  from 
the  camp.  The  camp  was  overcrowded.  I  received  everybody  that  was  sent 
aboard.  Some  were  severely  and  some  slightly  wounded.  Those  severely 
wounded  were  separated  from  the  others,  so  as  to  give  the  severely  wounded  the 
the  most  attention.    Some  of  them  were  sick  with  fever. 

"  On  the  11th  General  Miles  arrived.  After  going  ashore  the  chief  surgeon,  Dr. 
Greenleaf ,  investigated  matters  there,  and  on  coming  back  to  the  ship  (the  hag- 
gling about  the  surrender  having  continued)  an  order  was  issued  to  me  by  the 
chief  surgeon  to  prepare  to  receive  the  wounded  of  the  army.  The  hospital  on 
the  shore  was  ordered  abandoned;  no  more  wounded  were  to  be  sent  there,  but 
were  to  be  sent  to  the  Relief.  Major  La  Garde  had  charge  of  the  wounded 
on  shore.  He  had  orders  to  send  me  the  wounded  on  shore,  and  his  hospital  was 
ordered  abandoned  as  the  surgical  hospital  and  to  be  converted  into  a  hospital 
for  the  sick.  On  the  same  day,  or  the  day  after,  while  the  dispute  in  regard  to 
the  surrender  occurred,  the  information  was  transmitted  to  me  by  Dr.  Greenleaf, 
upon  which  I  was  required  to  act,  that  if  the  Spaniards  did  not  surrender  the 
harbor  was  to  be  forced  by  the  Navy,  and  an  assault  was  to  be  made  on  the 
Spanish  lines,  and  that  I  was  to  be  prepared  to  receive  the  wounded  from  the 
front  and  take  care  of  them.  In  order  to  do  that  I  was  directed  to  transfer  as 
many  of  the  slight  cases  as  were  deemed  practicable  to  any  transport. 

"  The  Seneca  was  lying  right  opposite  me.  I  saw  the  surgeon  of  the  Seneca,  Dr. 
Hicks,  and  he  told  me  he  could  take  forty-five  patients.  In  the  meantime  the  Solace 
came  in,  and  I  turned  some  of  the  wounded  over  to  the  Seneca.  These  were  cases 
of  a  mild  character.  I  made  preparations  for  this  work,  and  we  weeded  out  the 
cases  which  we  did  not  think  of  any  importance,  and  orders  were  given  to  transfer 
these  to  the  Seneca.  The  medical  officer  of  the  Seneca  then  submitted  a  list  of 
the  articles  required,  and  I  directed  the  steward  to  issue  them.  It  was  a  small 
list,  and  I  told  him  that  I  would  give  him  everything  he  wanted.  It  was  impos- 
sible at  that  time  to  break  out  our  stores,  for  the  storerooms  were  jammed  to  the 
doors  with  supplies  for  the  army  in  Cuba.  The  medical  officer  on  the  Seneca  got 
all  the  supplies  he  asked  for  except  instruments  which  we  couldn't  well  give  him. 
We  transferred  to  him  actually  forty-two  patients.  We  gave  him  what  ice  we 
could.  We  were  shipping  ice  to  the  fever  hospital  on  shore,  where  it  was  directed 
to  send  all  ice. 

"Nothing  had  been  said  to  me  about  the  drinking  water  on  the  Seneca.    These 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  331 

patients  were  transferred  practically  at  sea.  Just  before  this  occurred  the  Seneca 
drifted  down  on  the  ship  and  drove  us  out  of  our  anchorage.  She  drifted  down 
on  us  when  she  had  up  steam  and  could  have  gotten  out  of  our  way.  None  of 
these  patients  were  severely  ill  except  two,  who  had  to  be  carried  on  stretchers. 
The  filling  up  afterwards  of  the  Seneca  with  patients  was  a  matter  over  which  I 
had  no  control.     I  had  nothing  to  do  with  that. 

"Dr.  Hicks  came  down  on  the  Relief.  Indirectly  he  was  a  passenger  on  the 
Relief.  He  reported  to  General  Shafter.  He  was  not  under  my  orders  at  all  at 
any  time.  He  was  under  the  orders  of  the  general  of  the  invading  army,  under 
Colonel  Pope.  I  knew  nothing  at  all  of  the  condition  of  the  Seneca.  She  was  not 
under  my  control  in  any  respect  whatever.  I  do  not  know  whether  any  report  had 
been  made  as  to  her  condition  or  supplies.  The  medical  officer  came  and  asked  for 
supplies ,  and  I  gave  him  what  he  asked  for.  Somebody  made  a  statement  in  regard 
to  the  clothing.  When  these  patients  came  to  the  Relief,  they  were  lousy  and  dirty 
and  filthy,  and  their  clothing  was  in  such  bad  condition  that  it  had  to  be  disinfected. 
They  were  then  given  clean  underclothes  from  our  ship  before  they  were  trans- 
ferred. It  was  impossible  for  us  to  unload  our  storerooms  at  sea  and  we  could  not 
issue  them  any  other  clothing.  It  was  absolutely  impossible.  In  the  matter  of 
ice,  of  course  it  was  not  possible  to  give  them  all  they  wanted.  We  issued  it  to  the 
fever  patients  on  shore,  but  any  surplus  ice  was  sent  to  them.  Some  of  it  was  not 
fully  frozen.  It  would  have  taken  an  ice  machine  of  100  tons  to  supply  the  camp, 
and  ours  was  only  two.  I  had  no  control  over  the  Seneca  at  all.  I  do  not  know 
whether  she  had  been  reported  on  or  inspected  by  any  medical  officer.  I  had  noth- 
ing to  do  with  it.  I  transferred  patients  to  the  Hudson  and  patients  to  the  Solace. 
I  simply  obeyed  orders.  The  order  of  Dr.  Greenleaf  was  positive,  and  in  carrying 
out  these  instructions  I  only  obeyed  orders.  There  is  no  question  about  that.  Dr. 
Hicks  did  not  ask  for  any  other  delicacies  than  ice.  He  had  no  fund  that  I  know  of 
for  the  purchase  of  delicacies.  He  was  not  required  to  report  to  me  at  all.  I  had 
no  control  over  him.  I  would  like  it  understood  that  I  have  no  control  over  the 
transports.  I  transferred  the  sick  and  wounded  by  order  and  had  charge  of  them 
until  they  reached  the  side  of  the  Seneca.    Then  my  responsibility  for  them  ended. 

"  The  articles  of  medical  stores  were  given  freely  to  the  medical  officer  of  the 
Seneca  without  being  invoiced.    Whatever  he  asked  for  was  given  him." 

(Note.— See  letter  from  the  Surgeon-General's  Office  of  June  27, 1898,  to  Maj. 
George  H.  Torney ,  inclosure  A.  Also  letter  of  June  22, 1898,  from  the  same  office, 
to  Major  Torney,  approved  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  inclosure  B.) 

At  Belleview  Hospital  I  found  Lieut.  C.  L.  Byram,  First  United  States  Cavalry, 
and  Lieut.  L.  H.  Gross,  Sixth  Infantry. 

Lieutenant  Byram  said: 

"  I  was  present  when  Dr.  La  Garde  informed  Dr.  Hicks  that  he  was  to  go  North 
on  the  Seneca.  In  substance,  Dr.  La  Garde  told  him  that  he  would  send  only 
men  who  were  not  seriously  injured,  and  who  were  able  to  take  care  of  them- 
selves, for  the  reason  that  he  would  be  utterly  unable  to  give  him  any  hospital 
men  or  stores.  At  this  time  I  was  suffering  somewhat  from  malaria,  and  had 
not  fully  recovered  from  my  wound,  so  I  was  directed  by  Dr.  La  Garde  to  take 
passage  on  the  Seneca.  I  was  perfectly  able,  however,  when  I  went  on  board  to 
take  care  of  myself.  Dr.  La  Garde  told  Dr.  Hicks  that  he  thought  he  would  send 
him  about  45  men.  Of  my  own  knowledge,  I  do  not  know  how  many  men  were 
placed  aboard  the  ship,  but  have  understood  that  there  were  between  90  and  100. 
These,  as  I  was  told  and  observed  myself,  were  made  up  of  the  men  above 
referred  to  as  having  been  sent  from  the  shore  hospital  under  Dr.  La  Garde's  con- 
trol, several  officers  and  a  number  of  men  who  were  sent  from  the  Relief,  some 
of  whom  were  not  in  a  condition  to  help  themselves,  and  a  number  of  foreign 


332         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

attaches,  newspaper  men,  and  civilian  employees.  These  latter,  I  understand, 
were  sent  aboard  by  the  quartermaster.  There  was  another  doctor  aboard  the 
vessel,  and  it  appeared  that  he  was  placed  in  charge.  The  day  after  going  aboard 
the  vessel  I  was  taken  with  a  very  severe  attack  of  measles,  which  prevented  my 
going  about  the  boat  to  any  extent  at  all,  except  from  my  cabin  to  the  water- 
closet.  Dr.  Bird  was  seasick  most  of  the  time,  and  all  of  the  work  fell  upon  Dr. 
Hicks.  There  seemed  to  be  a  lack  of  medicines.  The  only  thing  he  was  able  to 
give  me  was  some  troches  for  a  very  severe  cough.  There  was  an  almost  absolute 
lack  of  everything  that  a  sick  man  could  eat,  with  the  exception  of  some  beef 
extract,  from  which  beef  tea  could  be  made,  and  some  malted  milk.  There  were 
a  number  of  men  who  seemed  to  require  a  great  deal  of  attention,  and  seemed  to 
be  pretty  sick.  Unquestionably  the  only  thing  in  the  way  of  nourishment  that 
could  be  supplied  me  was  beef  tea,  which,  through  the  kindness  of  Miss  Jennings, 
I  was  supplied  with  about  one-fourth  of  the  number  of  times  per  day  that  the 
doctor  insisted  on  my  having  it.  The  reason  it  was  not  given  me  oftener  was  due 
to  the  absolute  lack  of  help  the  doctor  had  to  contend  against,  except  such  help 
that  was  voluntarily  rendered  by  Miss  Jennings  and  Captain  Dowdy,  retired. 

"  The  water  supply  aboard  the  vessel  was  beyond  description.  It  stunk  and 
was  filled  with  something  that  looked  to  me  like  iron  rust,  but  which  I  was  told 
was  rotten  wood,  and  was  of  such  a  character  that  I  absolutely  could  not  drink 
it.     There  was  a  little  ice  on  board,  which  lasted  for  about  two  days. 

"As  to  who  sent  the  men  there,  other  than  those  who  were  able  to  help  them- 
selves aboard  the  vessel,  I  have  no  knowledge.  In  passing  to  the  water-closet  I 
had  to  go  to  a  deck  below  the  one  on  which  the  cabins  are  on,  and  found  a  num- 
ber of  men,  seemingly  apparently  helpless,  occupying  the  hallway  between  the 
cabins  on  that  deck.  I  saw  on  one  or  two  occasions  the  meals  that  were  furnished 
these  men,  and  on  no  occasion  did  they  consist  of  anything  other  than  the  articles 
of  the  ration,  with  the  one  exception  of  the  malted  milk  and  beef  tea,  that  were  pre- 
pared from  supplies  that  were  furnished  from  the  Red  Cross  ship  State  of  Texas. 

"  So  far  as  I  could  observe,  Dr.  Hicks  did  everything  that  a  man  could  do  under 
such  adverse  circumstances  for  the  relief  of  the  sick  and  wounded.  I  know  that 
he  was  up  and  about  the  vessel  at  all  times  of  the  night  and  day,  and  from  the 
number  of  times  that  I  saw  him  passing  the  windows  of  the  cabin  I  know  of  his 
being  about  at  night,  and  I  couldn't  see  how  the  man  got  any  sleep  at  all.  Some 
of  the  men  were  placed  in  the  bunks  built  into  the  transport  for  the  transporta- 
tion of  the  soldiers  to  Cuba.  These  men  had  no  mattress,  and  were  either  sick 
with  fever  or  wounded,  and  must  have  been  suffering  intensely." 

And  Lieutenant  Gross  stated: 

"  Personally,  I  did  not  suffer  any  at  all  on  the  trip,  because  I  was  able  to  get 
around.  The  officers  took  their  meals  from  the  ship's  mess,  and  they  were  very 
satisfactory,  considering  the  circumstances;  but  I  noticed  that  hardly  any  provi- 
sion whatever  was  made  for  the  messing  of  the  men.  There  were  no  hospital 
attendants  on  board  at  all,  and  men  that  were  working  their  passage  home  were 
detailed  to  look  out  for  the  wounded.  If  it  hadn't  been  for  the  assistance  of  Miss 
Jennings,  they  would  have  suffered  much  more.  There  were  a  large  number  of 
newspaper  correspondents  and  attaches  aboard  who  had  staterooms,  and  these 
caused  a  number  of  our  men  to  be  placed  right  on  the  decks  with  nothing  but 
blankets  and  mattresses.  The  doctors  seemed  to  do  all  they  could,  but  seemed  to 
lack  experience.  The  water  supply  of  the  ship  was  bad,  and  the  ice  ran  out  in 
two  days." 

Dr.  A.  H.  Doty,  health  officer,  State  of  New  York,  whom  I  found  at  the  quar- 
antine station,  Staten  Island,  stated  as  follows: 

"  The  Seneca  had  evidently  not  been  inspected  with  a  view  to  the  sanitary  con- 
dition of  the  sick  and  wounded  when  she  left  Cuba.  I  can  give  you  an  instance. 
There  were  men  on  the  boat  that,  if  the  statements  made  to  me  were  true,  were 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  333 

taken  from  the  battlefield  and  carried  right  along  to  that  point  in  a  nightshirt, 
The  nightshirt  was  filthy  dirty,  and  covered  soldiers  who  were  suffering  from 
wounds.  The  wounds  had  never  been  dressed,  for  the  reason  there  were  no  instru- 
ments on  the  boat.  The  wounded  arrived  in  that  condition,  with  absolutely  no 
treatment  at  all.  Some  of  the  wounds  were  suppurating.  I  asked  the  doctor 
why  the  wounds  had  not  been  dressed,  and  he  said,  '  We  had  no  instruments  or 
medicines.'    I  did  not  go  into  why  they  did  not  have  them. 

"The  sanitary  condition  is  under  the  care  of  a  medical  officer  always.  The 
captain  is  responsible  in  a  general  way.  In  this  case  the  people  were  crawling 
over  each  other.  I  spoke  to  the  doctors  in  regard  to  one  or  two  who  were  suffer- 
ing from  diarrhea,  and  asked  him  why  he  did  not  give  them  a  little  morphine.  He 
said  he  had  none  on  board,  and  that  meant  that  those  men  had  to  go  a  week  without 
medicine,  suffering  excruciating  pains.  When  the  sick  reached  here,  I  took  their 
night  clothes  off  of  them  and  washed  them  and  cleaned  them  and  put  on  new  night 
shirts,  and  then  sent  up  to  the  commissioner  of  public  charities,  Mr.  Keller,  and 
asked  him  if  he  couldn't  take  30  of  them  who  were  so  badly  wounded.  There  was 
much  less  danger  in  putting  them  there  in  a  ward  by  themselves  than  to  keep 
them  down  here  where  they  ran  the  risk  of  dying.    We  sent  them  up  there. 

' '  Some  of  the  Seneca's  sick  and  wounded  went  to  Belleview.  I  took  a  number 
of  them  to  Swinburne  Island,  and  some  to  Hoffman  Island,  where  they  were 
gradually  disinfected  and  allowed  to  go. 

"  The  Concho  is  just  about  as  bad  as  the  Seneca.  There  is  no  official  surgeon  on 
the  Concho.  I  know  nothing  about  the  claim  that  on  the  Seneca  there  was  no  ice 
and  that  the  water  was  bad;  that  the  captain  had  not  had  an  opportunity  to  fit 
out  his  ship  with  new  supplies.  On  the  Concho  there  was  a  lack  of  physicians, 
who  are  not  only  a  comfort  but  a  necessity.  They  should  never  have  been  allowed 
to  leave  without  at  least  two  surgeons,  and  it  afterwards  proved  there  were  several 
fatal  cases,  and  they  were  buried  at  sea  off  Fort  Monroe.  Dr.  Lesser,  who  repre- 
sents the  Red  Cross,  was  on  the  Concho,  and  did  the  best  he  could,  but  still  they 
were  suffering  for  help.  It  seems  to  me  a  very  unusual  thing  to  ship  that  numbe. 
of  wounded  and  sick  men  for  that  distance  without  a  physician  and  proper  med- 
ical supplies,  going,  as  they  knew  it  did,  from  a  place  where  they  were  all  subject 
to  malarial  fever.  They  were  brought  on  board  half  sick.  Dr.  Senn  was  here 
also,  and  he  was  firmly  impressed  with  the  fact  that  the  trouble  was  at  the  other 
end,  not  on  the  Medical  Department  simply;  that  the  headquarters  wouldn't  give 
them  anything.  The  idea  seemed  to  be  to  push  these  people  aboard — to  get  them 
out  as  soon  as  possible.    Dr.  Senn  is  a  very  observant  man,  too. 

"  That  does  seem  to  be  the  explanation  of  it.  The  very  fact  of  their  being  put 
on  board  without  having  sufficient  medical  supplies  and  no  doctor  sent  with  them. 
I  think  the  Seneca  was  the  only  vessel  that  has  come  up  so  far  that  had  medical 
officers  on  her,  and  they  were  both  contract  surgeons.  I  believe  one  of  them  only 
came  on  board  by  accident.  There  was  nothing  done  systematically.  It  would 
look  to  me  that  way,  as  though  those  transports  were  there  and  orders  were  given 
to  put  these  people  on  board  and  get  them  away.  Dr.  Sternberg  is  a  very  careful 
man. 

"  So  far  as  I  know  there  is  no  yellow  fever  on  the  Concho.  If  there  had  been  a 
surgeon  on  board  he  would  have  kept  a  history  of  the  cases  and  records  of  the 
temperature,  and  all  I  would  have  to  have  done  would  have  been  to  have  corrob- 
orated those  cases.  The  result  was  they  were  dumped  upon  me,  and  I  had  to 
examine  every  case  and  group  them.  I  told  Dr.  Sternberg  I  would  do  everything 
I  could  to  help  him  out.  A  surgeon  on  board  these  transports  would  have  been 
of  great  value  here.  It  is  evident  there  are  two  things  needed:  First,  a  vessel 
should  be  inspected  in  regard  to  its  supplies;  second,  a  medical  officer  should 
accompany  the  vessel. 


334        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

"  The  people  whom  I  took  to  Swinburne  Island  were  almost  starved  to  death. 
They  almost  took  the  food  away  from  each  other.  A  first  lieutenant  of  regular 
troops  (Lieutenant  Cole) ,  who  had  dysentery,  had  no  delicacies,  and  could  not  get 
his  baggage.  The  Red  Cross  have  been  exceedingly  nice,  sending  supplies,  under- 
clothes, etc.  The  principal  part  of  the  newspaper  talk  and  discussion  is  from 
newspaper  reporters  who  have  gotten  on  board  and  come  up  here.  I  think  it  is  a 
great  mistake.  There  is  no  department  that  can  go  through  an  emergency  of  that 
kind  without  having  some  little  detail  improved.  The  Seneca  was  overloaded; 
the  Concho  was  not.  If  the  Seneca  had  been  simply  a  passenger  ship,  I  should  say 
it  was  overloaded  for  that  class  of  steamer.  A  sick  man  has  got  to  have  a  great 
deal  more  fresh  air  than  a  well  man. 

"  The  steamship  company  has  been  feeding  these  men,  and  that  is  a  complaint 
a  number  of  men  make.  A  man  with  a  temperature  of  103°  or  104°,  and  hardly 
able  to  sit  up,  was  given  pork  and  regular  rations.  They  could  not  eat  it,  and  the 
result  was  that  the  men  would  go  for  a  week  without  any  nourishment.  A  young 
man  named  Holly  was  sunstruck  on  the  5th  of  July.  He  came  up  on  the  Leona. 
Nothing  was  done  for  him.  He  was  taken  into  a  hospital  and  afterwards  put  on 
board  and  carried  into  one  of  the  outside  cabins.  The  statement  is  made  that  he 
laid  there  on  the  floor  during  the  whole  trip  without  any  proper  diet  or  stimu- 
lants. He  died  of  exhaustion.  If  they  had  had  a  surgeon  on  board  the  boat  this 
patient  would  have  received  proper  treatment  and  would  probably  have  lived. 

"I  think  the  whole  explanation  of  it  seems  to  be  there  were  no  physicians  and 
no  preparations  made.  That  is  the  way  it  strikes  me.  The  surgeons  who  come 
up  state  that  there  were  no  preparations;  they  were  greatly  overworked,  and 
could  not  do  any  more.  It  seems  a  great  oversight  to  send  a  ship  away  with  a 
great  number  of  sick  men  and  no  one  to  take  care  of  them.  The  officers  whom  I 
heard  talk  summed  it  up  in  this  way:  Here  was  this  fight  going  on  and  they  did 
not  have  any  more  men  than  they  needed.  Everything  was  done  toward  getting 
everything  to  the  front  to  avoid  failure. 

"  There  are  about  32  sick  on  the  Concho  now.  I  want  to  get  them  out  of  the 
ship  so  as  to  disinfect  it.  I  will  take  them  off  this  afternoon  if  possible.  From 
a  conversation  with  some  of  the  officers  who  came  up  it  seems  that  an  emergency 
existed  there,  as  they  expected  another  battle,  and  the  desire  was  to  get  the  sick 
and  wounded  off  on  the  boats  as  soon  as  possible.  They  had  to  keep  the  medical 
officers  there,  as  they  were  needed  at  the  front. 

"  The  Seneca  arrived  July  20,  1898,  with  90  soldiers  and  48  passengers,  and  the 
Concho  on  July  31  with  191  soldiers  and  passengers  and  40  crew." 

Dr.  Lesser,  of  the  Red  Cross  Society,  made  the  following  statement: 

"  I  was  present  as  a  passenger  on  the  steamship  Concho  on  its  last  sailing  from 
Santiago  to  the  United  States.  Major  La  Garde  received  a  dispatch  from  General 
Shaf  ter  on  July  21  to  send  on  the  Alamo  50  or  60  soldiers  and  place  on  the  Concho 
175  convalescents;  also  supply  it  with  1,000  rations.  On  the  23d  the  Concho  came 
from  Santiago  and  reported  at  6  o'clock  in  the  morning. 

"Previous  to  sailing,  I  was  stationed  at  Siboney,  representing  the  Red  Cross 
Society.  We  had  a  large  number  of  convalescent  typhoids,  so-called  recovered 
yellow-fever  patients,  a  number  of  malarial  fever  patients,  and  I  think  that  was 
about  all,  except  a  few  cases  of  typhoid  fever.  I  will  state  that  the  same  dispatch 
stated  that  others  were  sent  down  from  the  front,  and  the  same  evening  a  wagon 
load  of  15  more  patients  came  to  the  major  on  the  Concho,  who  consented  to 
make  room  for  them.  In  the  morning  we  mustered  out  a  number  of  men  that 
came  from  the  yellow-fever  camp.  Major  La  Garde,  Dr.  Ireland,  and  myself 
mustered  out  the  men  and  said,  '  You  go.'  The  dispatch  also  said,  '  Send  the  well 
ones  to  the  front.'    Another  number  he  kept  back.     Some  of  them  could  walk; 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  335 

some  of  them  could  not.  Those  that  could  walk  he  sent  down  to  the  ship.  I  saw 
personally  on  board  a  number  of  men  that  were  put  back  not  to  go  on  the  ship, 
and  to  my  great  surprise  I  found  a  larger  number  than  I  expected,  and  wrote  to 
the  major,  '  This  ship  is  not  in  good  enough  condition  to  take  175.  The  Santiago 
comes  to-morrow.  Do  not  send  any  more  than  you  can  help.'  I  received  no 
answer,  and  felt  that  my  letter  did  not  get  to  the  major.  However,  my  patients — 
only  very  bad  patients — were  brought  then,  and  in  a  number  sufficient  for  me  to 
attend  to  them. 

"  The  assignment  to  duty  on  the  ship  was  given  me  on  July  29  by  Major  La 
Garde  to  work  in  the  medical  department  of  the  Army.  We  in  the  Red  Cross  are 
not  an  independent  institution,  and  are  going  only  on  the  orders  of  the  Army.  I 
offered  my  services  to  the  major  to  take  these  people  home— those  who  were  sick. 
Those  who  were  suffering  with  yellow  fever  had  the  intermittent  stage.  They 
had  no  fever.  They  looked  well  and  were  weak,  and  so  the  major  sent  them, 
believing  that  we  would  have  no  trouble  with  them.  So  I  would  only  have  had 
about  25,  all  convalescent  from  yellow  fever.  Further,  the  men  who  were  told  to 
stay  back  also  went  on  the  ship.     The  guard  did  not  keep  them  back. 

"  The  officers,  who  were  apparently  well,  18  in  number,  also  I  believed  would 
be  no  trouble  to  us.  We  started  feeling  perfectly  at  ease,  but  a  number  of  men 
developed  chills  during  the  afternoon.  Whether  they  had  them  before  or  not  I 
could  not  find  out.  Their  desire  to  go  back  was  so  great  they  would  not  tell  what 
they  had  had.  They  ate  the  rations,  and  the  following  day  everybody  on  the  ship 
was  sick.  They  had  previously  been  living  on  hospital  diet.  There  was  a  supply 
of  delicacies  and  medicines  on  the  ship  sufficient  for  20  or  25;  all  we  supposed 
would  be  ill.  We  received  the  drugs  which  were  offered  by  the  War  Department, 
but  very  little  delicacies.  We  received  a  few  lemons  and  about  5  or  6  cans  of 
beef  tea,  4  packages  of  oatmeal,  2  packages  of  tea,  2  small  boxes  of  antipyrine, 
about  a  4-ounce  bottle  filled  with  quinine  (3-grain  pills) ,  a  pound  of  sulphur,  about 
one-half  pound  of  camphor  (both  of  which  I  requested) ,  and  that  was  all.  I  had 
a  little  medicine  case  with  me,  my  own  Red-Cross  case,  and  of  course  mostly  used 
up.  On  the  second  day,  Sunday,  every  one  on  the  ship  had  fever.  We  had  no 
ice;  we  had  no  water  but  what  was  three  months  old.  The  ship  was  responsible 
for  this  fault.  The  condition  of  the  water  was  very  bad.  It  was  water  that  was 
taken  from  somewhere  around  Jamaica,  and  it  was  three  months  old.  They  had 
a  good  deal  of  it,  peculiarly  alkaline  in  taste.  It  was  not  boiled  by  the  ship.  I 
begged  of  them  to  boil  it.  It  was  boiled  for  the  serious  cases.  Six  deaths  in  175 
cases  of  that  kind  is  an  awfully  small  mortality.  There  is  really  no  one  to  blame. 
Shaf  ter  did  not  know  how  sick  they  were.  Major  La  Garde  did  not  know  that  all 
the  men  sent  had  gone  there.  We  had  no  seasickness  at  all.  We  were  a  little 
over  a  week  coming  up.  Five  men  died  on  that  trip.  One  man  died  of  acute 
tuberculosis.  Three  died  from  eating  the  rations.  Most  of  the  men  have  gone 
on  one  of  these  quarantine  islands.  None  of  the  officers  are  down  at  Bellevue. 
There  is  one  officer  down  at  the  Astor  House — Chaplain  Groves.  There  is  one  at 
the  Murray  Hill  Hotel — Captain  Young,  Seventh  Infantry, 

"  I  was  there  when  the  Seneca  sailed,  but  had  not  seen  the  Seneca  at  all.  The 
vessels  came  from  Santiago,  and  we  had  a  right  to  believe,  coming  from  a  seaport 
where  we  have  seen  oxen  and  ice  and  everything,  that  she  would  have  been  sup- 
plied with  what  was  needed.  We  did  inspect  the  Concho,  and  I  wrote  to  Major 
La  Garde  and  said  we  had  room  for  only  about  60.  The  ice  lasted  for  only  about 
twenty-four  hours.  They  might  have  been  ordered  to  Santiago  to  buy  ice.  The 
steamship  companies  give  nothing  to  the  private  and  nothing  to  the  officer,  and 
everything  had  to  be  bought.    They  were  not  obliged  to  put  on  board  a  supply  of  ice. 

"  The  principal  troubles  with  those  25  now  sick  on  the  Concho  are  diarrhea  and 
typhoid  cases.    If  some  of  those  men  who  came  up  here  did  not  have  yellow  fever, 


336         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

then  none  of  the  Spanish  in  Cuba  have  had  it.  About  the  second  week  the  yellow 
fever  developed.  We  got  ice  and  new  water  from  Fort  Monroe.  We  had  a  large 
number  of  cases  of  sick  on  the  ship  and  now  we  have  only  about  25." 

Mr.  Samuel  McMillan,  of  Morris  Heights,  New  York  City,  made  this  statement: 

"  The  state  of  facts  as  I  saw  them  were  as  follows: 

•'After  boarding  the  Concho  and  learning  that  there  were  to  be  a  number  of 
wounded  and  convalescent  soldiers  to  be  taken  on  board  at  Siboney,  I  was  very 
reluctant  to  accept  a  cabin  or  berth  on  the  same.  In  fact,  I  was  reluctant 
because  in  the  first  place  I  thought  I  was  exposing  myself  to  disease  and  possible 
death,  which  I  had  no  right  to  do  because  of  my  family.  But  there  was  no  other 
way  of  escape.  I  had  to  face  it.  Had  there  been  any  way  of  escape  which  means 
or  money  could  have  purchased  I  certainly  would  not  have  placed  myself  in  that 
position.  But  yet  I  braced  myself  up  to  it,  and  said  it  maybe  possible  that  I  may 
be  of  some  use.  I  may  be  able  to  say  a  consoling  or  an  encouraging  word  to 
some  of  those  poor  fellow-countrymen  of  mine  who  have  suffered  for  the  cause 
that  our  country  wishes  to  vindicate.  I  was  informed  that  there  would  be  some 
16  to  20  taken  on  board,  but  to  my  surprise  there  were  something  like  160  conva- 
lescents, and  some  that  I  thought  were  not  convalescents,  landed  upon  the  ship. 
I  want  to  say  right  here  that  great  credit  should  be  given  to  the  ship's  crew,  who, 
with  untiring  effort  and  no  grumbling  of  any  name  or  nature,  paddled  back  those 
boats  to  and  fro  for  over  nine  hours  landing  those  poor  boys  on  the  vessel.  There 
was  no  invalid  or  hospital  corps  to  do  that  work.  That  was  the  first  violation  of 
the  great  duty  that  we  owed  to  our  boys  that  came  to  my  view.  I  was  willing  to 
even  overlook  that  neglect  or  blunder,  thinking  that  perhaps  the  anxious  desire 
of  those  poor  boys  and  sufferers  overruled  them,  and  that  they  may  have  forced 
themselves  upon  the  officers,  willing  to  put  up  with  any  treatment  for  the  sake 
of  getting  home  or  of  getting  to  some  port  or  some  haven  where  they  would  get 
skillful  treatment.  After  that  work  was  performed,  and  performed  well,  as  I 
have  already  stated,  I  looked  around  and  took  notice  of  what  accommodations 
had  been  provided  for  them.  I  found  myself  enjoying  a  cabin,  which  I  felt  I 
had  no  right  to  do  while  others  suffering  from  wounds  and  disease  were  without 
such  accommodations.  I  then  and  there  made  up  my  mind  that  I  would  sur- 
render mine  to  some  poor  suffering  boy  on  the  ship.  Before  that  I  had  no 
knowledge  but  that  every  store,  every  possible  contingency  or  want  that  these 
poor  boys  needed  as  sufferers,  had  been  well  thought  out  and  well  provided  for, 
and  only  then,  to  my  great  surprise,  I  learned  from  Dr.  Lesser  that  the  same  had 
not  been  done.  I  then  felt  an  indignation  that  should  possess  every  American 
heart,  that  some  one  had  blundered,  and  later  on  learned  of  the  suffering  which 
only  Dr.  Lesser  can  describe,  he  being  a  professional  man.  Others  may  guess 
at  it  and  may  give  their  views,  but  the  burden  of  this  should  rest  upon  him 
and  his  staff  of  sisters,  and  the  evidence  that  should  be  potent,  and  should  have 
weight  before  you,  should  be  taken  from  him  and  his  nurses.  Were  it  not  for  the 
kindly  offices  that  they  gave  with  such  a  will,  and  with  such  a  telling  purpose, 
no  one  knows  what  would  have  been  the  fatality  among  us.  Death  occurred, 
of  which  Dr.  Lesser  can  furnish  you  the  day  and  date.  That  death  remained 
among  us  is  an  evidence  of  some  one's  carelessness,  and  even  when  we  reached  a 
harbor  where  the  bodies  could  have  been  buried  beneath  the  soil  for  which  they 
had  fought  and  had  been  willing  to  give  up  their  lives,  they  were  denied  burial 
in  the  same.  You,  gentlemen,  who  can  well  consider  how  any  true  American 
can  feel  under  such  circumstances,  can  well  appreciate  what  my  feelings  were. 
Did  not  the  science  of  American  invention  provide  a  sealed  coffin?  Was  there 
not  a  place  on  our  fair  land  and  soil  broad  enough  to  bury  them?  If  not,  there 
would  have  been  some  excuse  for  taking  them  out  to  sea.  But  that  was  a  relief, 
and  a  relief  that  only  those  who  heard  the  news  that  the  captain  was  ordered  to 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  337 

take  them  out  to  sea  to  bury  them  in  a  watery  grave  can  fully  appreciate,  because 
of  the  fact  that  they  had  been  with  us  for  about  thirty -eight  hours— for  the  exact 
hours  I  would  refer  you  to  Dr.  Lesser's  notes.  The  evidence  of  their  death,  and 
that  they  remained  among  us  without  proper  disinfectants  or  ice,  or  any  fore- 
thought for  a  like  condition  of  affairs,  must  certainly  send  a  chill  through  every 
sufferer  who  looked  at  the  same  or  knew  of  the  same.  That  condition  of  affairs 
to  a  sick  and  sensitive  body,  who  had  every  reason  to  expect  that  there  was  no 
possibility  of  the  same  occurring,  and  who  had  every  right  to  expect  the  best 
because  of  the  wealth  and  resources  of  our  great  country,  can  only  be  expressed 
by  the  language  of  a  poor  boy  who  said, '  God  help  them  when  they  want  any  more 
volunteers.'  If  the  Government  can  shirk  the  responsibility  for  this  neglect,  they 
can  shirk  the  responsibility  of  placing  a  man  before  the  enemy  without  a  gun." 
,  ' '  I  was  present  when  Dr.  Lesser  asked  for  boiled  water  for  his  patients  and  it  was 
refused.  I  offered  $500  of  my  own  personal  funds  to  ameliorate  the  condition  of 
any  of  the  wounded  or  sick  on  the  Concho,  and  I  told  Dr.  Lesser  that  he  need  not 
stop  at  that,  and  that  I  would  give  him  my  check  for  $2,000  if  needed.  He  then 
said  that  we  must  have  some  action  in  this  matter,  and  if  there  is  no  military  head 
to  bear  this  burden  the  captain  must.  The  newspaper  notoriety  given  to  this 
transport  business  is  without  foundation  of  fact,  and  these  gentlemen  have  been 
misquoted." 

In  the  hospital  at  Fort  Wadsworth  I  found  Capt.  H.  T.  Allen,  Second  Artillery, 
who  made  the  following  statement: 

"The  Concho  was  not  any  worse  than  the  whole  outfit  where  the  Medical 
Department  was  concerned.  I  know  that  the  Medical  Department  has  not  the 
attendants,  the  order,  the  system  of  supply,  or  anything.     The  Concho  is  bad. 

"  The  vessel  should  have  been  inspected,  of  course.  The  trouble  seems  to  be  a 
lack  of  everything.  I  was  at  Siboney  for  an  hour  and  a  quarter  before  they  gave 
me  a  tent.  I  do  not  know  how  many  men  are  there  now.  I  maintain  that  all 
those  fever  patients  ought  to  have  something  to  keep  the  fever  from  their  heads. 
The  condition  was  just  simply  congestion  from  top  to  bottom.  It  was  an  absolute 
state  of  unpreparedness. 

"  Captain  Young,  Seventh  Infantry,  and  Anderson,  of  the  Thirty-third  Michi- 
gan, were  on  that  boat  besides  myself.  There  was  no  special  complaint  on  the 
part  of  the  officers  and  men  on  the  vessels  as  to  their  condition.  They  did  not 
think  the  Concho  was  what  they  had  been  accustomed  to.  It  was  not  as  good  as 
general  hospital  life.  The  lack  of  material  and  attention  down  below  there  was 
quite  as  bad  as  it  was  aboard  ship. 

"All  the  water  was  boiled  and  put  up  in  little  jugs  wrapped  in  wet  cloths  to  cool 
it  off.  Siboney  ought  to  be  looked  into.  Anybody  will  die  there.  They  have 
absolutely  no  delicacies.  It  is  one  of  the  blackest  holes  in  our  Santiago  campaign, 
and  there  were  a  great  many  black  ones. 

"  I  do  not  know  that  the  Concho  was  overcrowded.  There  were  about  190  on 
board.  Dr.  Lesser  was  a  Red  Cross  physician.  He  was  the  salvation  of  the  sick. 
His  work  deserves  great  credit.  Lesser  has  got  the  fever  business  down  pat.  I 
have  had  both  yellow  and  typhoid  fever.  Had  the  yellow  fever  on  the  16th,  and 
it  turned  into  typhoid.  I  do  not  know  what  the  fare  on  board  the  boat  was  for 
these  men,  nor  do  I  know  anything  about  how  the  officers  were  fed.     I  was  too  ill." 

(Attention  is  invited  to  the  inclosed  report  concerning  the  Seneca,  made  to  the 
Surgeon-General  by  Dr.  N.  G.  Bird,  acting  assistant  surgeon,  under  date  of  July 
28,  1898,  marked  "  C") 

In  view  of  the  statements  and  testimony  submitted,  it  appears  that  the  public 
charges  made  concerning  the  Seneca  and  Concho,  though  in  some  respects  exag- 
gerated, are  not  without  just  foundation,  and  the  conditions  at  Siboney  are  assign- 
able in  a  great  measure  as  the  cause.  These  conditions  summed  up:  The  great 
difficulty  in  landing  and  loading  men  and  supplies,  owing  to  the  primitive  and 
7833— VOL.  1 22 


338         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

limited  means  at  hand;  the  strong  desire  of  sick  and  wounded  men  to  return  to 
the  United  States,  in  some  cases  eluding  the  vigilance  of  the  medical  officers  at 
Siboney  and  getting  on  the  vessels  without  authority;  the  great  number  of  casual- 
ties from  battle  and  the  extraordinarily  large  sick  list,  beyond  provisions  made 
and  even  contemplated;  the  necessity  of  the  presence  of  the  entire  medical  staff 
to  alleviate  and  care  for  the  number  still  in  the  hospitals  there,  and  the  antici- 
pated greater  increase  of  casualties  from  an  expected  battle,  thus  requiring,  too, 
almost  all  available  medical  supplies,  and  especially  delicacies  and  ice,  for  the 
fever-stricken  on  shore,  and  this,  aggravated  by  the  severe  climatic  influences, 
the  incessant  heat  from  a  tropical  sun  and  daily  pouring  rains,  with  a  greatly  con- 
gested condition  at  Siboney  of  sick  and  wounded,  added  to  increase  the  discomforts. 

To  the  Medical  Department  falls  the  principal  burden  in  these  trying  emergen- 
cies, and  that  it  has  been  sorely  taxed  goes  beyond  questioning.  It  is  not  doubted,, 
however,  that  its  officers  have  done  all  in  their  power,  and  have  worked  ener- 
getically in  the  fulfillment  of  their  great  responsible  duty.  Such  extraordinary 
casualties  could  hardly  have  been  foreseen,  and  that  it  has  not  been  able  in  every 
emergency  to  meet  the  requirements  should  not  be  made  in  the  light  of  a  reflec- 
tion. It  is  evident  that  human  power  has  been  taxed  to  its  utmost,  and  the  great 
amount  of  good  done  should  be  considered  also  with  any  existing  discrepancy. 
War  necessarily  brings  with  it  great  suffering  and  privation,  and  the  delicacies 
and  treatment  of  the  sick  can  not  always  be  had  in  the  field  as  in  a  regular  hospital. 

It  appears  that  after  the  arrival  of  the  hospital  steamer  Relief  at  Siboney,  in 
view  of  a  possible  assault  on  the  Spanish  lines,  Maj.  G.  H.  Torney,  surgeon  U.  S. 
Army,  in  charge  of  the  Relief,  was  directed  by  the  chief  surgeon,  Dr.  Greenleaf , 
to  be  prepared  to  receive  the  wounded  from  the  front,  and  to  transfer  as  many 
of  the  slight  cases  as  were  deemed  practicable  to  any  transport.  The  transport 
Seneca,  in  charge  of  Dr.  Hicks,  an  acting  assistant  surgeon,  was  lying  "right 
opposite,"  and  was  selected  apparently  without  any  inspection  as  to  her  capacity, 
stores,  supplies,  or  hygienic  condition. 

Undoubtedly  Dr.  Torney  was  authorized  by  the  letter  from  the  Surgeon-General 
of  June  27, 1898,  to  send  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  home  by  army  transports,  but 
it  can  hardly  be  claimed  that  in  the  exercise  of  that  authority  he  was  not  to  use 
care  and  discretion,  having  always  in  view  the  comfort  of  his  patients. 

Dr.  Hicks  reported  he  could  take  45  patients,  but  it  appears  the  vessel  arrived 
with  90  soldiers  and  48  passengers.  The  inadequate  supply  of  medicines  on  board 
seemed  to  be  due  to  the  inexperience  of  the  contract  surgeon  in  charge.  The 
small  quantity  of  medicines  and  delicacies  furnished  Dr.  Hicks  included  all  that 
he  asked  for,  except  surgical  instruments,  but  proved  entirely  inadequate  for  the 
number  of  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  on  board.  It  appears  that  a  large  number 
of  these  soldiers  were  just  convalescing  from  fever,  and  in  no  condition  to  subsist 
on  the  army  ration.  Yet,  with  these  facts  known  to  the  medical  authorities, 
possibly  an  effort  should  have  been  made  to  provide  a  proper  diet  for  such  people 
during  a  sea  voyage.  Under  ordinary  circumstances  the  liability  for  providing  a 
ship  with  sufficient  and  wholesome  food,  water,  and  other  necessaries  for  the 
comfort  of  its  passengers  rests  with  the  master  of  the  ship,  but  these  enlisted 
men  can  not  be  regarded  as  ordinary  passengers,  capable  of  making  a  contract 
for  passage.  They  were  in  the  care  and  custody  of  the  United  States,  and  the 
Government,  through  its  responsible  officers,  was  bound,  under  the  especial 
circumstances,  to  see  that  there  should  be  no  unnecessary  suffering  that  could 
have  been  avoided  by  the  exercise  of  that  forethought  that  is  born  from  a  full 
grasp  of  the  situation. 

From  the  testimony,  the  contract  surgeons  on  the  Seneca  and  Dr.  Lesser  on  the 
Concho  seem  to  have  done  all  they  could  under  the  disadvantages  arising  from  a 
lack  of  assistants,  medicine,  proper  nourishment,  water,  ice,  and  bedding  for  the 
men  placed  in  their  care. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  339 

Possibly  the  evils  resulting  from  the  overcrowding  were  not  considered  in  the 
evident  desire  to  clear  the  hospital  for  the  expected  battle  and  the  anxiety  of  the 
sick  men  to  get  en  route  for  home,  but  a  matter  of  so  much  importance  evidently 
calls  for  some  directing  hand. 

To  prevent  a  repetition  of  the  evil  it  is  suggested  that  no  sick  or  wounded  men 
be  placed  on  any  transport  until  it  has  been  thoroughly  inspected  as  to  its  sani- 
tary condition,  its  capacity,  and  its  water  supply;  that  a  competent  medical 
officer  be  placed  in  charge,  with  a  sufficient  corps  of  assistants;  that  no  more 
than  the  determined  number  of  persons  be  allowed  on  board,  and  that  an  ample 
supply  of  medicines,  instruments,  bedding,  clothing,  dietary  articles,  and  other 
accessories  for  the  comfort  of  the  sick  be  provided. 

Very  respectfully,  C.  H.  Heyl, 

Major,  Inspector-General. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  June  27, 1898. 
Maj.  George  H.  Torney, 

Surgeon,  U.  S.  A.,  Commanding  Hospital  Ship  Relief, 

Foot  Ninth  Street,  East  River,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
Sir:  Your  attention  is  invited  to  the  following  additional  instructions: 
You  should  keep  in  view  the  fact  that  the  Relief  is  a  well-equipped  floating 
hospital  and  a  depot  of  supplies  for  troops  in  the  field.    It  is  important,  therefore, 
that  she  should  not  be  taken  away  from  the  scene  of  active  operations  unless  it  is 
absolutely  necessary  for  the  purpose  of  landing  the  sick  and  wounded  at  a  home 
port.    You  should  avail  yourself  of  every  opportunity  to  send  proper  cases  by  the 
navy  ambulance  ship,  the  Solace,  or  by  army  transports  returning  to  home  ports. 
As  a  rule,  the  more  serious  cases  of  injury  and  sickness  should  be  retained  on 
your  ship,  as  the  disturbance  incident  to  a  sea  voyage  would  be  injurious  to  them. 
Convalescents  and  those  sick  and  wounded  who  can  be  transported  without  injury 
to  themselves,  and  who  are  not  likely  to  be  fit  for  duty  within  a  short  time,  should 
be  sent  to  a  home  port  whenever  an  opportunity  offers. 
Very  respectfully, 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  July  22,  1898. 
Maj.  George  H.  Torney, 

Surgeon,  U.  S.  A.,  Commanding  U.  S.  Hospital  Ship  Relief, 

Army  Building,  89  Whitehall  Street,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
Sir:  You  will  do  everything  in  your  power  to  expedite  the  work  upon  the  hos- 
pital ship  Relief,  and  when  she  is  ready  for  sea  report  to  me  by  telegraph.  Upon 
receiving  telegraphic  orders  to  that  effect,  you  will  proceed  directly  to  Santiago 
de  Cuba,  reporting  your  arrival  to  the  commanding  general  at  that  point.  Your 
ship  should  be  anchored  in  a  safe  harbor,  at  such  point  as  may  be  designated  by 
the  proper  authorities  and  as  near  as  possible  to  the  seat  of  active  operations. 
You  will  receive  on  board  up  to  the  full  capacity  of  the  ship  the  sick  and  wounded 
of  the  army  and  navy,  and  care  for  them  exactly  as  if  they  were  in  a  general 
hospital.  The  Relief  is  regarded  as  a  United  States  general  hospital,  and  you  will 
be  expected  to  make  such  reports  and  returns  as  are  required  by  regulations 
for  a  general  hospital.  Your  attention  is  especially  invited  to  Army  Regulations 
1433,  and  should  anyone  attempt  to  exercise  unauthorized  authority  over  you  or 
your  ship  you  will  invite  their  attention  to  this  regulation.     When,  in  your  judg- 


340        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

ment  or  in  that  of  the  commanding  general  or  the  chief  surgeon  of  the  troops  at 
whatever  point  yon  may  be  located,  it  is  desirable  that  you  should  proceed  to  a 
home  port  for  the  purpose  of  landing  the  sick  and  wcunded,  you  will,  if  practi- 
cable, communicate  with  me  by  telegraph,  and  orders  will  be  sent  you  designating 
the  port  for  which  you  should  sail.  If  it  is  not  practicable  to  communicate  with 
me  by  telegraph,  you  should  apply  to  the  commanding  general  of  the  troops 
for  orders  to  proceed  to  such  home  port  as  may  seem  desirable,  and  immediately 
upon  your  arrival  you  should  communicate  with  me  by  telegraph,  in  order  that 
arrangements  may  be  made  to  transfer  the  sick  and  wounded  to  a  general 
hospital. 

You  will  issue  medical  supplies,  upon  properly  approved  requisitions,  to  troops 
in  the  field,  and  will  do  everything  in  your  power  to  aid  the  medical  officers  with 
these  troops  in  providing  for  the  comfort  of  the  sick  by  the  issue  of  ice,  hospital 
stores,  and  such  delicacies  as  you  may  have  at  your  disposal. 

When  practicable,  you  will  send  to  me  once  a  week  a  telegraphic  report  showing 
the  number  of  patients  of  the  army  and  of  the  navy  on  board  the  hospital  ship. 
You  should  make  timely  requisition  for  necessary  supplies  for  use  on  the  ship 
and  for  issue  to  troops  in  the  field.  I  shall  send  you  $1,000  as  a  hospital  fund,  and 
you  are  authorized  to  give  to  chief  surgeons,  or  surgeons  in  charge  of  division 
hospitals,  amounts  not  exceeding  $100  for  use  in  the  purchase  of  necessary  articles 
for  the  sick  in  the  field  hospitals. 

Very  respectfully,  Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 

Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army. 

Approved. 

It.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 

June  22, 1898. 


Before  you  sail  you  will  report  to  the  Surgeon-General  for  specific  orders  as  to 
destination  and  place  of  landing  the  sick  and  wounded  upon  your  return. 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 


REPORT  CONCERNING  THE  TRANSPORT  SENECA. 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  28, 1898. 

On  the  morning  of  Tuesday,  July  12,  1898,  I  received  an  order  from  Major 
La  Garde  to  go  aboard  the  Seneca  and  assume  charge  of  the  sick  and  wounded 
which  would  be  sent  aboard  to  be  taken  North  in  that  ship.  On  going  aboard  the 
Seneca  I  found  her  to  be  a  transport,  with  the  conveniences  and  inconveniences 
found  on  such  ships.  I  made  the  best  use  possible  of  the  resources  on  board. 
Some  civilians  were  on  board,  and  others  came  later,  making  in  all  about  thirty. 
As  they  were  referred  to  the  captain,  we  had  nothing  to  do  with  them. 

Some  wounded  men  had  come  from  the  shore  when  I  arrived.  They  were  with- 
out personal  effects,  blankets,  etc.  We  were  told  that  there  was  a  large  quantity 
of  regimental  property  on  board  belonging  to  troops  which  had  come  to  Cuba  in 
the  Seneca,  and  which  had  not  been  removed.  This  property  we  were  told  we 
could  use  for  our  sick,  but  an  officer  on  board  was  in  charge  of  it  and  refused  to 
let  us  use  it.  We  finally  received  permission  to  use  it  without  opening  the  pack- 
ages. The  men  were  also  without  any  personal  equipment — knives,  forks,  plates, 
etc. — having  lost  these  things.  The  next  day  I  went  to  the  Relief  and  secured 
necessary  medical  and  surgical  supplies.  We  had  a  quantity  of  gauze  and  band- 
ages and  antiseptics,  and  ordinary  medicines,  quin.  sulph.,  pil.  cath.  co.,  pil. 
camph.  et  op.,  tablets,  mist,  glycr.,  phenacetin,  antipyrin,  magnes  sulph.,  etc. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  341 

Dr.  Torney  told  me  that  he  had  everything  we  could  possibly  want,  but  in  the 
condition  of  the  cargo  it  was  impossible  to  get  at  many  of  these  things,  but  that 
he  let  me  have  what  we  would  need,  in  his  judgment.  A  quantity  of  Armour's 
extract  of  beef  was  sent.  I  told  him  of  our  need  of  bedding,  and  he  sent  a  suffi- 
cient number  of  blankets  with  the  patients.  I  told  him  of  our  lack  of  table  fur- 
niture, and  he  regretted  that  he  could  not  supply  us  with  these  things.  When 
the  men  began  to  come  aboard  they  were  taken  care  of  as  well  as  the  conditions 
permitted.  We  were  obliged  to  use  the  bunks  between  decks.  By  getting  the 
passengers  aforesaid  to  get  two  in  a  stateroom  we  secured  the  use  of  several  state- 
rooms for  the  worst  cases.  Those  we  deemed  best  able  to  put  up  with  it  we  kept 
in  the  bunks. 

The  travel  rations  I  had  gotten  aboard  on  Tuesday  afternoon. 

Miss  Jennings  came  aboard  of  us  and  had  sent  to  us  some  oatmeal  and  jelly, 
which  were  an  agreeable  variation  from  the  ration.  The  men  who  were  able  to 
help  were  organized  into  details,  which  attended  to  preparing  meals  and  seeing 
to  the  wants  of  the  sick.  The  mess  detail,  of  some  six  or  eight  men,  were  expected 
to  attend  exclusively  to  that.  There  were  four  other  details  of  six  each,  on  duty 
for  six  hours  at  a  time.  After  these  details  were  in  working  order,  I  know  of  no 
instance  in  which  any  helpless  man  was  neglected.  At  my  request  the  mate  had 
the  carpenter  saw  a  cask  in  two,  making  a  tub,  which  our  men  were  instructed 
to  keep  full  of  water  for  their  use.  They  also  had  the  use  of  the  saloon  tank,  but 
this  was  of  small  capacity.  As  long  as  the  ice  lasted  they  had  the  benefit  of  it. 
When  it  gave  out,  about  two  days  out,  they,  of  course,  had  none.  At  Newport 
News  we  got  on  ice  and  water,  greatly  helping  matters  out.  The  ship  was  light 
and  rolled  a  great  deal,  which  was  given  as  a  reason  for  the  drinking  water  becom- 
ing much  discolored.  The  captain  told  me  that  he  had  not  had  opportunity  to 
provision  his  boat  for  two  months,  which  accounted  for  the  condition  of  the  water, 
and  shortage  of  ice  and  provisions,  which  was  noticeable  in  the  saloon  table. 

We  were  expected  to  take  care  of  wounded  men,  of  whom  not  one  was  in  a  bad 
surgical  condition.  Most  of  the  wounds  were  simple  punctures;  were  nearly  well 
when  they  came  aboard.  To  some  the  dressings  were  not  even  adhering.  Of 
course  there  were  other  unpleasant  conditions  resulting  from  the  wounds,  as 
soreness,  stiffness,  etc.  One  man  shot  through  the  chest  had  contracted  either 
pneumonia  or  empyema,  which  increased  the  gravity  of  his  condition. 

Unfortunately,  in  addition  to  these  cases,  many  cases  of  fever  appeared  among 
the  wounded  and  passengers,  which  increased  the  difficulty  of  the  situation. 

Owing  to  the  uncertain  exposure  of  many  people  on  board,  the  character  of  the 
fever  became  a  matter  of  serious  consideration.  Owing  to  the  absence  of  diag- 
nostic instuments,  we  hesitated  to  arrive  at  a  decision. 

We  left  Siboney  on  Thursday  morning.  We  had  been  ordered  to  Port  Tampa, 
but  the  order  was  changed.  On  arriving  at  Newport  News  the  health  authorities 
refused  to  express  an  opinion  as  to  the  character  of  the  fever  aboard,  but  advised 
that  we  proceed  North.  I  telegraphed  the  Surgeon-General  and  received  orders 
to  proceed  to  New  York  and  unload  wounded. 

We  arrived  at  New  York  on  Wednesday,  the  20th,  and  were  boarded  by  the 
health  officer.  He  held  the  ship  in  quarantine,  released  a  few  immunes,  sent  the 
fever  cases  to  Swinburne  Island,  the  others  to  Hoffman  Island,  and  the  wounded 
requiring  attention  to  Bellevue  Hospital.  I  went  to  Hoffman  Island  to  care  for 
the  men  there.  On  Friday  I  was  ordered  to  report  to  Washington.  I  telegraphed 
my  situation  and  was  ordered  to  remain  as  long  as  necessary. ,  The  men  at  Hoff- 
man Island  were  removed  to  Fort  Hamilton  on  Saturday,  when  I  went  to  Swin- 
burne Island,  where  I  remained  till  Tuesday  morning.  The  remaining  men  were 
then  taken  to  Fort  Hamilton. 


342         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  discomforts  of  the  voyage  were  due  to  the  fact  that  the  Seneca,  was  not  a 
hospital  ship,  and  lack  of  ice,  and  poor  quality  of  water. 
Many  of  the  civilians  on  board  provided  their  own  sleeping  accommodations. 
Very  respectfully, 

N.  S.  Bird, 
Acting  Assistant  Surgeon,  U.  S.  A. 
Surg.  Gen.  G.  M.  Sternberg. 


War  Department,  Inspector-General's  Office, 

Washington,  September  29,  1898. 
The  Assistant  Secretary  of  War, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  I  made  the  inspection  of  the  general  hospital 
at  Fort  Myer,  Va. ,  as  directed,  and  found  it  to  consist  of  22  wards,  with  a  capacity 
of  544  patients.  At  present  there  are  260  patients  there.  I  found  the  wards,  bath- 
rooms, closets,  kitchens,  kitchen  utensils,  storerooms,  mess  rooms,  and  furniture 
to  be  in  good  condition. 

There  have  been  30  deaths  there  since  August  11,  1898,  27  of  these  dying  from 
typhoid  fever.  The  police  was  very  good,  also  the  diet.  There  are  40  female 
nurses,  12  contract  male  nurses,  and  10  men  of  the  hospital  corps  on  this  duty.  I 
found  Mrs.  Dr.  Greene  there,  but  not  Dr.  Booth,  he  being  absent. 

As  to  the  amount  of  funds  accruing  from  General  Orders  No.  116,  Adjutant- 
General's  Office,  1898,  the  post  surgeon  informed  me  that  $2,700  had  been  sup- 
plied by  the  Subsistence  Department,  all  of  which,  except  $20.38,  had  been  used  in 
payment  of  the  August  bills.  He  could  not  tell  me  the  amount  that  would  be  used 
in  September,  as  the  bills  had  not  yet  been  presented  for  this  month.  He  stated 
that  he  was  purchasing  everything  which  in  his  judgment  was  necessary  for  the 
sick;  that  all  delicacies  and  all  other  articles  of  food  which  they  could  possibly 
use  were  being  purchased  for  them.  He  was  devoting  a  large  part  of  this  fund 
for  the  diet  kitchen,  and  had  assumed  the  payment  of  the  bills  contracted  there 
to  the  extent  of  the  amount  of  the  funds.  Four  of  the  nurses  had  contracted 
fever.  In  regard  to  the  attendants  being  careless  in  disposing  of  the  excrement 
of  the  patients,  only  two  cases  were  mentioned,  these  being  exceptions  and  not 
likely  to  occur  again,  as  instructions  from  the  surgeon  when  carried  out  will  pre- 
vent this.  If  the  dishes  used  by  the  nurses  were  washed  in  the  kitchen  where 
those  used  by  the  typhoid  patients  were  washed,  this  was  an  exception  and  in  vio- 
lation of  the  orders  of  the  post  surgeon.  The  post  surgeon  informed  me  that  the 
large  kitchen,  which  is  not  used,  was  reserved  by  him  for  the  use  of  the  convales- 
cents from  the  riding-hall  hospital  in  case  more  patients  were  received,  and  Fort 
Myer  was  to  be  retained  as  a  general  hospital  for  typhoid  cases. 

In  conclusion,  I  will  say  that  I  am  convinced  that  a  lack  of  harmony  exists 
between  the  medical  department  at  the  post  and  the  Red  Cross  persons  there, 
although  both  are  working  to  the  same  purpose — the  proper  treatment  of  the  sick. 
I  think  some  of  the  friction  would  be  removed  if  the  large  unoccupied  kitchen  and 
adjoining  dining  room  were  given  to  the  Red  Cross  nurses  for  their  use  and  a 
proper  amount  of  dishes  be  purchased  for  them  of  a  different  pattern  from  those 
in  use  by  the  medical  department,  but  of  the  same  quality  and  value.  I  respect- 
fully recommend  that  this  be  done. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Thos.  T.  Knox, 
Major,  Inspector-General. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  343 

Headquarters  Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps, 

Tampa,  Fla. ,  July  8,  1898. 
Assistant  Adjutant-General, 

Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps,  Tampa,  Fla. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  in  compliance  with  the  verbal  order  of  the 
division  commander,  I  have  to-day  inspected  at  their  camp  the  Eleventh  United 
States  Infantry.  There  were  eleven  companies  present,  the  other  company  (B) 
being  detached  as  headquarter's  guard  at  division  headquarters.  The  absentees 
were  classed  as  follows: 

Sick,  32;  fatigue,  39;  guard,  40;  confinement,  8;  absent  without  leave,  1;  com- 
pany cooks,  11;  noncommissioned  officers  in  charge  of  quarters,  11. 

The  condition  of  the  regiment  is  very  good.    Arms  are  in  good  order,  and  ord- 
nance equipment  is  complete  and  good,  save  some  rather  poor  canteens. 

The  regiment  is  supplied  with  clothing,  save  leggings  for  the  last-received 
recruits. 

The  companies  are  short  some  ponchos,  but  these  are  in  the  hands  of  the  regi- 
mental quartermaster  ready  for  issue. 
The  condition  of  the  camp  is  very  good;  police  excellent. 
Sinks  well  attended  to  and  clean,  no  odor  perceptible. 

Company  kitchens  clean;  food  well  served,  and  enough  of  it.    The  companies 
are  living  very  well,  I  should  say;  to-day's  dinner  was  good  in  every  company. 
The  regiment  is  ready  to  take  the  field. 

Very  respectfully,  S.  C.  Mills, 

Major,  Inspector-General,  Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps. 


Inspector-General's  Office, 
Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps, 

Tampa,  Fla.,  July  11,  1898. 
Assistant  Adjutant-General, 

Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps,  Tampa,  Fla. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  in  compliance  with  the  verbal  orders  of  the 
division  commander,  I  inspected  the  Nineteenth  United  States  Infantry  on  July  9. 
The  camp  is  properly  arranged,  clean,  and  well  policed. 

Sinks  are  in  good  condition,  pits  are  well  cared  for  and  screened.     No  odors 
were  perceptible. 
The  company  kitchens  are  in  very  fine  condition,  and  the  companies  live  well. 
The  regiment  is  properly  equiped  with  ordnance  and  ammunition  stores,  and  has 
the  necessary  quartermaster  equipment.     Clothing  is  complete,  save  a  few  pairs 
of  leggings  for  lately  arrived  recruits. 

The  absentees  from  inspection,  in  addition  to  company  cooks  and  noncommis- 
sioned officers  in  charge  of  quarters,  were:   Sick,  40;  guard,  58;  in  confinement,  2; 
detached  service,  37. 
The  regiment  is  in  very  fine  condition,  and  is  ready  to  take  the  field. 
Very  respectfully, 

S.  C.  Mills,  Major,  Inspector-General. 


Headquarters  Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps, 

Inspector-General's  Office, 

Tampa,  Fla. ,  July  15,  1898. 
Assistant  Adjutant-General, 

Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  in  compliance  with  the  verbal  order  of  the 
division  commander,  I  have  inspected  the  One  hundred  and  fifty-seventh  Indiana 


344        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAB    WITH    SPAIN. 

Infantry,  United  States  Volunteers.  The  inspection  was  by  single  companies 
paraded  in  their  company  streets  in  heavy-marching  order.  I  was  accompanied 
by  the  colonel  of  the  regiment  throughout,  and  by  battalion  commanders,  each 
his  own  battalion. 

The  drill  of  the  regiment,  judging  from  the  showing  of  the  companies  on  inspec- 
tion, is  poor.  Few  of  the  captains  took  the  proper  position  after  "open  ranks." 
The  movements  were  slouchily  done,  wrong  commands  were  given,  some  lieuten- 
ants stood  at  order  sword,  some  at  carry  sword,  and  some  saluted  as  the  inspector 
approached  them.     The  manual  of  arms  was  poorly  done. 

The  regiment  received  new  rifles;  these  are  in  good  condition  but  dirty  and  show 
a  lack  of  care  and  oversight.  Many  of  the  bayonets  are  old,  and  most  of  the  bayo- 
net scabbards  are  old,  and  many  ready  for  condemnation. 

Tin  cups,  meat  cans,  knives,  forks,  and  spoons  are  complete,  save  for  newly 
arrived  recruits.    Most  of  them  showed  lack  of  care.     They  were  not  clean. 

The  regiment  is  complete  with  leggings,  shelter  halves,  pins,  poles,  ponchos,  and 
blankets,  save  the  slight  deficiences  made  by  recruits  coming  in. 

In  underwear  some  of  the  men  have  two  suits,  some  have  not,  and  their  own 
wishes  seem  to  have  settled  the  question. 

Most  of  the  men  have  two  pairs  of  shoes,  most  of  which  are  not  the  Government 
issue  shoes,  but  those  purchased  in  open  market. 

Police  of  camp  is  poor,  and  evidently  not  given  much  attention.  The  company 
kitchens  show  an  improvement  since  I  first  saw  them,  but  are  far  from  good  as 
regards  cleanliness.  The  sinks  are  screened  and  properly  covered.  Kitchen  pits 
are  not  covered  often  enough. 

Meals  are  well  cooked,  considering  the  lack  of  appliances.  This  regiment  has 
never  received  proper  cooking  utensils,  and  has  to  do  with  makeshifts.  They 
should  be  supplied  with  either  Buzzacot  ovens  or  Hall  stoves,  and  a  proper  number 
of  camp  kettles  and  mess  pans.     They  can  not  cook  properly  as  they  now  are. 

The  supply  of  canvas  in  the  hands  of  the  regiment  is  much  too  small.  They 
have  no  facilities  for  covering  their  ration,  and  hard  bread,  coffee,  flour,  and  sugar 
are  being  spoiled  from  exposure  to  the  rain,  and  it  is  beyond  the  power  of  the 
company  commanders  to  stop  or  prevent  all  of  this  waste.  The  regimental  hos- 
pital has  not  sufficient  canvas  for  the  patients  it  has  to  handle. 

Generally,  this  regiment  is  not  in  good  shape.  They  are  not  as  far  advanced 
as  they  should  be  after  two  months  of  service.  There  seems  to  be  a  lack  of  atten- 
tion to  detail  on  the  part  of  the  officers,  and  a  lack  of  knowledge  of  their  duties. 

One  company  paraded  in  blanket  rolls,  the  others  wore  both  blanket  rolls  and 
blanket  bags.  What  a  soldier  is  required  to  have  in  heavy  marching  order  did 
not  seem  to  be  known  to  the  captains.  No  regimental  order  or  instructions  on 
the  subject  seems  to  have  been  given  beyond  "  take  everything  you  have  got." 

Policing  and  care  of  the  kitchens  seems  to  be  in  the  hands  of  the  sergeants.  I 
found  no  captain  who  had  ordered  his  lieutenants  to  supervise  either  work.  It 
all  goes  in  a  hit-or-miss  fashion,  men  individually  doing  the  best  they  know,  but 
not  properly  instructed,  supervised,  or  inspected. 

The  company  books  are  badly  kept.  When  it  is  considered  that  the  lieutenant- 
colonel  of  this  regiment  is  a  regular  officer,  whose  knowledge  and  experience,  if 
used,  could  have  prevented  most  of  these  defects,  and  properly  instructed  the 
officers,  a  failure  to  adapt  means  to  ends  is  apparent.  I  assembled  the  captains 
and  explained  the  proper  method  of  keeping  company  books.  The  lieutenant- 
colonel,  who  was  present,  announced  that  he  had  called  attention  to  the  subject 
before  and  offered  to  explain,  but  that  no  steps  had  been  taken. 

A  sharp,  severe  course  of  instruction  is  necessary  before  this  regiment  will  be 
ready  to  take  the  field.    With  proper  effort  it  might  be  made  a  fair  regiment. 
Very  respectfully, 

S.  C.  Mills,  Major,  Inspector-General. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  345 

Inspector-General's  Office, 
Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps, 

Tampa,  Fla.,  July  17,  1898. 
Assistant  Adjutant-General, 

Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  in  compliance  with  the  verbal  orders  of 
the  division  commander  I  have  made  an  inspection  of  the  First  Ohio  Infantry. 

This  regiment  is  in  very  good  shape,  considering  its  length  of  service.  The 
camp  is  clean  and  fairly  well  policed.  The  sinks  are  well  screened,  properly  cov- 
ered, and  looked  after.  The  kitchen  pits  for  refuse  are  well  away  from  the  kitch- 
ens.    The  kitchens  are  clean,  and  the  food  seems  to  be  well  cooked. 

The  ordnance  equipment  came  partly  from  the  State  equipment  and  partly  from 
ssue  since,  and  is  a  mixture  of  old  and  new.  The  arms  are  in  good  condition, 
well  cared  for,  and  reasonably  clean.  Some  minor  articles  of  equipment  need 
replacing.  * 

The  regiment  is  fairly  well  uniformed,  and  has  the  proper  underwear  and  shoes 
for  a  change  for  each  man. 

There  is  not  enough  canvas  with  this  regiment,  and  some  of  what  they  have  is 
State  issue  of  a  very  poor  kind.  Most  of  the  company  officers  are  living  in  tents 
which  do  not  turn  the  rain. 

The  company  books  are  started,  and  such  errors  as  I  found  in  them  were  due  to 
the  lack  of  proper  instruction. 

The  regiment  as  a  whole  shows  an  earnest  desire  to  know  and  do  its  duty  that 
will  make  of  it  a  good  regiment. 

Company  M,  recently  joined,  is  a  recruit  company  raised  to  complete  the  regi- 
ment, and  neither  officers  nor  men  have  any  military  knowledge..  It  will  be  some 
time  before  this  company  is  up  to  the  others  in  point  of  efficiency.  It  needs  the 
services  of  competent  drillmasters  and  instructors. 

The  ordnance,  tentage,  and  quartermaster's  supplies  and  clothing  brought  by 
this  regiment  from  the  State  rendezvous  are  State  property,  and  the  transfer  to 
the  United  States,  and  the  question  of  personal  responsibility  for  this  property, 
has  not  yet  been  settled.  Company  commanders  are  still  reporting  to  the  State 
as  to  property. 

It  will  probably  require  the  services  of  a  "board  of  officers "  to  settle  this  ques- 
tion, and  it  should  be  attended  to  at  once,  and  the  property  taken  up  by  the  proper 
officers  in  the  name  of  the  United  States. 

This  regiment  needs  more  drill  instruction  and  experience,  but  could,  if  neces- 
sary, take  the  field  with  eleven  companies  in  fairly  good  condition. 
Very  respectfully, 

S.  C.  Mills,  Major,  Inspector-General. 


Headquarters  Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps, 

Inspector-General's  Office, 

Tampa,  Fla.,  July  19,  1898, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General, 

Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  in  compliance  with  the  verbal  orders 
of  the  division  commander  I  have  made  an  inspection  of  the  Third  Pennsylvania 
Infantry,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 

This  regiment  is  completely  armed,  and  the  equipment  is  complete,  save  the 
usual  minor  deficiencies  which  always  exist  in  a  regiment.  The  regiment  is  well 
supplied  with  clothing,  which  is  in  good  condition.  Arms  are  in  excellent  condi- 
tion, are  well  cared  for,  and  are  cleaner  than  any  I  have  seen  in  the  hands  of 
volunteer  troops. 


3445         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Blanket  rolls  were  properly  packed,  and  there  was  a  uniformity  of  appearance 
of  the  companies,  which  shows  care  and  attention  to  detail  on  the  part  of  the 
regimental  commander. 

The  general  police  of  the  camp  is  excellent.  The  company  streets  are  well 
policed.  All  refuse  is  burned  and  the  indestructible  remnant  then  buried.  The 
sinks  are  in  good  condition  and  are  properly  looked  after  under  existing  orders. 

All  water  used  in  the  camp  is  first  boiled,  then  filtered.  No  lemonade  stands, 
etc.,  are  allowed  in  the  camp. 

The  manual  of  arms  and  such  movements  as  I  saw  at  inspection  were  fairly 
well  executed.  So  far  as  I  can  judge,  the  discipline  of  the  regiment  is  good. 
Positions  of  officers  and  enlisted  men  seem  to  be  understood. 

The  books  of  the  companies  showed  the  usual  errors,  due  to  lack  of  instruction. 
The  adjutant's  and  regimental  quartermaster's  books  and  records  are  complete 
and  well  kept. 

The  regiment  needs  more  drill,  instruction,  and  experience  to  perfect  itself  but 
is  in  very  good  condition  and  ready  to  take  the  field. 
Very  respectfully, 

S.  C.  Mills,  Major,  Inspector-General. 


War  Department,  Inspector-General's  Office, 

Washington,  August  11,  1S98. 
The  Adjutant-General  United  States  Army 

(Through  the  Inspector-General's  Office). 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  in  compliance  with  paragraph  36,  Special 
Orders  185,  Adjutant-General's  Office,  I  left  this  city  Monday  evening  for  Tryon, 
N.  C,  to  examine  a  tract  of  land  referred  to  in  letters  inclosed  herewith  from  L. 
S.  Brown,  esq.,  general  agent  Southern  Railroad  Company,  Harrison  J.  Barrett, 
and  Hon.  James  N.  Tyner,  Attorney-General,  Post-Office  Department.  A  rough 
map  of  the  tract  is  also  inclosed. 

On  reaching  Tryon  I  made  a  careful  examination  of  the  tract  in  question  and 
the  surrounding  country,  and,  as  I  reported  to  you  by  telegraph,  found  it  unsuited 
for  a  camp  for  a  division  of  troops. 

This  tract  lies  at  the  foot  of  the  main  ridge  of  the  Tryon  Mountains,  and  is 
rough  and  badly  cut  up  by  small  ravines.  There  are  many  small  conical  buttes 
scattered  about  through  the  tract.  The  country  is  heavily  wooded,  and  dense 
undergrowth  is  common.  The  cleared  land  is  mostly  in  the  small  creek  bottoms 
and  not  extensive  enough  to  afford  good  camp  grounds.  Good  camp  grounds  for 
single  battalions  could  be  found,  but  to  put  in  a  brigade  would  require  a  very 
detached  set  of  camps. 

The  only  cleared  ground  large  enough  for  drill  purposes  is  in  the  bottom  lands 
of  the  Pacolet  River,  which  are  low,  damp,  and  liable  to  overflow. 

Tryon  is  a  village  of  500  inhabitants,  on  a  branch  of  the  Southern  Railroad. 
There  is  one  short  siding  at  the  station,  a  very  small  depot  and  freight  house,  and 
no  conveniences  for  detraining  a  large  number  of  men  and  animals.  The  coun- 
try is  well  watered  by  springs  and  mountain  streams,  and  climatically  is  very 
good  indeed,  but  is  topographically  unsuited  for  camping  troops. 

I  returned  to  this  city  to-day. 
Very  respectfully, 

S.  C.  Mills,  Major,  Inspector-General. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  347 

War  Department,  Inspector  General's  Office, 

Washington,  August  15,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General  United  States  Army. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  in  compliance  with  the  verbal  instrnctions 
of  the  Secretary  of  War,  I  left  this  city  at  12.45  p.  m.  the  12th  instant,  to  proceed 
to  Sand  Lake,  near  Troy,  N.  Y.,  to  examine  a  plot  of  ground  there  with  a  view  to 
the  establishment  of  a  camp  for  a  division  of  troops.  I  reached  Troy  at  2  a.  m. 
the  13th,  and  in  company  with  a  committee  of  citizens  went  to  the  grounds  at  9 
in  the  morning. 

Sand  Lake  is  situated  about  10  miles  to  the  east  of  Troy  and  in  the  rolling 
upland  country.  The  general  elevation  is  about  1,000  feet  abovs  tide  water;  the 
country  is  well  cleared  and  watered.  The  land  proposed  as  the  camp  site  is  partly 
the  property  of  the  Averill  Park  Land  Improvement  Company  and  partly  owned 
by  J.  K.  Averill,  esq.  It  comprises  about  700  acres.  A  tract  of  about  200  acres  is 
extremely  well  adapted  topographically  for  a  camp  ground.  It  is  sufficiently 
rolling  to  have  good  natural  drainage,  and  the  greater  portion  of  it  is  covered 
with  a  thick,  springy  turf,  which  would  make  good  tent  bottoms.  A  division 
could  be  put  in  camp  there  close  enough  together  for  easy  administrative  work. 
Water  for  the  camp  would  have  to  be  supplied  by  a  pumping  station  at  Sand 
Lake  and  the  use  of  mains  or  tanks.  Sand  Lake  as  a  water  supply  is  well-nigh 
perfect.  It  is  a  small  spring-fed  lake,  with  no  inlet,  rocky  bottom  and  sides,  and 
a  depth  varying  from  80  to  100  feet.  The  water  is  clear  and  cold,  and  there  are 
no  signs  of  vegetable  growth  in  it.  The  proximity  of  Troy,  with  its  pipe  fac- 
tories, would  make  the  preparation  of  the  waterworks  an  easy  matter. 

Hay,  wood,  and  cheap  pine  lumber  are  obtainable  near  the  location.  There  is 
an  ice  house  at  the  lake,  which  could  furnish  the  ice  necessary  for  hospital 
purposes. 

The  Averill  Land  Company  and  Mr.  Averill  are  willing  to  lease  the  land  to  the 
Government  and  to  render  any  assistance  in  their  power. 

The  lack  of  railroad  facilities  is  the  drawback  of  the  site,  the  nearest  station 
being  at  Troy,  where  there  are  ample  terminal  facilities.  For  communication 
with  Sand  Lake  from  Troy  there  is,  first,  a  good  toll  turnpike  with  easy  grades  and 
fine  roadbed;  secondly,  an  electric-car  line.  This  is  a  standard  gauge,  heavy  rail, 
and  was  originally  laid  for  steam  use,  then  changed  to  electricity  as  a  motive 
power.  The  schedule  time  from  Troy  to  Sand  Lake  is  twenty-five  minutes.  The 
company  can  handle  easily  excursions  of  1,000  people,  and  is  willing  to  guarantee 
to  handle  troops  as  they  arrive.  The  company  has  some  box  and  flat  cars  and 
believes  it  could  handle  the  freight.  This,  however,  I  doubt,  and  think  the  turn-, 
pike  would  have  to  be  used  as  chief  method  of  supply  of  camp.  The  distance,  10 
miles,  makes  a  round  trip  per  day  possible. 

The  city  hospitals  of  Troy  would  be  available  for  use  in  case  of  need,  and  there 
is  just  finished,  but  not  yet  in  use,  a  new  hospital  of  100  beds,  which  could  be 
ready  for  use  in  a  week  were  it  desired. 

The  citizens  of  Troy  are  much  interested  in  the  project,  and  any  assistance  in 
their  power  would  be  given. 

I  left  Troy  on  the  afternoon  of  the  13th  and  reached  this  city  at  4  p.  m.  on  the 
14th  instant. 

Very  respectfully, 

S.  C.  Mills,  Major,  Inspector-General. 


34<^         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

War  Department.  Inspector-General's  Office, 

Washington,  August  22,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General  United  States  Army. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  under  verbal  instructions  from  the  Adju- 
tant-General of  the  Army,  I  left  this  city  at  12.45  p.  m.  August  19,  to  visit 
Washington  Park,  New  Jersey,  and  examine  it  as  a  proposed  site  for  a  camp  of  a 
division  of  troops,  its  use  having  been  tendered  by  W.  J.  Thompson,  esq.,  the 
owner. 

Washington  Park  is  situated  along  the  Delaware  River  below  the  town  of 
Gloucester,  N.  J.,  and  4  miles  from  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  is  fitted  up  as 
a  summer  resort.  The  lands  owned  by  Mr.  Thompson  comprise  about  600  acres, 
of  which  about  450  acres  would  be  available  for  camp  purposes.  The  frontage 
along  the  river  is  almost  a  mile,  the  land  running  back  varying  distances.  That 
portion  covered  by  the  buildings,  grounds,  and  amusement  stands  of  the  resort 
lies  nearest  the  river,  but  does  not  cover  all  the  river  front.  Communication 
with  the  city  of  Philadelphia  and  the  outer  world  is  well  provided  for.  First,  the 
Southern  New  Jersey  branch  of  the  Pennsylvania  system  has  a  station  within  a 
mile  of  the  grounds.  This  is  a  double-track  road,  and  connects  by  a  bridge  at 
Camden  with  the  main  road.  Second,  a  trolley  line  from  Camden,  N.  J.,  to  the 
grounds.  Third,  the  Washington  Park  Company  has  a  line  of  steamers  which 
sail  from  the  Arch  Street  wharf,  Philadelphia,  to  their  pier  on  the  grounds.  The 
fleet  comprises  four  side- wheel  steamers  and  four  double-decked  ferryboats,  double 
enders.    The  matter  of  transportation  is  therefore  beyond  question. 

The  ground  itself  is  a  gravelly  soil,  with  some  sand,  lying  well  above  tide  water, 
and  is  sufficiently  undulating  to  drain  well.  I  visited  it  immediately  after  a 
heavy  rain  and  found  the  soil  in  good  condition.  Mr.  Thompson's  land  is  fenced 
in,  and  there  are  a  good  many  interior  fences  which  could  be  easily  removed. 
There  is  timbered  land  enough  to  afford  shady  loafing  places  without  scattering 
the  various  camps  too  widely.  Should  more  ground  be  desired  in  laying  out  a 
camp,  Mr.  Thompson  says  he  can  secure  lease  of  adjoining  properties. 

Water  for  drinking  and  cooking  purposes  would  be  supplied  from  artesian 
wells,  of  which  there  are  four  on  the  resort  grounds,  only  one  of  which  is  now 
being  used.  There  is  a  standpipe  and  pump  on  the  grounds.  Water  can  be 
readily  carried  to  any  point  by  simply  laying  the  pipes.  The  water  is  very  fine — 
cold,  clear,  and  pure.  As  it  comes  from  the  hydrants  it  is  cold  enough  for  drink- 
ing purposes.  Bathing  could  be  done  along  the  river.  There  is  an  inclosure  of 
500  by  350  feet  now  used  as  the  scene  of  a  fireworks  representation  of  the  Battle 
of  Manila,  which  can  be  turned  over  for  the  use  of  troops  as  a  bathing  pavilion. 
To  reach  it,  it  would  be  necessary  to  cross  the  resort  grounds.  Ice  can  readily 
be  procured,  and  there  is  an  empty  ice  house  on  grounds;  also  small  cold-storage 
house  which  can  be  used.  There  is  a  system  of  electric  lights  on  the  ground 
which  could  easily  be  led  to  any  desired  points  for  use.  There  is  telephone  com- 
munication with  the  city,  but  no  telegraph. 

Milk-,  butter,  eggs,  and  some  vegetables  are  easily  and  cheaply  procured. 

Should  it  be  desired  to  encamp  cavalry,  Mr.  Thompson  tenders  the  Gloucester 
race  track,  owned  by  him.  It  has  stabling  for  about  1,500  horses;  water  laid  in 
stables.  The  track  is  about  150  acres  in  extent,  and  is  about  a  mile  and  a  half  up 
the  river  from  Washington  Park. 

Adjoining  the  Washington  Park  grounds  on  the  south  is  a  Government  light- 
house station,  the  grounds  of  which  comprise,  I  am  told,  about  8  acres,  and 
which,  if  obtainable,  would  make  a  good  hospital  site,  as  they  are  easily  isolated, 
well  drained,  and  open  to  the  river  breeze.  These  grounds  present  many  features 
to  make  a  good  camp,  but  the  site  is  open  to  the  serious  objection  of  being  a 
popular  summer  resort  for  the  people  of  Philadelphia  and  the  surrounding  cities. 
The  main  reason  of  the  tender  is  the  hope  of  large  patronage  of  people  at  the 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  349 

resort,  caused  by  the  presence  of  the  troops.  It  is  a  search  for  a  new  attraction  to 
help  out  a  waning  season.  Mr.  Thompson  is  ready  and  willing  to  help  in  every 
way  to  put  the  grounds  into  shape  and  comply  with  such  restrictions  as  may  be 
necessary  for  disciplinary  purposes  in  the  management  of  the  grounds,  but  the 
camp  would  be  a  feature  of  the  resort,  and  the  daily  presence  of  large  crowds  of 
people  must  be  expected. 
I  returned  to  this  city  at  4.30  p.m.  August  20. 
Very  respectfully, 

S.  C.  Mills,  Inspector-General. 


War  Department,  Inspector-General's  Office, 

Washington,  August  26,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General  United  States  Army, 

(Through  the  Inspector-General's  Office). 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  in  compliance  with  verbal  instructions 
from  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army,  I  left  this  city  at  11.10  p.  m.,  the  23d 
instant,  and  proceeded  to  Charleston,  W.  Va.,  to  examine  certain  lands  there  ten- 
dered as  a  camp  site.  I  reached  Charleston  at  12.30  p.  m.,  August  24,  and  in 
company  with  the  mayor  of  the  city  and  various  prominent  citizens  made  an 
examination  of  the  lands. 

The  first  site  suggested  was  below  the  city  about  a  mile,  and  comprises  about 
300  acres  of  bottom  land  lying  between  the  Kanawha  River  and  the  foothills  on 
the  north  side.  This  land  lies  about  twenty  feet  above  high- water  mark,  and  is 
the  ordinary  bottom  formation,  presenting  a  series  of  low  ridges  nearly  parallel  to 
the  river.  These  drain  to  the  hollows,  but  there  is  no  good  drainage  to  the  river. 
There  are  spots  where  the  rain  water  evidently  accumulates  and  stands  until 
absorbed  in  the  soil.  The  ground  is  mostly  cleared,  a  fringe  of  trees  lining  the 
river  bank.    The  soil  is  a  close,  tenacious  clay. 

This  plat  begins  at  the  city  limits  and  runs  down  the  river  until  the  village  of 
Petersburg  is  reached.  There  are  a  good  many  scattered  houses  on  the  plat. 
The  ownership  is  much  divided  and  many  persons  would  be  concerned  in  a  lease 
of  the  grounds. 

The  Kanawha  and  Michigan  Railroad  passes  along  the  northern  side;  there  is  a 
trolley  line  leading  through  the  plat,  and  a  country  road  along  the  base  of  the 
foothills.  Communication  with  the  grounds  is  therefore  good.  Water  could  be 
easily  supplied  from  the  city  waterworks,  a  4-inch  main  terminating  near  the 
eastern  end  of  the  plat.  Water  for  Charleston  is  pumped  from  the  Elk  River  to 
a  hill  reservoir,  thence  conducted  to  a  filtering  plant,  and  then  distributed  to  the 
city.  It  is  good  water,  clear  and  cold.  The  Second  Regiment  West  Virginia 
Volunteers  camped  on  a  portion  of  this  plat  for  two  months.  Captain  Burns, 
Seventeenth  United  States  Infantry,  the  mustering  officer,  tells  me  the  camp  was 
a  healthy  one. 

This  plat  of  ground  is  one  on  which  a  brigade  could  bivouac  or  camp  for  a  day 
or  two  and  say  they  had  a  good  camp.  It  would  not  be  desirable  as  a  semiperma- 
nent camp,  as  the  ground  is  not  extensive  enough.  The  soil  would  make  good 
dust  or  heavy  mud,  as  the  case  might  be,  and  the  location  is  too  near  the  town. 

On  the  morning  of  the  25th  instant  I  visited  a  location  4  miles  up  the  Kanawha 
River,  also  suggested  as  a  camp  site.  It  is  a  tract  of  about  600  acres,  bottom  land, 
and  is  owned  by  the  Kanawha  City  Land  Company.  It  is  a  more  cleared  open 
tract,  that  would  afford  a  good  camp,  topographically,  for  two  brigades,  possibly 
for  a  division,  for  a  short  time.  The  valley  here  is  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile 
wide,  so  a  camp  would  be  long  and  narrow.  The  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Railroad 
runs  along  the  south  side  of  the  strip  and  there  is  a  long  siding  going  into  the 
grounds  and  terminating  at  an  unused  factory.     This  would  give  easy  railroad 


350         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

facilities.  There  are  a  number  of  unused  buildings  on  the  site,  including  a  hotel, 
which  could  be  used  if  desirable.  The  soil  is  clay.  There  are  some  wells  on  the 
tract.  Good  water  is  reached  in  about  40  feet,  drive  wells  being  used  mostly. 
The  Kanawha  River  affords  good  bathing  facilities,  and  the  water  from  the  river 
could  be  pumped  and  distributed  to  tlie  camp. 

This  site,  while  it  would  afford  room  for  a  camp,  offers  no  especial  advantages 
to  cause  its  selection  for  a  semipermanent  camp.  It  is,  like  the  other  site,  a  good 
place  to  put  a  command  if  you  were  there  and  had  to  camp  somewhere. 

I  returned  to  this  city  at  7  o'clock  a.  m.  to-day. 

Very  respectfully,  S.  C.  Mills, 

Major,  Inspector-General. 


Headquarters  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps, 

Office  of  the  Inspector-General, 
Jaragua  (or  Siboney) ,  Cuba,  Saturday,  June  25, 1898. 
Inspector-General  United  States  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  itinerary  and  report: 

June  25,  disembarked  from  steamship  Santiago.  June  26,  bivouacked  in  saw- 
mill at  Altares  (or  Siboney) ,  12  miles  east  of  Santiago  de  Cuba.  June  27,  First 
Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  marched  6  miles;  passed  First  Volunteer  Cavalry 
graves  at  Se villa;  camped  on  ground  previously  occupied  by  Second  Division, 
Fifth  Army  Corps — General  Lawton's  command. 

The  fight  at  Las  Guasimas  June  24, 1898.  Las  Guasimas  means  "  a  tree."  The 
affair  was  participated  in  by  eight  troops  First  Volunteer  Cavalry,  dismounted 
(Colonel  Wood,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Roosevelt) ,  and  eight  troops  First  and  Tenth 
United  States  Cavalry,  also  dismounted.  Colonel  Wood  states  that  the  engage- 
ment began  at  about  10  o'clock  a.  m.  and  lasted  about  four  hours.  Report  of 
Major-General  Wheeler,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  to  corps  commander,  Gen.  W.  R. 
Shafter,  gave  casualty  list,  our  side,  17  killed,  63  wounded. 

I  passed  over  the  ground  where  Captain  Capron  had  been  killed  three  days 
before.  A  Rough  Rider  pointed  out  to  me  one  grave  where,  he  stated,  Hamilton 
Fish  and  6  others  of  the  First  Volunteer  Cavalry  were  buried,  also  a  soldier's 
solitary  grave.  Numbers  of  vultures  or  buzzards  circle  constantly  over  the 
region.  Col.  C.  A.  Wikoff,  Twenty-second  United  States  Infantry,  so  guided, 
found  the  remains  of  a  Spanish  soldier  near  the  camp  of  the  Third  Brigade,  Fifth 
Army  Corps,  near  Se  villa. 

At  Las  Guasimas,  June  27, 1  picked  up  under  a  tree,  beneath  which  Generals 
Kent  and  Hawkins  were  resting  their  horses,  the  following:  Broken  butt  of  a 
rifle,  snapped  at  the  small  of  the  stock,  about  fifty  fired  cartridges,  several  clip 
cartridges,  carriers,  and  other  things.  The  pasteboard,  tin  tops,  and  bottoms  were 
of  the  pattern  invented  and  patented  by  Capt.  A.  H.  Russell,  Ordnance  Depart- 
ment, United  States  Army.  Headless  cartridges  had  brass  shell  withdrawn  by 
what  is  popularly  known  as  the  "  clutch  "  ejector;  no  flange.  I  omitted  to  append 
a  copy  of  each  of  the  labels  upon  the  pasteboard  package  in  which  the  cartridges 
were  originally  packed.  Here  they  are:  "All  are  headless."  Each  pasteboard 
ammunition  package  contained  three  clips;  each  clip  contained  five  cartridges. 
Some  were  made  in  Paris,  some  in  Baden,  some  in  Brussels,  and  another  kind  of 
ammunition,  made  in  Seville,  was  found  by  me.  Ammunition  boxes,  zinc-lined 
throughout,  each  capable  of  containing  apparently  1,500  cartridges,  were  also 
found  on  the  ridge  of  Las  Guasimas.  Each  bore  in  stencil  the  following: 
"  Maestranza  de  la  Habana." 

As  doubtless  official  reports  and  comprehensive  newspaper  accounts  have  been 
made  public  concerning  the  engagement  at  Las  Guasimas,  now  occupied  by,  in 


INSPECTION   REPORTS.  351 

part,  the  Third  Brigade,  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps  (Colonel  Wikoff),  I 
will  be  discursive  enough  to  state  that  it  is  understood  that  the  Spanish  object  to 
the  American  style  of  fighting,  as  being  a  kind  to  which  they  were  unaccustomed; 
their  criticism  being  that  the  Tenth  United  States  Cavalry  neither  returned  the 
Spanish  fire  nor  retreated  when  fired  upon  from  heights,  but  just  kept  straight  on 
up  the  hill.  Then,  but  not  until  then,  shooting  back,  so  compelling  the  Spanish 
to  retire.  This  criticism  is  on  a  par  with  the  complaint  concerning  the  projectile 
from  the  Vesuvius.  It  is  stated  that  the  Spanish  object  to  having  earthquakes 
shot  at  them. 

Three  papers  are  published  in  Santiago  de  Cuba.  One  of  the  16th  of  June 
states  that  16,000  soldiers  were  disembarked  at  Daiquiri  and  Siboney,  or  were  to 
be  disembarked.     These  figures  were  nearly  correct. 

At  Las  Guasimas  it  is  alleged  that  one  of  the  mules  loaded  with  an  essential  part 
of  a  machine  gun,  Colt's  make,  belonging  to  the  First  Volunteer  Cavalry  (Colo- 
nel Wood) ,  ran  away. 

It  is  claimed  that  machine  guns  were  used  by  the  Spanish  during  the  engage- 
ment at  Las  Guasimas.  At  date  of  writing,  June  27,  the  sentiment  prevails  that 
the  Spanish  will  make  but  feeble  resistance. 

June  28,  Tuesday:  Road  repairing.  Cubans  did  not  aid  in  this  labor.  I  sighted 
Campo  del  Marte  (Camp  of  Mars),  an  outlying  suburb  of  Santiago  de  Cuba. 

June  29,  Wednesday,  I  spent  quietly  in  camp  at  Se villa;  visited  an  abandoned 
distillery  and  sugarhouse  near  by. 

June  30,  Headquarters  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  hammock  of  inspector- 
general  of  brigade,  Commander  J.  Ford  Kent's  division:  Camp  opposite  General 
Shaffer's  headquarters,  Aguadores  River,  2,100  yards  east  of  El  Poso  (the  well) 
and  probably  within  range  of  Campo  del  Marte  (Place  of  Mars) ,  suburb  of  San- 
tiago de  Cuba. 

Thursday,  June  30,  1898;  the  headquarters  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps, 
Brigadier-General  Kent  commanding:  Broke  camp  at  Sevilla  at  3  o'clock  p.  m. 
and  proceeded  along  the  Sevilla-Santiago  trail  westward  toward  General  Wheeler's 
headquarters  and  El  Poso.  It  was  expected  that  the  route  was  open — that  is,  that 
General  Lawton,  Second  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  also  General  Wheeler's 
dismounted  cavalry  division,  likewise  one  of  Major  Dillenback's  artillery  bat- 
teries, E  or  K  (First)  or  A  or  F  (Second)  had  advanced  toward  Caney,  El  Caney, 
or  in  the  direction  of  Fort  San  Juan  or  Campo  del  Marte  or  the  San  Juan  River. 

But  these  expectations  were  not  immediately  realized.  The  distance  from 
Sevilla  to  El  Poso  was  understood  to  be  less  than  4  miles,  that  from  Sevilla  to 
corps  headquarters  being  about  2£  miles. 

We  crossed  the  Aguadores  River  twice,  and  ten  minutes  later  passed  on  the 
right  of  the  camp  vacated  by  the  Second  Brigade,  Second  Division,  Fifth  Army 
Corps  (Col.  Evan  Miles),  viz,  Fourth,  First,  and  Twenty-fifth  United  States 
Infantry,  opposite  to  which,  or  on  the  left  side  of  the  road,  had  been  the  First 
Brigade,  same  division  (Lieut.  Col.  John  H.  Patterson,  Twenty-second),  viz, 
Eighth  and  Twenty-second  United  States  and  the  Second  Massachusetts  Volun- 
teers. A  little  farther  to  the  west  was,  or  had  been,  the  camp  of  the  Third  Bri- 
gade, same  division  (Lieut.  Col.  J.  T.  Haskell,  Seventeenth  Infantry) ,  viz,  Seventh, 
Seventeenth,  and  Twelfth  United  States  Infantry. 

Our  progress  was  slow,  being  impeded  by  cavalry  dismounted,  so  that  the  First 
Division  could  not  get  into  camp,  previously  occupied  by  General  Lawton's  divi- 
sion until  10  o'clock  at  night,  Wikoff 's  brigade  being  the  last  to  reach  its  camp- 
ing ground.  The  division  commander  took  up  his  headquarters  for  the  night  in 
a  tent  belonging  to  the  First  Division  hospital,  Chief  Surg.  M.  W.  Wood  in  charge, 
opposite  the  camp  'of  the  commanding  general  Fifth  Army  Corps,  William  R. 
Shafter.  Here  we  witnessed  four  balloon  ascensions,  made  under  the  manage- 
ment, I  believe,  of  the  Signal  Service  Corps  officers. 


352         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  present  strength  of  the  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  is  262  officers  and 
5.095  effective  men. 

From  General  Shafter's  headquarters,  June  30,  to  the  crossing  of  the  Agua- 
dores  east  of  El  Poso,  is  1,800  yards;  said  crossing  to  El  Poso  is  300  yards;  from 
El  Poso  to  Balloon  Forks,  1,200  yards;  from  Balloon  Forks  to  the  eastern  slope  of 
the  hill,  Fort  San  Juan,  is  1,250  yards;  headquarters  First  Division,  Fifth  Army 
Corps. 

Hammock  of  the  inspector-general  of  Brigadier  General  Kent's  division,  Fri- 
day, July  1,  1898: 

THE  ASSAULT  UPON  AND  CAPTURE  OF  FORT  SAN  JUAN. 

Broke  camp  at  about  7  o'clock  a.  m.  and  accompanied  the  division  commander, 
General  Kent,  and  his  adjutant-general,  Maj.  A.  C.  Sharpe,  who,  with  his  personal 
aids,  Lieuts.  George  S.  Cartwright  and  William  P.  Jackson,  proceeded  westward 
along  road  leading  to  El  Poso. 

We  were  mounted;  so  were  the  rest  of  the  division  staff  officers.  Most  of  us 
remained  mounted  until  after  the  capture  of  Fort  San  Juan,  except  on  three 
necessary  occasions,  viz:  First,  when  the  First  Division  headquarters  halted  at 
the  Balloon  Forks;  second,  when,  at  General  Hawkins's  suggestion,  reconnois- 
sance  was  made  of  the  position  of  the  Spanish,  visible  about  800  yards  distant; 
third,  when  we  (viz,  General  Kent,  Lieutenant  Cartwright,  and  self)  sheltered 
our  three  horses  on  the  east  slope  of  San  Juan  Hill,  ourselves  walking  up  to  the 
crest,  joining  General  Hawkins,  who  had  preceded  us  there.  These  three  excep- 
tions noted  cover  the  period  from  7  o'clock  a.  m.  to  1.50  p.  m.  Personally,  I 
resumed  my  horse  about  2.15  p.  m.,  or  about  twenty  minutes  after  dismounting, 
and  remained  in  saddle  throughout  the  afternoon. 

We  reached  El  Poso  (First  Division  headquarters)  at  7.25  o'clock,  in  advance  of 
the  main  body  First  Division.  There  found  Capt.  George  A.  Grimes's  battery 
of  light  artillery  in  position  on  the  west  of  El  Poso.  Personally  I  saw  three  shots 
fired  by  Grimes.  Was  then  directed  by  General  Kent  to  retrace  my  route  for 
two  purposes:  First,  to  notify  brigade  commanders  to  march  in  the  following 
order,  viz:  First  (Hawkins),  Third  (Wikoff),  Second  (Pearson);  at  8.30  o'clock  I 
had  completed  the  delivery  of  these  orders.  Second,  to  direct  brigade  command- 
ers to  keep  well  closed  up  and  to  be  in  immediate  readiness  for  action.  During 
the  discharge  of  these  duties  small-arms  firing  in  the  direction  of  El  Caney  was 
incessant. 

I  then  returned  to  El  Poso;  saw  Major  Sharpe  there;  General  Kent  had  gone 
forward.  Artillery  fire  had  ceased.  The  major  told  me  that  his  orderly  had  the 
head  of  his  penis  cut  off  by  the  explosion  there  of  the  enemy's  shrapnel.  The 
major  was  desirous  of  ascertaining  whether  there  was  any  route  or  practicable 
avenue  of  approach  to  the  San  Juan  fort  other  than  the  Sevilla-Santiago  trail. 
Was  unable  to  tell. 

After  a  brief  survey  from  the  summit  of  the  knoll  where  the  Grimes  battery 
was,  I  rejoined  General  Kent.  He  was  then  near  Balloon  Forks,  1,250  yards 
from  the  foot  of  the  elevation,  whereof  Fort  San  Juan  is  the  summit.  Balloon 
Forks  are  1 ,200  yards  west  of  El  Poso.  In  a  depression  to  our  right  and  on  the 
farther  side  of  the  San  Juan  River,  about  fifty  yards  to  our  right,  the  balloon  men 
could  be  heard  talking  in  the  undergrowth.  The  balloon  had  been  towed  along 
the  trail  to  that  point  and  it  was  a  little  above  the  tree  tops. 

Major  Maxfield,  U.  S.  Volunteer  Signal  Corps,  appeared  to  be  in  charge,  and 
General  Kent  directed  me  to  ascertain  from  some  of  the  signal  corps  people  what 
could  be  seen  of  the  enemy's  position,  intrenchments,  numbers,  etc.  I  made  sev- 
eral trips  between  the  balloon  and  to  where  General  Kent  was  in  the  discharge  of 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  353 

these  duties,  and  reported  to  the  commander  of  the  First  Division  in  substance 
as  follows,  viz:  A  blockhouse  on  an  elevation  is  in  front,  say  800  yards.  It  has 
a  "line  of  intrenchments  around  it,  also  on  both  flanks,"  swarming  with  the 
enemy;  he  is  firing.  The  line  of  intrenchments  "to  the  left  as  we  face  it  does  not 
appear  to  extend  so  far  as  does  the  line  to  the  right."  This  blockhouse  proved  to 
be  Fort  San  Juan.  Meanwhile  the  Spaniards  were  concentrating  artillery  and 
small-arms  fire  upon  the  balloon  and  defilading  the  trail  where  General  Kent, 
Major  Sharpe,  Aids  Cartwright  and  Jackson  were. 

Captain  Mc Alexander  and  Volunteer  Aid  A.  C.  Munoz  were  also  in  attendance; 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Derby,  Volunteer  Engineers,  left  the  balloon,  ran  across  to 
where  General  Kent  was,  and  told  him  that  a  short  distance  to  the  rear  the  fork 
of  road  on  the  left  side  led  to  the  San  Juan  River,  striking  the  stream  lower  down 
the  river  than  the  other  (the  Sevilla  Santiago  trail)  did.  Later  I  ascertained  that 
the  right-hand  or  telegraph-wire-lined  trail  led  to  the  Aguadores  River.  Colonel 
Derby  suggested  that  this  left  arm  of  the  fork  leading  to  the  San  Juan  River  just 
below  this  junction  with  the  Aguadores  River  be  utilized.  Colonel  Derby  further 
suggested  that  if  any  troops  took  the  left-hand  fork  they  should  be  deployed  under 
cover,  without  exposing  themselves  to  the  enemy  until  a  general  advance  was 
directed. 

It  was  then  11  o'clock,  and  the  dismounted  cavalry  were  understood  to  be  at 
work  northward.     We  heard  that  General  Lawton  had  captured  El  Caney. 

Two  regiments  (viz,  Sixth  and  Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry  of  General 
Hawkins's  brigade)  followed  the  right-hand  fork  of  the  road.  A  double  line  of 
telegraph  wire  ran  along  this  fork.  General  Kent  ordered  the  Seventy-first  New 
York  Volunteers  (Col.  W.  A.  Downes)  to  take  the  left-hand  fork;  but  before  this 
splitting  of  the  First  Brigade  took  place  a  staff  officer  brought  to  General  Kent 
word  that  caused  the  division  commander,  myself,  and  Captain  McAlexander, 
also  Lieutenants  Jackson  and  Cartwright,  to  advance  350  yards  beyond  Balloon 
Forks,  following  the  right-hand  road  to  the  Aguadores  River,  where  we  found  quite 
a  number  of  horses  and  men  congregated. 

Dismounting,  we  walked  about  50  yards  up  to  where  General  Hawkins  was  on 
a  little  ridge  to  the  right  of  the  road,  where,  by  parting  the  foliage,  we  were 
within  full  view  of  the  enemy  on  San  Juan  Hill,  and  within  apparently  800  yards 
of  the  Spanish. 

A  conference  between  Generals  Kent  and  Hawkins  ensued.  Within  five  min- 
utes the  division  commander  personally  asked  Lieut.  J.  D.  Miley,  Fifth  Artillery, 
aid-de-camp  to  the  corps  commander,  to  accompany  him  and  take  a  view  of  the 
enemy.  After  lieutenant  Miley  had  completed  the  writing  he  was  engaged  in  he 
did  so.  A  brief  consultation  ensued.  Meantime  dismounted  cavalrymen  were 
being  filed  through  the  undergrowth  northward,  and  the  firing  from  the  enemy, 
both  from  the  front  and  from  concealed  coverts,  both  shrapnel  and  small  arms, 
was  being  maintained. 

The  division  commander  and  attendant  officers  remounted  and  proceeded  back 
to  the  forks  herein  called  "  Balloon  Forks,  where  General  Kent  established  and 
maintained  his  headquarters  until  about  1.25  o'clock,  leaving  the  forks  only  to 
direct  brigade  commanders,  regimental  commanders,  and  subordinates,  particu- 
larly the  Seventy-first  New  York  Volunteers,  and  men  under  the  influence  of  many 
emotions,  what  to  do,  how  to  do  it,  disposition,  etc.  In  this  he  was  officially  and 
energetically  aided  by  Maj.  A.  C.  Sharpe,  acting  adjutant-general  Volunteers,  by 
First  Lieuts.  George  S.  Cartwright  and  William  P.  Jackson,  Twenty-fourth 
United  States  Infantry,  personal  aids,  by  Capt.  U.  G.  McAlexander,  acting  quar- 
termaster Volunteers,  and  by  additional  aid,  Mr.  A.  C.  Munoz. 

When  the  First  Division  approached  Balloon  Forks,  General  Kent  was  con- 
stantly exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  guerrilla  shooting  from  the  tree  tops  and  other 
7833— VOL.  1 23 


354         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPATN. 

concealed  coverts,  also  to  the  fire  from  Fort  San  Juan,  the  possessors  of  which, 
knowing  perfectly  well  the  exact  range  to  the  only  avenues  of  approach,  owing 
to  dense  chaparral,  unremittingly  shelled  and  small-armed  the  two  trails,  espe- 
cially where  the  forks  converged. 

The  balloon,  too,  was  a  prominent  objective.  I  have  since  counted  30  bullet 
holes  in  one  tree.  The  First  Division  commander  and  staff  occupied  the  most 
dangerous  position  east  of  and  facing  Fort  San  Juan.  Colonel  Wikoff ,  Twenty- 
second  Infantry,  now  lies  buried  there.  As  stated,  the  Sixth  and  Sixteenth  United 
States  Infantry  took  the  right-hand  fork.  General  Kent  indicated  the  left-hand 
route  to  Col.  W.  A.  Downe's  regiment,  the  Seventy-first  New  York  Volunteers, 
an  organization  then  having  present  for  duty  44  officers  and  855  men,  three  bat- 
talions, commanded  as  follows:  First,  Major  Whittle;  Second,  Major  Wells; 
Third,  Major  Frank  Keck.  .  The  First  Battalion  headed  into  the  left-hand  trail, 
but  retreated  or  hunted  cover  in  a  panic  occasioned  by  the  explosion  near  by 
of  a  shrapnel  and  the  loss  of  some  of  the  Seventy-first's  men. 

General  Kent  and  every  officer  of  his  staff  ineffectually  tried  by  mandate,  per- 
suasion, and  action  to  force  the  battalion  into  and  along  the  pathway,  but  the  men 
were  thoroughly  and,  all  things  considered,  naturally  demoralized.  Confusion 
ensued,  and  the  left-hand  route  to  San  Juan  was  congested  by  the  First  Battalion 
of  the  Seventy-first,  some  of  the  men  of  which  prostrated  themselves  in  the  path. 
The  majority  of  them  crept  into  the  bushes  lining  the  route.  The  Third  Battal- 
ion, Seventy-first  New  York  Volunteers,  Major  Frank  Keck  commanding  Compa- 
nies B,  L,  K,  and  E,  was  headed  in  by  officers  of  General  Kent's  staff,  encouraged 
by  the  division  commander  himself. 

This  battalion  passed  somewhat  farther  into  and  along  the  left  trail  than  the 
preceding  one  of  the  same  regiment  had  done,  but  the  tendency  of  the  regiment 
was  so  obvious  that  it  was  apparent  the  Seventy-first,  as  an  organization,  could 
not  be  gotten  into  its  proper  position,  viz,  on  the  left  of  the  Sixth  and  Sixteenth 
United  States  regiments  of  infantry.  The  indecision  of  the  occasion  caused  con- 
fusion, and  the  action  of  the  Seventy-first  New  York  Volunteers  blocked  the 
advance  of  the  Third  Brigade. 

Major  Sharpe  ran  to  order  the  Third  Brigade  to  pass  the  position  of  the  Seventy- 
first,  panic  stricken,  as  stated.  He  was  aided  in  this  duty  by  every  officer  of  the 
division  staff,  including  General  Kent;  and,  without  hesitation,  the  Ninth  United 
States  (Lieutenant-Colonel  Ewers),  the  Thirteenth  (Lieutenant-Colonel  Worth), 
and  the  Twenty-fourth  United  States  Infantry  (Lieutenant-Colonel  Liscum),  73 
officers  and  1,345  men,  swung  into  the  left  path  over  and  past  the  Seventy-first 
New  York,  and  kept  steadily  on,  exposed  to  a  vicious  fire  from  an,  as  yet  to  them, 
unseen  foe.  Only  once  under  this  galling  fire  did  any  unit  halt,  and  this  delay 
was  but  temporary.  A  bursting  shell  right  at  the  forks  of  the  road  caused  a 
company  of  the  Thirteenth  United  States  Infantry  to  start  to  deploy,  loading 
their  rifles  as  they  hunted  for  cover.  Sharp  admonition  restored  discipline,  and 
the  company  passed  on,  as  personally  told  by  the  division  commander. 

The  casualty  list  of  that  brigade  of  regulars,  footed  up  after  Fort  San  Juan  was 
carried,  is  as  follows:  Killed,  its  commander  and  5  other  officers,  not  including 
regimental  commanders  shot  down  (Worth  and  Liscum).  Nine  other  officers  of 
the  brigade  were  also  wounded.  At  date  of  writing  9  men  are  missing.  The 
New  York  men  report  43  men  missing,  13  men  killed,  no  officers  killed,  1  officer 
and  60  men  wounded.  From  the  left  fork  of  the  road  to  where  the  combatants 
were  mutually  visible  was  about  850  yards. 

Beyond  the  San  Juan  River  at  the  lower  crossing  lies  a  fringe  of  trees,  a  ridge, 
and  then  open  country  and  with  very  few  trees,  marshy  bottom,  and  high  pampas 
(Guinea  or  Panama)  grass  up  to  the  very  slopes,  which  at  that  place  has  an  angle 
of  about  30°.    The  hill  vertically  is  fully  125  feet. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  355 

Five  regiments  of  this  division  were  firing  before  the  Second  Brigade  (Pear- 
son's), consisting  of  the  Tenth,  Second,  and  Twenty-first  United  States  Infantry 
(Lieutenant-Colonel  Kellogg,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Wherry,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel 
McKibbin) ,  were  in  a  position  to  participate.  General  Kent  personally  led  the 
Twenty-first  Regiment  by  the  right-hand  road;  the  other  two  regiments  took  the 
left-hand  route,  and  it  then  became  my  privilege  to  start  in  Major  Keek's  battalion 
of  the  Seventy-first  New  York,  aided  by  Lieutenants  Tayman,  Twenty-fourth, 
and  Mc Arthur,  Second  Infantry.  The  division  commander  did  not  leave  the 
forks  of  the  road,  herein  called  "  Balloon  Forks,"  until  the  head  of  his  last  regi- 
ment, the  Twenty-first,  got  there. 

When  the  Twenty-first  passed,  he  led  it  personally.  Several  dead  or  wounded 
men  were  stretched  out  about  the  place — that  is,  where  the  road  toward  San  Juan 
divided.  The  division  headquarter's  horses  had  been  stampeded  by  the  Seventy- 
first,  all  but  my  own  horse,  which  was  killed.  Surg.  Guy  C.  M.  Godfrey,  Medi- 
cal Department,  United  States  Army,  generously  loaned  to  General  Kent  his 
horse.  It  was  then  a  little  after  1.45  p.  m.  Gen.  W.  Ludlow's  horse  was  killed 
near  the  ford.  Dr.  Godfrey,  although  under  fire,  advanced  with  two  litters  and 
picked  up  and  carried  two  wounded  men  to  the  rear. 

General  Kent,  Major  Reade,  and  Lieutenant  Cartwright,  mounted,  then  pro- 
ceeded to  Fort  San  Juan,  where  General  Hawkins,  the  Sixth,  Sixteenth,  Thirteenth, 
Ninth,  and  a  portion  of  the  Twenty-fourth  Infantry  had  preceded  us.  The 
national  flag  was  raised  amid  cheers  by  those  who  had  gained  the  hill.  This  was 
about  2  o'clock  p.  m.,  and  I  was  sent  rapidly  to  order  every  effective  man  of  the 
First  Division  to  get  on  to  the  San  Juan  Hill.  In  the  discharge  of  this  duty  I 
encountered  stragglers  in  detachments,  groups,  and  singly,  also  mounted  men 
and  officers,  and  had  ample  evidence  that,  although  the  main  body  of  the  defend- 
ers of  Fort  San  Juan  had  retreated  to  Campo  de  Marte,  the  guerrilla  sharpshooters 
had  not. 

Just  as  Lieutenant  Cartwright  and  I  had  been  shot  at  by  concealed  individual 
marksmen,  so  it  was  throughout  the  day.  Wounded  men  were  assassinated  by 
them  when  on  litter  or  protected  by  the  Red  Cross  flag.  Their  operations  were 
so  effectively  deadly  that  bearers,  first-aid  men,  etc.,  were  afraid  to  show  them- 
selves in  the  Sevilla-Santiago  road  or  the  Balloon  left  fork.  A  panic  of  apprehen- 
sion prevailed  among  camp  followers  and  also  among  some  who  were  not  camp 
followers,  but  all  of  whom  were  endeavoring  to  shelter  themselves. 

Some  men  threw  ponchos,  etc.,  over  their  heads  for  protection.  Riding  along 
the  last-named  route,  I  counted  18  dead  soldiers  along  a  path  not  851  yards  long, 
and  was  piteously  appealed  to  by  many  of  our  wounded  to  remove  them  to  the 
undergrowth  or  elsewhere,  where  they  would  be  concealed  from  the  view  of  the 
sharpshooters.  Being  alone,  and  it  being  my  duty  to  get  every  effective  man  to 
San  Juan  Fort,  I  could  do  but  little.  Lieutenant-Colonels  Worth  and  Egbert  I 
passed,  lying  wounded  under  a  big  tree  on  the  bank  on  the  farther  side  of  the  San 
Juan  River,  opposite  the  ford  at  the  end  of  the  left-hand  Balloon  road,  not  to 
exceed  850  yards  from  the  forks  which  they  had  passed  a  little  while  before  lead- 
ing their  respective  regiments.  It  was  in  this  left-hand  lane,  lined  with  well- 
sheltered  New  York  volunteers,  that  I  was  encountered  by  Lieutenant  Tayman, 
adjutant  Twenty-fourth  United  States  Infantry,  breathless  from  running,  who 
reported,  with  the  compliments  of  the  brigade  commander  (Colonel  Wikoff,  after- 
wards killed) ,  that  the  Ninth,  Thirteenth,  and  Twenty-fourth  had  passed  70  yards 
beyond  the  stream,  but  feared  could  not,  unassisted,  advance. 

Two  additional  regiments  were  asked  for.  I  was  then  in  the  location  where  the 
Seventy-first  New  York  Volunteer  Infantry  had  run  to  cover.  The  exigency 
seemed  to  justify  me  in  somewhat  vociferously  demanding  of  that  regiment  to 
know  if  there  was  an  officer,  not  a  coward,  who  would  obey  an  order  from  Gen- 


356 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


eral  Kent,  the  division  commander.  Capt.  Malcom  Rafferty,  commanding  Com- 
pany F,  Seventy-first  New  York  Volunteers,  responded.  Captain  Rafferty  came 
out  of  the  bushes  and  said  that  he,  for  one,  would  obey  any  and  every  order  from 
General  Kent.  He  was  the  first  officer  to  respond  to  my  demand.  I  did  not  know 
his  name  then,  but  Second  Lieut.  Hilden  Olin,  same  regiment,  later  gave  it  to 
me.  Finding  that  Major  Keck,  commanding  the  Third  Battalion,  sheltered  as 
stated,  would  also  obey  orders,  measures  were  taken  to  get  that  particular  bat- 
talion into  action,  and  it  is  due  Lieutenant  Tayman  to  say  that  he  assisted  me  and 
that  a  force  of  the  Second  United  States  Infantry,  viz,  Company  A  and  part  of 
Company  E,  also  aided  to  shove  the  Seventy-first  men  into  the  fight.  Second  Lieut. 
C.  McArthur,  Second  Infantry,  was  recognized  by  me  as  one  of  the  officers.  They 
merit  recognition  for  their  action  under  fire,  although  complaint  was  made  that 
regulars  were  being  hit  from  shots  by  volunteers.  I  can  testify  that  such  could 
hardly  have  been  committed  by  Major  Keck,  to  whom  credit  is  due  for  soldierly 
conduct  in  responding  to  my  demand,  coupled  with  explanation  of  the  exigency, 
that  a  portion  of  the  organization  show  itself  upon  the  firing  line. 

I  also  desire  to  state  that  I  found  an  unemployed  dismounted  troop  of  cavalry 
in  the  right-hand  fork  of  the  road  after  General  Kent  had  passed  on  at  the  head 
of  the  Twenty-first  Infantry  about,  say,  12  oclock.  The  cavalry  officers  in  com- 
mand told  me  that  his  name  was  Captain  Ayers.  As  the  cartridge  belts  of  his 
men  were  full,  and  as  he  did  not  appear  to  have  especial  functions,  I  briefly  made 
clear  to  him  the  gap  occasioned  in  the  left  of  General  Hawkins's  brigade,  due  to 
the  defection  of  the  Seventy-first  New  York  Volunteer  Infantry.  He  promptly 
went  into  action  along  the  left-hand  road,  losing,  his  lieutenant  subsequently  told 
me,  four  men.    Our  thanks  are  due  him. 

There  is  a  man  named  Charles  Edwards,  private  Company  I,  Seventy-first  New 
York  Volunteers,  who  rendered  voluntary,  efficacious,  and  unremitting  care  to 
the  wounded  and  sick.  He  merits  official  recognition.  The  precise  extent  of  his 
services  and  the  nature  can  be  attested  to  by  Capt.  John  Newton,  Sixteenth 
Infantry,  and  by  Lieut.  W.  P.  Jackson,  Second  Infantry,  and  aid-de-camp  to  the 
division  commander. 

In  general  terms,  the  query  as  to  whether  the  Spanish  land  forces  will  fight,  and 
fight  desperately,  has  been  this  day  determined  affirmatively.  Their  abilities  for 
resistance  and  their  determination  have  been  demonstrated.  Their  resistance  is 
likely  to  be  severe  and  prolonged. 

Out  of  a  casualty  list  of  killed  and  wounded,  1st,  2d,  and  3d  of  July,  aggregating 
91  officers,  regulars  and  volunteers.  The  losses  in  the  dismounted  cavalry  division 
are  stated  by  General  Wheeler  to  have  been  for  the  entire  cavalry  (Commanders 
Wheeler,  Sumner,  Young,  Wood)  as  follows:  Wounded,  29  officers  and  288  men. 

After  General  Kent's  infantry  division  assaulted  and  captured  and  held  Fort 
San  Juan  (a  battle  lasting  two  and  a  half  days) ,  its  casualties  were  significant  of 
the  valor  of  the  First  Division,  and  desperate  resistance  of  the  Spanish,  and  the 
importance  of  the  victory.    Here  they  are: 

Volunteer  Aid  A.  C.  Munoz,  wounded. 

FIRST  BRIGADE. 
(Hawkins  and  Theaker.) 


Command. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Ken 

Officers. 

Men. 

Officers. 

Men. 

missing. 

6th  United  Stairs  Infantry...                           

4 

1 

13 
14 

13 

7 
5 
1 
1 

99 

104 
00 

29 

7 

71 -t  United  States  Infantry  .. 

36 

INSPECTION    REPORTS. 


357 


SECOND  BRIGADE. 
(Pearson.) 


Command. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Men 

missing. 

Officers.  |     Men. 

Officers. 

Men. 

°d  I  nited  States  Infantry                                 

6 
5 
6 

4 
5 
1 

47 
35 
32 

1 

3 

THIRD  BRIGADE. 
("Wikoff,  Worth,  Liscum,  successively,  then  Ewers.) 

9th  United  States  Infantry 

1 
2 
2 
1 

3 
16 
11 

27 
85 
74 

1 

13th  United  States  Infantry 

5 
6 

.  7 

FIRST  BRIGADE. 

5 

1 
6 

40 
17 
30 

13 
10 
11 

263 
114 
186 

72 
3 
9 

Total  killed  in  General  Kent's  division  in  the  battle  of  San  Juan:  Officers,  12; 
men,  87.  Total  wounded,  officers,  34;  men,  563.  Aggregate,  696.  Let  these  fatal- 
ities speak  for  themselves.  Of  the  34  missing  some  were  certainly  killed.  Iden- 
tification of  decomposed  bodies  mangled  by  vultures,  hundreds  of  which  are 
constantly  seen  circling  around,  soon  becomes  impossible  in  Cuba. 

A  to  me,  remarkable  feature,  and  one  illustrative  of  the  American  soldier,  white 
or  black,  was  the  absence  of  cries  or  groans.  Men  received  their  death  wounds, 
but  beyond  the  dull  thud  of  the  bullet  when  it  struck  human  flesh,  followed 
briefly,  perhaps,  by  the  exclamation  of  the  victim,  there  was  no  other  lamenta- 
tion when  our  men  sustained  injuries  from  shot  or  shell,  and  fell  or  dragged 
themselves  into  the  bushes,  here  everywhere  thickly  densely  laden  with  the  con- 
volvulus. But  the  morning-glories  witnessed  little  plaint;  the  soldiers  suffered 
in  silence. 

Maj.  R.  I.  Eskridge,  Tenth  United  States  Infantry,  was  horribly  mangled  by 
a  shell,  and  Maj.  M.  W.  Wood,  chief  surgeon  First  Division,  says  must  have 
endured  agonizing  pain,  but  after  a  brief  period  he  made  no  outcry.  The  same 
fortitude  was  shown  by  private  soldiers,  but  they  were  uncomplaining,  dumb 
heroes. 

I  was  present  when  Capt.  B.  Brereton,  Twenty-Fourth  Infantry,  then  near  the 
summit  of  San  Juan  Ridge,  was  asked  by  General  Kent  if  he  was  hurt.  The  Cap- 
tain smilingly  replied,  "It's  nothing,  sir;  just  touched;  that's  all."  Then  he 
walked  a  few  steps,  sat  down,  and  quietly  engaged  in  conversation  with  another 
captain,  same  regiment,  who  was  standing  exposed  to  the  fire  from  the  trenches 
and  shrapnel  from  Campo  de  Marte.  Captain  Brereton  had  been  shot,  I  was  after- 
wards told,  through  the  upper  third  of  the  leg. 

About  2  o'clock  p.  m.  Friday,  the  1st  of  July,  and  while  the  bullets  were  flying 
about  the  prosprate  bodies  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Worth,  of  the  Thirteenth  Infan- 
try, and  Egbert,  of  the  Sixth  Infantry,  as  they  lay  side  by  side  near  the  confluence 
of  the  Aguadores  and  the  San  Juan,  both  wounded,  I  rode  up,  and  the  former,  in 
a  perfectly  cadenced  quiet  tone,  made  some  inquiries  regarding  the  progress  of 
the  battle.     Neither  officer  alluded  in  any  way  to  personal  injuries. 

Later  Lieut.  Carl  Koop,  Tenth  Infantry,  same  day,  walked  up  to  me,  after  a 
casual  greeting  to  Capt.  R.  C.  Van  Vliet,  same  regiment,  and  who  was  trying  to 


358         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

walk  with  a  bullet  wound  through  his  leg.     The  lieutenant's  head,  chin  to  fore 
head,  was  bound  around  with  a  bloody  bandage.     The  blood  was  coagulating  on 
his  chin,  but  Mr.  Koop  spent  some  minutes  in  making  a  sketch  and  map,  having 
completed  which  he  asked  that  the  same  be  hurried  over  to  General  Kent,  which 
was  done  later. 

Capt.  John  B.  Kerr,  Sixth  Cavalry,  mounted,  and  with  his  wounded  arm  in  a 
sling,  hailed  me  as  I  rode  by,  and  laughed  at  something  I  said  or  did.  Among  the 
very  first  of  the  un wounded  officers  on  the  San  Juan  Hill,  after  the  retreat  of  the 
Spanish  about  2.30 p.  m., I  noted  General  Hawkins  (colonel  Twentieth)  and  Capt. 
A.  C.  Ducat,  Twenty-fourth  Infantry.  The  brigade  commander  remained  stand- 
ing beside  his  division  commander,  General  Kent,  apparently  unconcerned  under 
fire.  Captain  Ducat,  also  erect  and  similarly  exposed,  talked  without  any  indica- 
tion of  excitement  about  some  of  the  details  of  the  assault.  Captain  Kennon, 
Sixth  United  States  Infantry,  maintained  his  usual  deportment,  and,  cigarette  in 
mouth,  quietly  discussed  things. 

At  6.10  o'clock  a.  m.,  2d  July,  after  I  had  been  keeled  over  and  given  a  head- 
ache only  by  some  ricochet  or  missile,  the  very  first  man  to  spring  to  my  relief 
was  Mr.  A.  C.  Munoz,  volunteer  aid  to  General  Kent.  Mr.  Munoz  is  the  efficient 
acting  engineer  officer  First  Division.  Later,  same  date,  a  group  of  officers  of 
General  Kent's  staff,  also  including  Captain  Markly,  commanding  Twenty-fourth 
United  States  Infantry,  the  group,  including  General  Kent,  Aid-de-Camp  Cart- 
wright  and  myself,  was  seated  against  Fort  San  Juan,  when  a  shrapnel  broke 
over  Mr.  Munoz  and  a  lead  bullet,  tearing  through  his  hat  brim,  buried  itself 
just  above  the  right  ear.  After  a  bit  I  accompanied  him  to  the  face  of  the  eastern 
slope  and  saw  that  he  was  started  for  the  First  Division  hospital,  where  he  yet 
remains,  convalescing. 

Mr.  Munoz  was  educated  in  part  at  the  Troy,  NT.  Y.,  Polytechnic  Institute; 
Philadelphian,  I  believe,  by  residence,  and  an  architect  by  vocation.  Coming  to 
us  by  assignment,  he  has  won  respect  and  confidence  by  his  abilities  as  acting 
engineer  officer.  It  is  recommended  that  he  be  commissioned  as  lieutenant  in 
Col.  Eugene  Griffens  or  Col.  W.  S.  Gailliard,  or  other  regiment  of  volunteer 
engineers.  At  present  he  receives  no  pay  or  allowances  from  the  nation,  to 
which  he  has  gratuitously  given  his  valuable  services.  Personally  he  is  a  most 
estimable  gentleman. 

As  stated,  although  Fort  San  Juan  was  assaulted  and  carried  by  the  First 
Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  on  Friday,  July  1,  the  battle  lasted  until  noon  of 
July  3,  when  a  flag  of  truce,  followed  by  consuls  from  Great  Britain,  Sweden 
and  Norway,  and  other  nations,  caused  a  cessation  of  fire.  Rumors  are  current 
that  the  Spanish  have  used  explosive  small-arm  projectiles,  but  my  inquiries  have 
failed  to  develop  any  such.  Most  projectiles  shown  me  have  been  pronounced  by 
me  to  be  the  mushroomed  strippings  of  our  jacketed  caliber  .30  rifle  or  carbine 
projectile.  The  volunteers  do  not  accept  my  dictum  as  to  samples  shown  me. 
The  sample  separately  forwarded  to  the  Inspector-General,  United  States  Army, 
is  from  a  blue  package,  originally  containing  ten  brass  cased  and  brass  case  shell. 
When  the  bullet  was  subjected  to  heat  the  lead  core  fused,  without  explosion, 
leaving  the  hard  metal  shell.  Each  cartridge  has  two  or  three  felt  wads  between 
the  black  powder  and  the  bullet.  By  this  mail,  and  in  separate  packages,  I  for- 
ward to  the  Inspector-General  of  the  Army  labels  from  small-arms  cartridge 
packages.  Also  the  empty  cartridge  case,  also  a  clip  originally  containing  five 
cartridges,  also  two  bullets  used  by  the  Spanish.  They  may  be  interesting  to  our 
Ordnance  Department. 

I  trust  that  the  appreciation  of  my  present  position  will  excuse  and  explain  the 
injection  at  this  time  of  a  matter  personal  to  myself.  Gen.  J.  Ford  Kent,  com- 
manding First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  is  present  division  commander.    He  is 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  359 

my  brother-in-law.  He  says  that  it  is  his  personal  desire  that  I  should  continue 
to  serve  upon  his  staff.  It  is  certainly  my  own  desire.  He  has  been  advised  of 
his  promotion  to  the  rank  of  major-general  of  volunteers.  I  believe  that  the 
inspector-general  of  a  major-general  may  have  the  rank  of  lieutenant-colonel. 
My  rank  is  that  of  major.  General  Kent  officially  advises  me  that  he  has  recom- 
mended me  for  recognition  or  advancement  by  reason  of  what  he  is  pleased  to 
refer  to  as  my  conduct  under  his  personal  observation  at  the  battle  of  San  Juan. 
This  recommendation  has  passed  on  to  the  corps  commander.  I  inclose  an  official 
copy  of  the  commendatory  report.  I  very  much  require  the  services  of  a  compe- 
tent clerk — one  who  can  mess  with  the  headquarters  detachment  of  guards,  clerks, 
messengers.  I  also  need  office  stationery  of  every  kind.  If  a  clerk  is  sent  to  me, 
he  should  be  equipped  with  a  typewriting  machine  and  stationery  for  same.  I 
have  no  stationery;  need  paper,  envelopes,  etc. 

This  report  would  be  incomplete  if  I  failed  to  make  merited  mention  of  Maj. 
M.  W.  Wood,  chief  surgeon  of  this  division,  and  his  devoted  assistants,  Maj. 
R.  W.  Johnson,  surgeon;  Asst.  Surg.  Lieut.  Guy  C.  W.  Godfrey;  Acting  Asst. 
Surg.  Hamilton  P.  Jones;  also  Contract  Surg.  Dr.  Fred.  J.  Combs. 

Two  days  before  the  battle  Dr.  Wood  established  the  division  hospital  well  to 
the  front,  and  although  without  transportations  of  any  kind  he  managed  to  bring 
forward  the  necessary  supplies  for  the  equipment  of  his  hospital,  the  officers  and 
men  packing  heavy  burdens  on  their  persons  and  carrying  them  a  distance  of  sev- 
eral miles.  This  admirable  foresight,  coupled  with  his  labor,  professional  pride, 
and  devotion,  enabled  Chief  Surgeon  Wood  to  receive  and  care  for  over  900 
wounded  who  were  brought  in  on  the  first  day's  fight.  No  other  division  hospital 
was  established,  so  that  the  care  of  the  wounded  of  nearly  the  entire  command 
fell  on  this  one  hospital.  Dr.  Wood  and  his  assistants  certainly  deserve  the  com- 
mendation of  their  superiors  and  the  gratitude  of  the  large  number  of  wounded 
who,  but  for  his  forethought,  might  not  have  been  cared  for. 

I  learn  from  Chief  Surg.  M.  W.  Wood  that  he  considers  the  following-named 
members  of  the  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  hospital  men  to  be  especially 
deserving,  viz:  Hospital  Steward  Michael  Deming,  Privates  R.  A.  Woods,  Collins, 
Spear,  Meyers,  and  Acting  Hospital  Steward  Fairman.  The  name  of  the  acting 
hospital  steward  whom  I  saw  assisting  Assistant  Surgeon  Godfrey  under  fire  the 
1st  of  July  is  William  A.  McGuire. 

As  previously  reported,  pursuant  to  Special  Orders  No.  18,  headquarters  Fifth 
Army  Corps,  June  13,  1898,  Maj.  James  H.  McLeary,  inspector-general,  U.  S.  Vol- 
unteers, reported  to  me  as  assistant  to  the  inspector-general  of  this  division.  I 
also  reported  that  the  officer  named  had  been  given  elemental  duties,  with  the 
hope  rather  than  the  expectation  that  he  would  qualify  himself  for  the  discharge 
of  some  of  the  duties  of  his  position.  I  now  have  the  honor  to  report  that  Major 
McCleary  is  not  by  instinct,  experience,  activity,  or  aptitude  qualified  as  my 
assistant.  If  we  occupy  Santiago  de  Cuba  he  might  be  competent  to  discharge 
the  duties  of  provost  judge.  At  present  he  aids  with  tolerable  efficiency  in  col- 
lecting statistics  regarding  the  sick,  and  in  distributing  the  mail. 

On  Saturday,  July  2,  the  firing  on  both  sides  was  incessant.  General  Kent  was 
in  the  blockhouse,  Fort  San  Juan,  from  3  o'clock  a.  m.  until  sunset.  At  6.10 
o'clock  a.  m.  I  was  keeled  over  by  a  ricochet  missile;  did  no  harm  beyond  a 
headache.  We  heard,  July  3,  that  Admiral  Cervera  had  been  captured  and  his 
fleet  destroyed.  A  night  attack  by  the  enemy  was  repulsed  (2d  instant). 
Brigadier-General  Hawkins  was  wounded  in  right  foot  a  little  distance  from 
where  I  was. 

Sunday,  July  3:  At  noon  Colonel  Dorst,  assistant  adjutant-general,  U.  S.  Volun- 
teers, went  with  flag  of  truce  in  front  of  our  trenches.  All  firing  had  ceased.  It 
had  lasted  two  and  one-half  days.    Formal  demand  was  made  by  Corps  Com- 


360         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

mander  General  Shafter,  informing  commanding  general  Spanish  forces  in  San- 
tiago de  Cuba  that  unless  he  surrendered,  the  former  would  be  obliged  to  shell 
Santiago  de  Cuba. 

"Please  instruct,"  so  said  General  Shafter's  note,  "the  citizens  of  all  foreign 
countries,  and  all  women  and  children,  they  should  leave  the  city  before  10  o'clock 
a.  m.  to-morrow." 

Foreign  consuls,  residents  of  Santiago  de  Cuba,  I  believe,  notably  Mr.  Ramsden, 
consul  for  Great  Britain,  in  all  five  in  number,  returned  to  our  lines  at  5  o'clock 
p.m.,  under  flag  of  truce  with  Colonel  Dorst.  Mutual  introductions  and  confer- 
ence between  Generals  Wheeler  and  Kent  and  these  five  consuls  followed;  interest- 
ing but  not  to  be  here  described.  The  conference  was  disturbed  by  sharpshooting 
Spanish  guerrillas  firing  from  tree  tops  or  other  hiding  places.  About  8  o'clock 
p.  m.  Maj.  Philip  Reade  and  flag  of  truce  escorted  the  five  consuls  to  a  point 
within  the  Spanish  lines.     I  saw  several  dead  Spanish  soldiers  there. 

July  4:  Truce  continued  and  I  had  time  to  take  a  bath  in  a  Spanish  wash  basin, 
and  to  put  on  my  other  suit  of  underclothes.  Bands  played  and  flags  waved  at 
noon. 

July  5,  Tuesday:  Truce  continued;  quiet  day  in  the  trenches;  45  men  of  the 
First  Division  on  the  sick  list.  This  number  does  not  include  the  wounded.  Five 
days  later  the  sick  of  our  division  numbered  214  men.  Heat  exhaustion  and  a 
sort  of  malarial  fever  prevail.  The  trench  work  threatens,  so  says  Asst.  Surg. 
Capt.  Walter  D.  McCaw,  Medical.  Department,  with  Sixth  United  States  Infantry, 
"  to  drive  the  men  crazy." 

From  Fort  San  Juan  to  Siboney,  our  base,  via  the  only  traveled  route,  is  about 
10  miles.  So  far  as  military  transportation  is  concerned  there  is  no  other  road. 
That  road  is  the  route  by  which  the  Fifth  Army  Corps  reached  this  place.  It  is 
a  mere  thread  running  through  a  tangle  of  undergrowth  and  overgrowth.  For 
nearly  the  entire  distance  the  route  is  through  a  jungle  of  cactus,  mesquite,  and 
many,  to  me,  unknown  varieties  of  shrubs,  trees,  and  chapparal.  It  follows  the 
watershed  bordering  on  swamps.  In  general  topography  the  region  reminds  me 
of  mountainous  Arizona,  but  here  the  undergrowth  is  denser,  trees  taller,  and 
general  vegetation  more  luxuriant. 

The  road  to  Siboney  crosses  the  Aguadores  several  times  within  3  miles.  It 
does  not  touch  the  San  Juan  River.  The  Aguadores  is  a  clear,  swift-running 
little  stream,  averaging  a  foot  in  depth  and  30  feet  in  width  in  ordinary  weather. 
It  affords  an  abundant  supply  of  excellent  water  under  normal  circumstances. 
At  only  one  point  is  it  bridged.  This  bridge  was  built  by  Major  Wells,  of  the 
Seventy-first  New  York  Infantry  Volunteers.  I  believe  the  Seventy-first  New 
York  Volunteers'  First  Battalion  and  one  battalion  of  Thirty-fourth  Michigan 
Regiment  worked  eastward  from  the  point  broadening  the  road.  Lieutenant 
Brown,  United  States  Engineer  Corps,  I  have  also  seen  engaged  in  this  work. 
No  Cubans,  so  far  as  I  have  heard,  have  assisted.  As  a  result  of  their  combined 
labors,  perhaps  one-third  of  the  road  from  here  to  Siboney  has  been  noted  by  me 
as  passable  in  dry  weather  for  two  army  wagons  abreast.  A  rain  of  twelve 
hours'  duration  would  prevent  land  communication.  The  bridge  has  since  been 
swept  away  by  heavy  floods.  The  proper  place  to  build  a  bridge  is  below  the 
juncture  of  the  Aguadores  and  the  San  Juan;  otherwise  several  bridges  or  fords 
will  have  to  be  made. 

To  convey  an  idea  of  the  condition  of  the  road,  after  one  of  our  now  daily  rains, 
I  will  state  that  yesterday  (July  13)  at  8  o'clock  a.  m.,  I  rode  my  horse  when  the 
streams  were  only  stirrup  deep  hence  to  the  First  Division  Hospital,  a  distance  of 
less  than  4,200  yards.  Five  hours  later  the  most  of  the  road  was  a  water  course, 
and,  at  two  of  the  swollen  fords,  I  had  to  swim  my  horse  across,  the  current  at 
one  crossing  flooding  my  saddle  seat.  I  passed  infantrymen  who  could  not  make 
the  stream.    Sixteen  horses  had  to  be  attached  to  one  3.2-inch  gun  to  get  it  across, 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  361 

and  a  wagon  train  was  stalled.  The  hard  bread  and  sugar  atop  and  aside  of  the 
pack  miiles  was  soaked.  Worse  than  all  this,  the  graves  of  some  of  the  soldiers 
killed  at  the  battle  of  San  Juan  and  who  had  been  buried  on  the  banks  or  the  low 
grounds  of  the  Aguadores  were  submerged,  and  the  only  stream  from  which  this 
army  of  American  soldiers  at  present  obtain  its  drinking  and  cooking  water 
mingled  with  their  decomposing  remains.  I  saw  a  horse  buried  twelve  days  ago 
floating  in  an  eddy  near  the  shore.  These  pollutions  may  pass  away,  but  the  daily 
rains  to  which  the  province  is  at  this  season  subjected  changes  not  only  the  color 
but  the  character  of  the  Aguadores.  Officers  have  some  facilities  for  boiling 
before  using  this  turgid  water,  but  the  majority  of  our  men  have  not. 

Especial  stress  is  laid  upon  the  fact  that  there  is  but  one  road  to  the  seashore 
port  of  Siboney  (Altares),  our  base  of  supplies.  Further,  that  that  road  is  for 
only  about  one-third  of  its  distance  wide  enough  for  two  army  wagons  traveling 
side  by  side.     The  fact  is  suggestive  of  things  not  by  me  to  be  commented  on. 

While  on  the  subject  of  roads,  I  naturally  pass  to  the  subject  of  sharpshooters. 
During  the  battle  of  San  Juan,  in  sustained  losses  due  to  Spanish  guerrillas  con- 
cealed in  trees  or  elsewhere  along  our  route,  I  saw  men  so  killed  or  wounded. 
Asst.  Surgs.  Guy  C.  M.  Godfrey  and  J.  Hamilton  Stone,  Medical  Department, 
United  States  Army,  state  that  medical  officers  and  members  of  the  hospital 
corps,  the  latter  in  some  cases  bearing  litters  of  wounded  men,  were  so  fired  upon. 
They  wore  their  brassards.  I  inclose  a  report  from  the  latter,  dated  11th  of  July. 
He  is  surgeon  of  the  Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry.  It  is  also  stated  that  the 
field  officers,  especially  of  the  Third  Brigade,  First  Division,  were  singled  out  by 
these  individual  guerrillas.  It  is  within  my  personal  observation,  also  that  of 
Major-General  Kent  and  his  other  staff  officers,  also  of  numerous  other  officers  of 
the  Fifth  Army  Corps — say,  Major-General  Wheeler,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Dorst, 
assistant  adjutant-general;  in  fact,  of  pretty  nearly  every  man  in  the  Fifth  Army 
Corps — that  these  sharpshooters  select  officers  as  their  objectives.  As  a  conse- 
quence, many  officers  have  removed  their  insignia  and  dress  exactly  as  the  men  do. 

A  favorite  haunt  of  these  sharpshooters  is  along  the  line  of  the  road  hence  to 
Siboney.  Wagon  masters  and  pack-train  men  complain  that  they  are  employed  to 
"  whack  "  or  drive  mules,  etc. ,  and  they  say  that  they  prefer  not  to  share  the  mili- 
tary distinction  of  being  killed  or  wounded  when  paid  only  to  fill  the  humbler 
position.  I  have  seen  several  stampedes  of  pack  trains,  and  even  detachments  of 
armed  soldiers  also  blocked  wagon  trains,  occasioned  sometimes  with  and  some- 
times without  cause  by  the  warning  cry  of  "  sharpshooters"  from  some  point  in 
the  front. 

This  was  especially  true  during  July  1,2,  and  3.  After  the  flag  of  truce  dis- 
play, noon  of  the  3d  of  July,  the  shots  of  these  concealed  guerrillas  became 
less  frequent,  although  one  projectile  struck  near  the  group  5.30  o'clock  p.  m., 
Sunday,  July  3,  when  in  front  of  Major  General  Wheeler's  tent.  The  group 
included  the  five  foreign  consuls  from  Santiago  de  Cuba  and  Generals  Wheeler 
and  Kent.  It  was  then  that  Colonel  Dorst  emphatically  called  attention  of  all  to 
the  shot,  adding  that  if  captured  the  guerrillas  should  not  be  treated  as  prisoners 
of  war.  Captain  Markley,  Twenty-fourth  Infantry,  found  in  Fort  San  Juan 
after  its  capture  a  commission  or  warrant,  part  printed,  part  written,  issued  by 
some  Spanish  official,  duly  signed  and  formally  executed,  appointing  a  named 
person  as  guerrilla.  These  sharpshooters  for  some  days  occasioned  a  feeling  of 
terrorism,  and  at  one  time  it  was,  I  hear,  under  consideration  to  create  a  corps  of 
sharpshooters,  two  to  be  selected  from  each  battalion,  under  an  officer  to  be 
selected  not  merely  with  reference  to  his  ability  to  shoot  accurately,  but  also 
with  reference  to  his  experience  and  aptitude  as  a  hunter,  knowledge  of  wood- 
craft, patience,  etc. 

It  was  proposed  that  these  sharpshooters  should  be  hidden  along  the  road,  in 
pits  or  tree  tops,  very  much  as  still  hunters  post  themselves  when  in  the  haunts 


362         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

of  large  game,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  ridding  the  earth  of  these  assassinators  of 
wounded  imen,  sick  soldiers,  hospital  corps  men,  surgeons,  or  other  neutrals.  If 
the  sharpshooting  is  resumed  when  the  present  truce  is  terminated,  the  responsi- 
bility on  the  part  of  the  Spanish  Government  seems  to  be  fixed. 

The  press  and  Associated  Press  correspondents  and  reporters  who  mess  together 
obtain,  they  say,  table  luxuries  and  many  necessities  from  Port  Antonio,  a  place 
within  twelve  hours'  voyage  from  Siboney.  The  sales  of  subsistence  stores  to  offi- 
cers by  our  subsistence  department  are  restricted  to  articles  of  the  ration.  If 
measures  could  be  taken  whereby  our  subsistence  department  could  purchase  at 
Port  Antonio  articles  for  the  improvement  of  our  table  fare,  such  articles  to  be 
afterwards  sold  to  officers,  it  would  be  of  appreciable  benefit. 

The  purchase  of  short-handled  hand  axes  for  issue  to  troops  and  use  in  cutting 
through  wire  fences,  and  for  other  purposes,  is  also  recommended.  Wire  entan- 
glements play  an  important  part  in  Cuba.  Our  canteens  should  be  covered  with 
felt  and  wool.  Water  can  be  made  cool  after  exposure  to  a  draft  in  the  shade  or 
after  nightfall  provided  the  canteen  is  protected  as  recommended.  Canvas  cov- 
ers will  not  materially  lower  the  temperature  of  water.  Many  are  ignorant  of 
the  fact  that  if  a  suspended  canteen  filled  with  water  is  left  uncorked  at  night 
the  temperature  of  the  water  next  morning  will  be  lower  than  if  the  canteen  had 
been  corked.  Joints  of  the  bamboo  stalk  are  here  somewhat  used  by  natives  and 
by  our  own  men  as  water  holders.  The  water  at  first  tastes  of  the  bamboo,  and 
the  pith  floats  annoyingly. 

The  order  is  sometimes  given  that  "  three  days'  rations  will  be  carried."  It  is 
impracticable  for  an  infantryman,  equipped  as  he  has  to  be,  to  carry  three  days' 
rations  in  the  present  regulation  haversack.  The  Thirty-fourth  Michigan  Volun- 
teer Infantry,  now  a  part  of  this  command— Fifth  Army  Corps— reached  Fort  San 
Juan  July  2.  The  regiment  was  practically  without  rations  on  the  following  day 
because  many  of  its  members  threw  away  a  portion  of  the  three  days'  rations 
issued  to  the  organization  at  Siboney.  The  teamsters  and  Cubans  fell  heir  to 
these  rations. 

The  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  needs  clothing.  No  article  of  raiment 
can  be  mentioned  that  our  soldiers  do  not  need.  Aside  from  the  fact  that  few 
articles  of  clothing  have  been  issued  to  the  units  of  this  corps  since  the  organi- 
zation left  their  respective  posts,  the  discomforts  of  the  men  are  increased  by 
reflection  upon  the  fact  that  on  the  25th  ultimo  they  left,  pursuant  to  orders, 
underclothing  and  other  clothing  aboard  ship,  where,  for  aught  we  know,  these 
much-needed  articles  yet  remain.  The  officers  are  in  the  same  fix.  Next  after 
clothing,  the  following  things  are  needed,  viz:  Camp  equipage,  particularly  tents, 
ovens,  Buzzacott  or  other  stoves,  camp  kettles,  full  rations,  and  matches.  The 
safety  matches  get  pudgy,  and  the  sandy  part  of  the  box  gets  wet  in  this  climate. 

July  14:  I  have  this  day  talked  with  the  company  quartermaster-sergeants  of 
most  of  the  companies  of  the  Ninth,  Thirteenth,  and  Twenty-fourth  regiments 
of  infantry,  Third  Brigade,  Brig.  Gen.  Adelbert  Ames  commanding.  The  bri- 
gade yesterday  was  short  in  the  following  articles  and  amounts  of  subsistence 
stores,  viz:  464  pounds  meat,  270  pounds  sugar,  64  pounds  coffee.  No  responsi- 
bility for  this  deficiency  in  rations  attaches  to  Capt.  E.  F.  Taggart,  commissary, 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  this  division.  Army  wagons  and  pack  mules  are  loaded  at 
Siboney,  which  is  10  or  11  miles  east  of  here.  The  subsistence  stores  are 
"jobbed" — that  is,  handled  by  middlemen  before  they  get  here.  In  explicit 
terms,  the  wagons  and  pack  mules  are  all  unloaded  at  a  point  less  than  4,500 
yards  east  of  here.  At  this  point  the  stores  are  re-sorted,  reloaded,  and  finally 
sent  to  the  command  for  distribution  to  brigade  commissaries  of  subsistence. 
My  statement  is  based  upon  reports  and  allegations  made  by  Capt.  E.  F.  Taggart 
and  by  Capt.  U.  G.  Alexander,  assistant  quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  chief 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  363 

quartermaster  here  until  relieved  by  Maj.  Morris  C.  Hutchins  day  before  yester- 
day. He  has  creditably  filled  the  functions  of  chief  quartermaster  of  this  divi- 
sion. There  are  no  troops  in  rear  of  this  line.  This  is  the  fighting  line,  and  it 
is  here  that  rations  are  needed,  although  only  three  hours'  horseback  ride  from 
Siboney,  our  base.  There  has  never  been  a  time  since  this  division  left  Siboney, 
Monday,  27th  ultimo,  that  rations  sufficient  for  twenty-four  hours  in  advance  of 
the  time  that  the  stores  were  needed  for  actual  consumption  have  accumulated 
here.  The  causes  have  been,  in  part,  insufficient  transportation,  a  single  road, 
and  what  in  Cuba  is  called  the  rainy  season.  The  men  know  this  and  do  not 
complain.  They  need  daily,  rice,  beans,  tomatoes,  but  do  not  get  them.  Per- 
haps the  greatest  privation  at  first  was  tobacco,  then  soap.  Officers  and  men  in 
the  Thirteenth  United  States  Infantry  told  me  to-day,  July  14,  that  some  men 
were  lousy;  the  vermin  having,  perhaps,  been  imported  from  the  forecastle  of 
the  transports  that  carried  them  from  Port  Tampa  to  Siboney. 

The  first  fatal  case  of  yellow  fever  was  day  before  yesterday  reported  by  Chief 
Surg.  M.  W.  Wood.  On  July  13  Chief  Surg.  M.  W.  Wood  placed  Dr.  Ham- 
ilton P.  Jones  in  an  isolated  yellow  fever  quarantine  camp.  He  now,  July 
14,  has  seven  or  eight  cases  of  yellow  fever  under  his  care.  On  the  14th 
instant  Maj.  Gen.  Nelson  A.  Miles  personally  told  General  Kent  to  order  an 
immediate  investigation,  and  report  to  be  made  as  to  whether  any  cases  of  yellow 
fever  existed  in  the  First  Division,  as,  if  so,  the  regiment  so  afflicted  should  be 
isolated  from  the  rest  of  the  command.  Reports  were  duly  made  to  General 
Kent  that  no  cases  existed.  The  regiments  so  reporting  were  the  Ninth,  Thir- 
teenth, Twenty-fourth,  Second,  Tenth,  and  Twenty-first  United  States  Infantry. 

The  road  from  Fort  San  Juan  to  Siboney  is  lined  with  refugees  from  Santiago 
de  Cuba.  From  our  right,  where  the  Sixth  and  Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry 
and  the  Seventy-first  New  York  Volunteer  Infantry  are,  comes  the  report  that 
Spanish  courtesans,  well  dressed  and  good-looking,  but  without  means  of  subsist- 
ence, are  affiliating  with  our  soldiers,  gladly  accepting  hard  bread  in  payment  for 
favors.  Apprehension  exists  that  the  dalliance  of  Mars  and  Venus  will  be  fol- 
lowed by  treatment  of  Mercury. 

The  poison  oak  and  the  cowitch  plants  exist  here  under  different  names.  Maj. 
E.  A.  Garlington,  inspector-general,  U.  S.  Army,  has  suffered  severely  by  contact 
with  the  former;  so  have  the  officers  and  many  of  the  men.  Thanks  to  Mr.  A.  C. 
Munoz,  volunteer  aide  to  Major  Kent,  and  to  Chief  Surg.  M.  W.  Wood,  Medical 
Department  U.  S.  Army,  we  are  now  able  to  identify  these  poisonous  plants,  and 
measures  have  been  taken  to  familiarize  the  men  with  their  appearance. 

Lieut.  William  Brooke,  Fourth  United  States  Infantry,  performs  the  duties  of 
ordnance  officer  of  the  camp;  at  least  he  has  handled  and  distributed  the  small- 
arms  ammunition.  He  says  that  13,000,000  caliber  .30  and  caliber  .45  cartridges 
were  brought  to  Cuba  by  the  transports  which  left  Port  Tampa  June  13.  Each  of 
the  15,500  combatants  carried,  he  says,  100  rounds.  General  Order  No.  5,  Fifth 
Army  Corps,  Tampa,  May  31,  1898  (General  Shafter),  contained  the  following 
paragraph,  viz:  "The  Battalion  of  Engineers,  the  infantry,  and  cavalry  will  be 
supplied  with  500  rounds  ammunition  per  man." 

After  the  battles  of  Caney  had  been  fought,  July  1,  and  after  the  First  Division, 
Fifth  Army  Corps,  had  assaulted  and  captured  Fort  San  Juan,  same  date,  Lieu- 
tenant Brooke's  pack  train  brought  up  to  the  firing  line  98,000  rounds  of  rifle 
ammunition.  These  cartridges  were  distributed  that  night,  40,000  rounds  going 
to  General  Kent's  division.  More  small-arms  ammunition  was  subsequently 
brought  up  by  Lieutenant  Brooke,  who  now,  the  16th  of  July,  states  that  the  num- 
ber of  cartridges  expended  by  the  Fifth  Army  Corps,  excluding  General  Wheeler's 
dismounted  cavalry  division,  aggregates  30,005,000  rounds.  The  Gatling  guns 
fired  24,000  rounds,  so  Captain  Parker,  the  officer  in  charge,  says.     On  the  1st  of 


364        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

July  from  one  spot  on  the  west  side  of  the  Aguadores  River,  Spanish  prisoners 
have  stated  that  the  enemy  was  filled  with  consternation  by  the  incessant  impact 
upon  their  lines  of  projectiles  from  our  machine  guns. 

The  volunteer  regiments  soon  learned  to  prefer  the  United  States  magazine 
model  1892,  and  subsequent  make,  rifles  to  the  caliber  .45  Springfield  70/500  arm, 
and  eagerly  sought  to  exchange  the  latter  for  the  former  arm.  During  the  trench 
fighting,  lasting  all  day  of  July  2  and  until  noon  of  July  3,  the  volunteers  learned 
that  the  visible  smoke  from  these  Springfield  rifles  drew  the  fire  of  the  enemy. 
They  relaxed  their  own  fire  in  consequence.  On  July  4  the  Seventy-first  Regi- 
ment, New  York  Volunteer  Infantry,  had  exchanged  311  of  their  Springfields  for 
a  like  number  of  regulation  arms,  formerly  the  property  of  dead,  sick,  or  wounded 
men.    They  were  not  permitted  to  retain  them. 

Sharpshooting  has  now  ceased  for  several  days.  Volunteers  are  heard  occasion- 
ally shooting  at  the  vultures,  useful  as  scavengers,  like  the  land  crabs.  Some  of 
our  men  have  found  in  the  tree  tops  seats,  foot  rests,  indicating  the  places  where 
the  Spanish  guerrilla  sharpshooters  had  lived.  The  loss  of  many  of  our  officers  is 
attributed  to  those  sharpshooters. 

During  the  assault  upon  and  battle  of  San  Juan  some  of  our  officers  wore  their 
swords.  I  have  been  informed  that  the  regimental  commander  of  the  Sixth 
United  States  Infantry  ordered  the  officers  of  that  regiment  to  then  wear  their 
swords.  I  renew  recommendation  made  in  a  previous  report  at  this  time  and  in 
this  connection.  It  is  this:  That  officers  have  worked  in  yellow  silk,  or  white 
silk,  on  the  shirt  collar  insignia  indicative  of  rank,  arm  of  service,  or  corps.  A 
shirt  so  marked  will  wash.  If  the  device  be  worked  in  gold  or  silver  bullion,  or 
be  a  metallic  attachment,  it  can  not  be  washed.  I  also  recommend  that  these  be 
required  to  be  worn  by  all  officers  below  the  rank  of  brigadier-general  on  the  left 
side  of  the  hat,  device  showing  uniformly  not  only  the  arm  of  service  and  organ- 
ization and  rank  of  the  wearer,  but  also  his  corps,  division,  and  brigade.  Identi- 
fication is  necessary  even  in  Cuba.    The  device  should  not  be  conspicuous. 

I  append  notes  of  one  day's  inspection,  made  by  me  July  13,  of  the  Nineteenth, 
Thirteenth,  Twenty-fourth,  Tenth,  and  Twenty-first  regiments,  United  States 
Infantry:  Men  in  the  trenches.  Lieut.  Louis  B.  Lawton,  Third  Brigade  (Gen. 
Adelbert  Ames),  reports  shortage  in  rations  issued  the  14th  instant,  to-morrow, 
as  follows:  Coffee,  64  pounds  short;  sugar,  270  pounds  short;  meat,  464  pounds 
short;  no  tomatoes;  rice  and  beans  are  an  unknown  quantity.  Brigade  received 
yesterday  an  as  yet  unreported  number  of  recruits,  arriving,  as  usual,  without 
rations. 

The  brigade  commissary  is  anxious  to  know  how  many  additional  mouths  and 
bellies  he  is  expected  to  fill.  Referred  to  assistant  adjutant-general  of  the  brigade 
verbally.  Capt.  T.  S.  McCalet,  Company  F,  Ninth  Infantry,  also  John  M.  Sig- 
worth,  Company  D,  same  regiment,  complain  did  not  receive  any  sugar  yester- 
day. Say  men  are  suffering  all  over  the  brigade  from  lack  of  rice,  beans,  and 
dried  fruit;  only  had  rice  once  this  month;  willing  to  purchase  at  any  price. 
Only  tobacco  for  one  company  allowed  at  a  time  for  the  entire  brigade. 

No  camp  kettles;  men  have  to  boil  water  in  tin  cans.  Referred  complaints 
verbally,  as  before.  General  Ames  will  write  about  it.  Short  of  stationery;  need 
paper,  envelopes,  etc.  Camp  rumor  has  it  that  the  hospital  ship  State  of  Texas, 
now  in  harbor  at  Siboney,  only  11  miles  from  here,  is  giving  away  ice  and  luxu- 
ries to  all  applicants;  also  that,  as  a  precaution  against  the  spread  of  yellow  fever, 
General  Miles  ordered  the  burning  of  the  town  of  Siboney;  that  all  mail  is  fumi- 
gated, owing  to  quarantine  necessities. 

Chaplain  Henry  Swift,  from  Fort  D.  A.  Russell,  Wyo.,  has  just  walked  here, 
a  weary  walk  from  Siboney,  to  make  request  to  be  assigned  to  duty  in  the  yellow- 
fever  hospital.  Granted  by  General  Ames.  Sick:  Capt.  B.  H.  Gilman,  Thirteenth 
Infantry,  diarrhea;  also  Lieut.  W.  L.  Simpson,  contact  with  poison  oak. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  365 

Conference  with  Lieut.  M.  E.  Saville,  Tenth  Infantry,  who  has  been  designated 
by  the  corps  commander  to  take  charge  of  mail  at  Siboney  intended  for  this  army. 
Referred  him  to  Maj.  James  H.  McLeary,  First  Division  headquarters,  who  has 
been  verbally  directed  to  facilitate  the  mail  business  at  the  terminal. 

Men  cleverly  use  shelter  tents,  branches  of  the  royal  palms,  and  other  leafy 
screens  as  protection  against  sun  and  rain  in  the  trenches.  Instances  of  utiliza- 
tion of  zinc  roofing,  etc. ,  from  abandoned  blockhouses  are  numerous  and  ingen- 
ious. The  intrenchments  of  the  Spanish,  constructed  for  the  defense  of  Fort  San 
Juan  prior  to  the  assault  and  capture  of  said  fort,  deemed  impregnable,  are  deeper 
and  narrower  than  ours.  In  depth  they  are  breast  high;  bottom  width,  20  inches, 
top,  28  inches.  Our  intrenchments  excavated  since  then  on  the  same  hill  are  not 
so  deep,  but  admit  of  a  man's  taking  a  horizontal  position,  whereas  the  enemy 
allows  only  vertical  position.  Spanish  have  no  banquette;  ours  have,  and  yester- 
day we  added  sand  bags.  Some  of  our  men  sleep  on  the  shelf,  their  rifles  resting 
on  forked  sticks,  sufficiently  raised  to  clear  the  damp  earth.  The  Spanish  had  at 
first  no  earthwork  in  front  of  their  trenches.  Some  of  our  rifle  pits  have  dead 
space  between  pits  for  protection  from  raking  fire.  Spanish  could  only  leave 
their  intrenchments  by  climbing  over,  or  at  the  ends  of  trench;  ours  admit  of 
safer  ingress  and  egress. 

Complaint  is  made  that  Army  Regulation  1251  is  not  observed.  Suggestion  is 
made  that  three-quarter  and  six-quarter  beef  can  be  hereafter  purchased,  instead 
of  four-quarter,  eight-quarter,  etc.  This  because  the  amount  suggested,  three- 
fourths  of  a  pound,  is  the  allowance  for  one  day,  and  the  size  of  the  containing 
package  should  correspond  to  the  allowance.  The  distribution  of  rations  to  a 
squad  would  be  facilitated  by  the  style  of  packing. 

It  is  reported  that  Dr.  La  Garde,  Medical  Department,  has  50  cases  of  yellow 
fever  under  his  care  at  Siboney. 

July  14,  1898:  My  inspection  this  date,  Third  Brigade  and  two  regiments  of 
Second  Brigade  (Ames  and  Pearson) ,  shows  that  the  daily  issue  per  man  is  2  spoon- 
fuls of  roasted  coffee,  1+  pounds  of  sugar,  14  ounces  of  hard  bread,  and  one  2-pound 
can  of  tomatoes  to  each  7  men.  No  hominy,  beans,  rice,  soap,  or  candles.  Some 
of  the  men  are  infected  with  vermin,  possibly  imported  from  the  forecastle  of 
the  transports  that  carried  them  from  Port  Tampa  to  Siboney.  All  possible  san- 
itary precautions  are  taken.  Sinks  are  removed  from  the  slope  of  San  Juan  Hill 
to  the  bottom  lands,  300  yards  away.  .  There  is  no  odor.  Grounds  are  policed 
each  morning.  What  shelter  tents  there  are  are  daily  moved,  so  as  to  let  the  sun 
dry  the  ground  where  the  officers  and  men  have  slept. 

Blankets  are  aired  on  bushes.  One  company  commander  has  two  camp  kettles. 
His  men  drink  boiled  water.  He  sends  a  detail  one-half  mile  to  get  water  from 
the  San  Juan  River.  Then  they  have  to  carry  the  water  up  the  San  Juan  Hill,  a 
severe  climb,  after  which  the  water  is  boiled  and  the  men's  canteens  filled. 

The  Twenty-fourth  United  States  Infantry  does  not  possess  a  camp  kettle, 
neither  does  the  Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry.  There  are  only  two  camp  ket- 
tles in  the  Tenth  United  States  Infantry.  When  the  men  receive  their  unground 
coffee  they  pulverize  it  in  their  tin  cups,  using  the  butt  end  of  a  hunting  knife  as 
a  pestle.  The  operation  is  tiresome,  requires  patience,  and  ends  in  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  tin  cups.  The  men  have  nothing  to  grind  their  coffee  in.  All  of  the 
tin  tomato  cans  and  meat  cans  are  used  to  boil  water  in.  The  men  have  no  camp 
or  cooking  utensils.  A  heavy  percentage  of  the  time  of  each  individual  soldier 
is  absorbed  in  cooking  his  own  meals.  It  is  recommended  that  ground  coffee  be 
issued  to  troops,  situated  as  the  command  is.  As  a  rule,  officers  are  less  well  pro- 
vided for  than  the  men.  This  because,  under  the  order  of  the  corps  commander, 
they  were  not  permitted  to  take  valises,  etc. ,  with  them  when  they  left  the  trans- 
ports. It  was  expected  that  necessary  baggage  of  officers  would  follow  them  ashore. 
In  some  cases  this  was  done,  but  plunderers  looted  baggage.    No  officer  of  the 


366         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

First  Division  staff  carried  away  from  Siboney  any  blankets,  poncho,  mackintosh, 
hammock,  shelter  tent,  canteen,  haversack  or  rations  other  than  that  packed  upon 
his  horse  or  slung  about  his  person.  When  the  Seventy-first  New  York  Volun- 
teer Infantry  left  Siboney,  members  of  the  regiment  carried  only  ammunition, 
haversack  rifle  one-half  shelter  tent,  poncho,  and  three  days'  rations.  No  blan- 
kets have  since  been  received. 

Many  of  the  details  mentioned  in  this  report  are  matters  of  personal  observa- 
tion and  not  of  official  complaint.  Col.  John  F.  Weston,  of  the  Subsistence 
Department,  is  a  rustler,  and  the  management  of  affairs  has  been  zealously  con- 
ducted by  him  in  person,  This  was  apparent  at  Tampa,  also  at  Port  Tampa,  Fla. 
The  same  indefatigable  energy  and  supervision  has  been  manifested  in  Cuba.  In 
this  I  can  bear  personal  testimony.  I  understand  that  the  transportation  of  the 
Fifth  Army  Corps  embraced  114  army  wagons.  The  allotment  of  transportation 
to  the  First  Division  (Kent's)  thus  far  has  been  one  army  wagon.  Nine  regiments 
have  had  to  be  supplied  with  subsistence  stores  by  that  one  wagon,  aided  by  uncer- 
tain pack  trains  hauling  from  Siboney  under  the  control  of  citizen  packers,  now 
reported  to  be  on  a  strike. 

Each  morning  our  commissary,  Capt.  E.  F.  Taggart,  and  the  equally  energetic 
hustler,  Capt.  U.  G.  Mc Alexander,  acting  quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  get 
a  6  o'clock  breakfast  and  are  off  and  away  for  supply  purposes. 

Major-General  Kent  was  exceptional  in  continuously  exposing  himself,  same 
as  the  men  in  the  trenches,  during  the  battle  of  San  Juan,  July  1,2,  and  3,  and 
during  Sunday,  10th.  He  has  been  noted  by  his  inspections  of  his  lines  and  of  his 
command  during  the  truce  period.  It  is  not  invidious  to  say  that  no  other  gen- 
eral officer  has  been  so  prominently  at  the  front  as  he. 

On  July  15  Maj.  Benjamin  F.  Pope,  medical  chief  surgeon,  Fifth  Corps, 
recommended  as  follows:  "Commanders  of  all  troops  in  which  cases  of  fever  are 
occurring  move  their  camps  on  to  new  ground,  even  if  it  is  only  50  yards,  and 
burn  over  the  old  ground  with  grass  or  wood;  that  all  grass  bedding  and  rub- 
bish be  burned  frequently;  that  tents  be  taken  down  and  sunned;  that  no  more 
men  be  kept  in  the  trenches  or  man  earthworks  than  is  absolutely  necessary  for 
their  military  protection;  that  the  quartermaster  and  commissary  grounds  be 
policed  and  all  foul  spots  be  burned  over;  that  men  take  off  their  underclothing 
and  sun  and  air  it,  or,  if  they  can,  boil  as  frequently  as  possible;  all  bathing  and 
washing  in  streams  which  furnish  drinking  water  will  be  done  between  5  p.  m. 
and  7  p.  m." 

Comment. — There  is  not  fuel  enough  on  San  Juan  ridge  to  cook  with.  Grass 
will  not  burn.  There  are  no  camp  utensils  in  which  to  boil  water.  One  stream 
furnishes  all  of  the  drinking  water.  The  line  of  trenches  from  extreme  right  to 
left  is  fully  5  miles  long.  Until  the  truce  the  men  could  not  bathe  anywhere; 
they  were  needed  in  the  trenches.  Camp  cooking  utensils  are  imperatively 
needed.  The  scarcity  of  blankets  is  explained  in  part  by  the  fact  that  some  of 
the  commands  brought  none,  others  piled  them  by  the  roadside  for  the  assault 
and  never  recovered  them.  Some  were  used  to  make  litters  for  wounded  or  sick 
sent  to  the  rear.     The  prevailing  question  is  now  assault  or  siege.     Which? 

Two  heavy  batteries  of  siege  artillery  guns  were  brought  with  the  expedition- 
ary force  during  the  invasion  by  the  Fifth  Army  Corps.  They  are  not  at  the  front. 
One  is  said  to  be  on  the  railroad  near  Siboney;  the  seven  remaining  siege  guns  are 
believed  to  be  in  the  holds  of  the  transports.  The  popguns  of  the  four  batteries 
of  light  artillery  that  are  here,  3.2-inch,  are  not  adequate;  have  not  been  nearer 
the  fighting  line  than  they  now  are,  viz,  2,600  yards  to  the  rear.  They  are 
reversing  the  old  adage  of  artillery  to  the  front;  here  artillery  is  and  has  been  to 
the  rear,  and  the  question  is  asked,  Where  are  the  siege  guns? 

During  the  2d  and  3d  of  July,  also  on  the  evening  of  the  10th,  the  six  guns  of  the 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  367 

Spanish,  said  to  be  Krupp  guns,  were  conspicuously  superior  to  our  light  3.2 
light  batteries.  Eleven  men  of  the  Sixteenth  Infantry  were  put  out  of  action  at 
one  time  by  one  of  these  projectiles.  Report  has  been  made  to  General  Kent 
that  oxen  are  hauling  siege  guns  to  an  elevation  to  the  left  of  our  left  (General 
Bates's  provisional  division,  including  the  Third  and  Twentieth  United  States 
Infantry) ,  so  as  to  rake  our  trenches  by  the  flank. 

A  cavalry  officer  indicated  to  me  the  position  of  the  brigade  gun,  opposite  one 
of  the  cavalry  brigades,  and  of  the  havoc  it  had  wrought.  He  said  that  it  was 
earth-buried  to  the  muzzle.  Siege  guns  should  be  confronted  with  siege  guns. 
As  we  have  siege  guns  in  Cuba,  and  have  had  for  nineteen  days  past,  even  the 
men  in  the  trenches  are  commenting  on  their  absence.  At  present  they  are  as 
useless  as  an  equal  weight  of  old  iron. 

It  is  stated  by  certain  newspapers,  or  Associated  Press  correspondents,  that  a 
rigid  censorship  is  exercised  over  the  castle  which  connects  the  seashore  near 
Siboney  with  the  United  States.  We  of  the  First  Division  claim  that  two 
battles  were  fought  on  July  1.  One  was  the  battle  of  El  Caney,  4  miles  from 
Fort  San  Juan.  Our  troops  then  and  there  engaged  embraced  the  commands  of 
General  Lawton  (Second  Division)  and  the  dismounted  cavalry,  under  Major- 
General  Wheeler,  General  Chaffee,  and  others.  The  other  battle,  that  of  Fort 
San  Juan,  was  of  longer  duration.  It  lasted  two  and  a  half  days.  The  First 
Division — General  Kent's  division — consisting  of  Hawkins's  brigade  (Sixth 
United  States  Infantry,  Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry,  and  Seventy-first  New 
York  Volunteer  Infantry) ,  Pearson's  brigade  (Tenth  United  States  Infantry  and 
Twenty-first  United  States  Infantry),  Wikoff's  brigade  (Ninth  United  States 
Infantry,  Thirteenth  United  States  Infantry,  and  Twenty-fourth  United  States 
Infantry),  assaulted  and  captured  Fort  San  Juan  July  1,  and  successfully  held 
the  hill  during  the  following  day  and  until  the  flag  of  truce  terminated  the  shoot- 
ing, 3d  of  July,  noon.  In  this  heroic  effort  the  First  Division  lost  as  follows: 
Killed,  officers,  12;  men,  87;  wounded,  officers,  36;  men,  561;  missing,  62. 

The  strength  of  the  First  Division,  morning  of  July  1,  was  262  officers  and  5,095 
effective  men.  These  losses  from  death  in  the  hospitals  or  from  the  number  of  those 
reported  missing  can  not  now  be  stated  by  me.  Should  the  enemy  surrender, 
capitulate,  evacuate,  or  be  driven  from  the  entrenchments  now  held  by  the  Span- 
ish about  Campo  de  Marte,  it  is  probable  that  the  official  names  of  El  Caney  and 
Fort  San  Juan  will  be  merged  into  the  name  of  the  battle  of  Santiago  de  Cuba. 

Dr.  Hamilton  P.  Jones,  immune  expert,  officially  reports  that  he  now  has  46 
yellow-fever  patients  in  the  hospital,  all  soldiers  from  the  front.  Six  have  ter- 
minated fatally.  I  have  now,  he  says,  over  200  cases  in  Hospital  Siboney.  Cap- 
tain Noble,  Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry,  is  reported  to  have  yellow-fever 
symptoms.  Dr.  Jones  says  that  moribund  cases  arrive  daily,  middle  forenoon,  and 
die  before  sunset.  Dr.  J.  Hamilton  Stone,  Medical  Department  United  States 
Army,  surgeon  Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry,  states  that  a  deplorable  defi- 
ciency of  needful  changes  and  medicines  exist  in  that  organization. 

Col.  H.  A.  Theaker,  Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry,  commanding  First  Bri- 
gade, also  Capt.  John  Newton,  regimental  quartermaster,  states  there  is  not  a 
camp  kettle  in  the  regiment.  Every  day  letters  or  personal  appeal  is  made  for 
equipage  for  camp  use,  for  clothing,  for  vegetables,  ' '  for  bowel  openers.  "  Reme- 
dies for  constipation  and  also  remedies  for  dysentery  are  called  for.  Gen.  A.  R. 
Chaffee  suffers  from  dysentery. 

Tuesday,  July  13:  Sick  list  this  date  is  as  follows:  First  Brigade— Sixth  United 
States  Infantry,  17;  Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry,  18;  Seventy-first  New 
York  Infantry  Volunteers,  89.  The  effective  strength  of  the  respective  regiments 
as  named  is,  in  order,  310,  816,  and  780.  Second  Brigade,  sick— Second  Infantry, 
19;  Tenth  Infantry,  13;  Twenty-first  Infantry,  13.    In  the  Third   Brigade  the 


368        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Ninth  Infantry  has  9  sick,  the  Thirteenth  3,  and  the  Twenty-fourth  Infantry  7. 
The  causes  of  sickness  are  not  speculative;  they  are  due  to  facts  epitomized  after 
a  consideration  of  the  following: 

In  April,  1898,  four-fifths  of  the  infantry  and  a  majority  of  the  cavalry  forces 
Of  the  permanent  military  forces  of  the  United  States  were  distributed  in  States 
and  Territories,  under  climatic  conditions,  environments,  duties,  etc.,  varying 
very  much  from  those  prevalent  or  existing  at  Tampa,  Fla.,  Mobile,  Ala.,  and 
other  places  south  of  what  is  generally  termed  the  southern  latitude. 

The  infantry  and  cavalry  combatants  were  in  the  prime  of  life,  of  strength, 
and  inured  by  physical  exercise  and  training  to  endure.  They  had  had  field 
exercises,  practice  marches,  and  some  had  had  Indian  campaigns.  They  were 
officered  by  men  who  had  had  war  experience,  and  consequently  knew  how  to  take 
care  of  their  men.  From  about  the  20th  of  April  to  the  8th  of  May  this  army  of 
more  than  15,000  men  were  at  Tampa.  Some  enervation  resulted.  The  heat  was 
a  novelty.  The  night  conditions  were  novel;  the  water,  food,  shelter,  and  duties 
were  novel.  During  the  period  from  May  8th  to  about  the  24th  the  troops  were 
aboard  the  transports,  sea  voyaging,  and  the  sameness  of  rations  made  the  men 
tired. 

After  landing  in  Cuba  and  getting  into  shape,  under  conditions  all  of  which 
were  novel,  the  command  marched  over  a  trail  through  a  dense  jungle  to  this 
vicinity.  Three  days'  rations  per  man  were  nominally  carried.  The  men  had 
nauseated  upon  the  rations  furnished,  and  their  reserve  strength  was  drawn  upon. 

Then  came  a  desperate  battle  with  a  foe  possessed  of  the  advantages  of  defensive 
position  and  demonstrated  bravery.  Daily  rains  prevailed.  Our  men  had  to 
fight  desperately  in  order  to  prevail.  Then  came  trench  work.  Many  officers 
had  been  put  out  of  action.  Men  missed  leaders  who  had  been  in  daily  touch 
with  them.  The  desperate  fight  of  July  1  told  heavily  upon  their  muscles  and 
nerves.  Night  alarms  deprived  them  of  necessary  rest.  The  reaction  following 
the  enemy's  assault  July  1 ,  and  the  fighting  of  the  former  the  next  day.  was 
inevitable. 

They  dug  their  own  trenches,  slept  in  them;  endured  the  blazing,  torrid  noon- 
day sun;  the  unvarying  rain  storms  each  afternoon,  and  the  chill  night  damps 
without  shelter,  save  such  as  a  dog  tent  afforded.  Some  had  blankets  but  no 
ponchos;  some  had  the  reverse;  some  had  given  up  both  to  shroud  the  dead  or  to 
litter  the  wounded  and  sick,  and  all  this  time  the  quantity  and  quality  of  their 
nutriment  was  decreasing  or  deteriorating.  Their  reserve  strength  was  exhausted 
fortunately  not  so  entirely  as  the  Spanish:  but  no  earthly  men  could  fail  to  show 
marked  evidence  of  privation  and  hardship. 

Fighting  famine  and  fever  extorted  from  even  such  a  man  as  Col.  Theodore 
Roosevelt  the  statement:  "Twenty-five  per  cent  of  my  Rough  Riders  can't  carry 
a  pail  of  water  from  the  creek  to  the  trenches.  No  man  can  decry  me  or  my  regi- 
ments, but  we  must  accede  to  the  next  proposition  from  the  enemy."  One  char- 
acteristic of  our  soldiers  is  their  unwillingness  to  go  upon  the  sick  report.  The 
regulars  do  duty  when  really  not  fit  to  perform  it,  but  they  do  duty  all  the  same. 
Regiments  have  a  pride  in  maintaining  on  paper  a  small  percentage  of  sick. 
Every  organization  has  a  sort  of  midway  class  of  convalescents  and  half -sick 
men  who  are  excused  from  the  performance  of  duty  in  the  trenches  because  of 
physical  disabilities,  but  who  do  not  appear  as  sick.  Pride  and  grit  keep  some 
from  letting  the  medical  department  know  how  little  strength  they  have  left. 

Our  water  is  obtained  from  the  San  Juan  River.  The  stream  is  more  than  one- 
half  mile  away.  The  absence  of  camp  kettles  has  been  reported.  Men  drink  a 
great  deal  more  water  in  Cuba  than  in  the  United  States.  The  capacity  of  can- 
teens is  limited  by  the  size  of  the  canteen.  Stalwart  men  go  thirsty  because  they 
shrink  from  the  physical  exertion  involved  in  walking  downhill  800  yards  or  more 
and  then  staggering  back  with  a  load  of  filled  canteens.    Aching  heads  and  flushed 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  369 

faces  are  relieved  by  water,  but  the  fluid  application  is  a  costly  one.  Soldiers 
stagger  into  any  kind  of  shade,  lie  prostrate,  and  gasp.  Dr.  Walter  McCaw  did 
not  exaggerate  some  days  ago  when  he  said  to  me,  "  Men  go  crazy  after  prolonged 
exposure  in  the  trenches." 

Under  orders  from  the  corps  commander  the  Second  and  Third  brigades  have 
recently  changed  camping  grounds,  moving  from  1£  to  3  miles  to  the  right,  occu- 
pying the  line  vacated  by  General  Lawton's  division,  the  one  the  Second  formerly 
had. 

Three  army  wagons  were  allowed  for  this  transfer  of  the  impedimenta  and  for 
the  transfer  of  the  sick.  Of  a  command  of  about  2,000  men,  two  trips  had  to  be 
made  by  each  wagon.  The  mules  were  played  out,  due  in  part  to  short  forage  or  no 
forage,  and  it  was  mid  afternoon  before  the  new  camp  was  completed.  General 
Ames,  commanding  Third  Brigade,  called  attention  to  the  exhausted  condition  of 
his  men  and  the  deplorable  condition  of  his  sick.  He  has  but  three  small  tents  in 
his  entire  brigade,  and  humanely  sheltered  in  his  own  tent  some  of  the  Tenth  and 
Thirteenth  United  States  Infantry,  insane  temporarily  from  heat,  exhaustion,  and 
the  fatigue  of  a  3-mile  march.  In  the  United  States  the  same  men  could  march 
and  had  marched  much  greater  distances  at  this  season  without  suffering.  The 
sick  are  in  one  sense  an  incumbrance,  and  it  is  suggested  that  they  be  transferred 
to  the  seashore  and  placed  aboard  ships  or  transports.  Two  purposes  would  be 
secured  by  this — the  ineffective  would  be  gotten  rid  of,  and  their  chances  of 
recovery  facilitated  by  proper  food,  medical  treatment,  no  exposure  to  the  daily 
rains  and  deathly  night  chills,  not  to  mention  a  salubrious  air  and  no  exposure  to 
epidemics 

It  is  understood  that  the  hospital  ship  The  State  of  Texas,  under  the  control,  it 
is  said,  of  the  association  represented  by  Miss  Clara  Barton,  is  loaded  with  sup- 
plies exclusively  for  the  reconcentrados.  Lieutenants  Koehler  and  Lawton,  of 
General  Ames's  staff,  recently  asked  for  some  canned  pease,  jelly,  etc.,  for  the  con- 
sumption of  the  sick  men  of  the  Third  Brigade,  and  who  craved  such.  Report  is 
made  to  General  Kent  that  they  were  refused  stores  of  any  kind  for  the  purpose 
indicated.  Mr.  Koehler  forcibly  represented  that  the  benevolent  people  of  the 
United  States  would  be  glad  to  know  that  a  minimum  of  their  bounty  was  shared 
by  sick  soldiers  of  the  United  States  Army.  He  then  helped  himself  to  some  of 
the  supplies  named  and  turned  the  stores  over  to  our  sick. 

Dr.  W.  W.  Calhoun,  regimental  surgeon  of  the  Ninth  United  States  Infantry, 
says  that  no  case  of  yellow  fever  has  come  under  his  observation.  He  has,  he 
says,  in  camp  several  cases  of  malarial  remittent,  or,  if  I  quote  him  correctly, 
malarial  intermittent ,  fever .  Dr .  M .  W .  Wood ,  Medical  Department ,  United  States 
Army,  say  that  we  have  yellow  fever  in  the  trenches.  Dr.  Hamilton  P.  Jones, 
immune  expert,  is  in  charge  of  the  isolated  yellow-fever  hospital  located  near 
where  General  Shafter's  headquarters  formerly  were.  He  reports  several  deaths 
from  yellow  fever,  moribund  before  they  were  turned  over  to  him.  Mr.  C.  F. 
Barrett,  secretary  of  the  Cuban  Department,  Army  Charities  Commission,  repre- 
senting here  the  International  Committee  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation, says  that  a  residence  of  one  year  in  Santiago  has  familiarized  him  with 
the  aspect  of  yellow  fever.  Mr.  Barrett  tells  General  Kent  that  yellow  fever  now 
exists  in  the  Seventy-first  Regiment  New  York  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  that 
cases  visit  the  tent  under  his  charge,  which  tent  is  also  a  gathering  place  for  men 
of  other  regiments  needing  stationery,  etc. 

It  seems  a  small  matter,  but  if  some  quick-growing  garden  seeds  had  been 
planted  in  some  cultivated  plot  of  ground,  after  the  heavy  fighting  was  over,  such 
things  as  radishes  could  have  been  raised  and  greatly  enjoyed.  The  dearth  of 
green  groceries  is  great;  the  fertility  of  this  soil  is  wonderful. 

I  have  not  heretofore  spoken  much  about  the  barbed-wire  fences,  and  barbed- wire 
entanglements  of  the  Spanish.  They  are  exasperatingly  common,  In  addition  to 
7833— VOL.  1 24 


370 


[INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


barricades  of  trenches  filled  with  earth,  which  blockaded  our  way  through  the 
narrow  streets  of  Santiago,  barbed  wire  was  crisscrossed  in  many  places.  The 
Spaniards  have  shown  themselves  adepts  in  this  kind  of  defense,  and  I  reiterate 
my  former  recommendation,  that  each  infantry  soldier  be  issued  a  short-handled 
ax,  not  a  hatchet,  but  an  ax,  to  be  slung  and  worn  over  his  hip.  The  metallic 
portion  of  the  axe  should  be  sheathed  in  leather;  the  helve  should  not  be. 

During  fifteen  days,  viz,  July  5  to  20,  the  aggregate  of  sick  in  the  First  Division, 
Fifth  Army  Corps  (General  Kent's),  has  increased  alarmingly.  On  the  5th  the 
aggregate  was  34;  on  the  10th  it  was  213;  on  the  15th  the  total  was  194;  on  the 
20th  the  sick  list  summed  up  814,  twenty-three  of  whom  were  officers.  The  fol- 
lowing is  a  tabulated  statement  in  detail.  The  total  sick  do  not  include  the 
absent  sick  or  wounded.  The  other  figures  represent  the  effectives  only;  they  do 
not  include  neutrals,  band  men,  other  noncombatants,  or  recruits  without  arms: 


July  5. 

July  10. 

July  15. 

July  20. 

Command. 

Effective 
present. 

Q 

33 

Effective 
present. 

i 

S3 

Effective 
present. 

Sick. 

Effective 
present. 

Sick. 

Offi- 
cers. 

Men. 

Offi- 
cers. 

Men. 

Offi- 
cers. 

Men. 

Offi- 
cers. 

Men. 

Offi- 
cers. 

Men. 

Offi- 
cers. 

Men. 

First  Brigade 

Second  Brigade.. 
Third  Brigade . . . 

73 
71 
52 

1,653 
1,340 
1,136 

21 
3 
10 

76 
65 

50 

1,627 
1,376 
1,208 

99 
95 

19 

75 
60 
52 

1,954 
1,575 
1,161 

4 

125 

67 
55 

27 

1,702 

1,308 

562 

12 
6 
5 

366 
283 

1      65 

145 

Total 

196 

4,129 

34 

191 

4,211 

213 

187 

4,690 

4        190 

149 

3,572  j     23 

794 

Of  the  sick  in  the  Third  Brigade,  80,  representing  six  companies,  are  in  the 
Thirty-fourth  Regiment  Michigan  Volunteer  Infantry. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  , 

Philip  Reade, 
Major  and  Inspector-General,  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps. 
July  21,  1898. 


Headquarters  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps, 

In  the  Field,  near  Santiago  de  Cuba,  July  19,  1898. 
The  Inspector-General  United  States  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  continue  itinerary  and  report  previously  submitted,  as 
follows:  The  Twenty-fourth  Infantry  was  detached  from  the  division  and  sent  to 
the  yellow  fever  district  at  Siboney  about  July  14.  So  the  above  statistics  repre- 
sent, less  the  80  Michigan  Volunteers,  the  sick  in  the  following-named  regiments, 
viz:  Sixth  United  States  Infantry,  Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry,  Seventy-first 
New  York  Volunteer  Infantry,  Tenth  United  States  Infantry,  Second  United  States 
Infantry,  Twenty-first  United  States,  Ninth  United  States,  and  Thirteenth  United 
States  Infantry.  Maj.  M.  W.  Wood,  Medical  Department,  United  States  Army, 
chief  surgeon  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  says  that  the  Seventh  United 
States  Infantry  (Second  Division,  General  Lawton's)  has  about  200  men  on  sick 
report.  He  also  says  that  First  Lieut.  Daniel  L.  Tate,  Troop  F,  Third  United 
States  Cavalry,  was  yesterday  placed  in  an  army  wagon,  sick,  side  by  side  with  a 
yellow  fever  patient,  and  in  such  proximity  sent  to  a  hospital.  Such  contact 
increases  the  chances  of  infection.  If  our  ambulances  are  infected  through  being 
indiscriminately  used  for  transportation  of  the  sick  not  afflicted  with  yellow 
fever,  likewise  for  the  conveyance  of  unfortunates  who  are,  the  spread  of  the 
epidemic  will  become  more  general  than  would  be  the  case  if  a  proper  supervision 
and  quarantine  was  exercised.    Dr.  Wood  names  Capt.  George  J.  Newgardner, 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  371 

Medical  Department,  as  having  also  been  placed  when  sick  in  an  ambulance  side 
by  side  with  a  "  suspect "  in  this  connection.  At  time  of  writing  both  of  General 
Kent's  aids,  Lieutenants  Cartwright  and  Jackson,  are  feverish.  Maj.  A.  C. 
Sharpe,  adjutant-general  of  this  division,  has  been  sick  for  four  days  with  some 
kind  of  a  fever,  but  fulfills  all  of  his  office  duties.  The  general  desire  is  that  we 
may  be  relieved  from  duty  upon  ground  that  has  been  camped  upon  for  three 
weeks  in  a  conquered  province  and  permitted  to  change  our  base  to  virgin  soil. 
Since  the  capitulation  the  Spanish  claim  rations  for  12,000  soldiers.  Anent  that 
word  "  capitulation,"  history  tells  us  that  in  October,  1777,  Burgoyne  and  his  fol- 
lowers surrendered  at  Saratoga,  set  the  precedent  term  for  English  annals  by 
claiming  that  the  invasion  of  New  York,  capture  of  Ticonderoga,  defeat  at  Ben- 
nington, etc.,  was  a  "  capitulation,"  not  a  surrender,  etc. 

On  the  14th  of  July,  1898,  General  Toral,  succeeding  General  Linares  (wounded) , 
proposed  a  military  commission  to  arrange  terms  of  capitulation,  and  General 
Escario  was  deputed  to  arrange  terms,  etc. 

On  the  16th  of  July,  Corps  Commander  Gen.  W.  R.  Shafter,  wrote  to  General 
Kent  as  follows:  "  Have  just  received  word  from  General  Toral  that  the  '  Spanish 
Government  has  approved  capitulation,' " 

Since  the  17th  of  July  we  have  been  feeding  12,000  Spaniards.  That  evening  I 
asked  Col.  Jules  Cuevas,  chief  of  administration  for  the  surrendered  Spanish 
under  Generals  Toral  and  Escario,  to  file  the  next  morning  with  General  Kent  a 
return  showing  the  organizations  comprising  the  12,000  soldiers,  and  giving  the 
numerical  strength  of  each  regiment.  This  Gen.  Jules  Cuevas  promised,  but  up 
to  date  he  has  failed  to  fulfill  it.  The  truth  probably  is  that  he  is  afraid  to  tell 
the  truth  officially,  lest  it  conflict  with  the  pay  rolls  furnished  the  home  Govern- 
ment or  conflict  with  verbal  statements  regarding  the  number  of  prisoners  who 
are  rationed  by  us. 

In  Santiago  de  Cuba,  Governor's  Palace, 

Sunday,  July  17,  1898. 

On  this  date  and  day  the  national  flag  of  the  United  States  was  raised  over  the 
governor's  palace  of  the  ancient  capital  of  Cuba.  Such  of  us  as  were  privileged 
to  be  present  and  assist  in  the  formality  will  not  be  able  to  forget  our  impressions, 
although  we  may  not  be  able  to  adequately  describe  our  feelings.  The  following- 
named  officers  formed  one  line  on  the  western  slope  of  Fort  San  Juan  Hill,  viz: 
Maj.  Gens.  William  It.  Shafter,  Joe  "Wheeler,  J.  Ford  Kent,  Henry  W.  Lawton, 
John  C.  Bates;  Brig.  Gens.  William  Ludlow,  Samuel  S.  Sumner,  Wallace  Ran- 
dolph, Adelbert  Ames,  Leonard  Wood,  and  Chambers  McKibben.  The  staffs  of 
the  generals  named  formed  in  order  of  rank  of  the  generals.  This  formation 
brought  me  in  the  third  line.  There  were  seven  or  eight  lines  behind  me.  In  all, 
there  were  about  92  staff  officers  present,  all  mounted.  Mr.  Thompson,  Associated 
Press  reporter,  was  there  too,  with  his  camera,  and  Sylvester  Scovill,  World 
reporter,  was  conspicuous.  Behind  us  at  first  was  Capt.  Lloyd  M.  Brett,  Second 
Cavalry,  commanding  100  troopers,  all  mounted  on  bays,  but  some  of  whom 
belonged  to  A  and  C  troops  of  that  regiment. 

It  was  9  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Facing  us,  standing  within  a  few  feet  of 
Generals  Shafter,  Wheeler,  and  Kent,  were  three  officers,  wearing  Panama  hats. 
They  were  dressed  in  cotton,  having  narrow  stripes  of  blue  and  white.  Their 
hats  had  a  rosette  on  the  side,  and  they  wore  either  top  boots  of  black  leather  or 
white  canvas  slippers.  This  is  the  uniform  of  the  Spanish  army  in  Cuba.  One  of 
the  Spanish  generals,  a  fine-looking  man  with  a  grizzled  mustache,  was  indicated 
to  me  as  General  Toral.  The  other  officer,  I  was  told,  was  General  Escario. 
Lieutenant  Mendoza,  volunteer  aid  to  General  Shafter,  was  the  interpreter. 

General  Toral  saluted  General  Shafter  like  a  graceful,  dignified  soldier,  and 
made  briefly  some  remarks.    Just  then  Lieutenant  Miley,  Fifth  Artillery,  aid-de- 


372         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

camp  to  General  Shafter,  dashed  to  the  rear,  shouting  to  an  orderly  to  "Bring  up 
the  sword."  After  some  delay,  a  sword,  having  the  belt  and  slings  twisted  around 
the  hilt,  was  handed  to  General  Shafter.  It  was  then  by  him  turned  over  to 
General  Toral.  Our  trumpets  then  sounded,  after  which,  by  Captain  Brett's 
order,  the  hundred  cavalry  executed  left  front  into  line,  forming  in  single  rank, 
on  our  left,  facing  some  dismounted  Spanish  infantry  soldiers,  armed  with  Mauser 
rifles.  The  lines  were  not  50  yards  apart.  "Present  sabers !"  by  our  cavalry  was 
immediately  followed  by  a  like  compliment  by  the  Spanish.  It  was  then  9:25 
o'clock.  General  Toral  shouted  out  something  in  Spanish.  The  Spanish  trumpets 
then  sounded  a  march.  We  were  then  told  by  Mr.  A.  C.  Nunez  that  the  tune  was 
played  only  for  the  King  of  Spain  or  the  Captain-General  of  Cuba.  We  were  also 
told  that  the  soldiers  facing  our  cavalry  comprised  the  bodyguard  of  General 
Toral.  A  little  later  the  Spanish  infantry  forged  down  the  road,  eastward,  with- 
out their  rifles,  to  the  point  where  the  Thirteenth  Regiment,  United  States  Infantry, 
received  them  as  prisoners  of  war.  I  counted  them.  Their  number  was  330.  As 
they  filed  along  I  wheeled  my  horse  and  noted  trifling  things.  They  had  to  step 
over  the  vulture-picked  carcass  of  a  horse  lying  in  the  road.  Across  the  tall 
Guinea-Panama  grass  came  the  warbling  trill  of  a  mocking  bird,  imitating  the 
"Plant!  plant!  chut,  chut-a-dee!"  so  familiar  to  the  New  England  ears.  A  few 
hundred  feet  to  the  westward,  hiding  Campo  de  Marte  from  sight,  the  crest  was 
lined  with  the  now  empty  trenches,  from  which  thousands  of  guns  had  belched 
torrents  of  lead  at  the  United  States  lines,  after  the  First  Division  had  assaulted, 
captured  and  held  Fort  San  Juan,  the  principal  Spanish  stronghold,  during  the 
seventeen  days  of  battle  and  siege,  which  had  cost  us,  in  killed  and  wounded, 
nearly  2,000  officers  and  men. 

All  of  the  Americans  were  silent  for  perhaps  two  or  three  minutes.  After 
General  Toral's  surrendered  bodyguard  had  passed  us  our  generals  led  the  way 
through  a  gap  that  had  been  made  in  the  wire  fence,  and  we  filed  out  into  the 
road  leading  to  Santiago.  In  order  to  get  there,  distance  about  2  miles,  we  had 
to  pass  through  the  outlying  military  suburb  called  Campo  de  Marte.  It  is  made 
up  entirely  of  barracks,  military  storehouses,  and  hospitals.  These  latter  are  very 
large  buildings,  and  throughout  the  siege  numerous  white  flags,  each  having  the 
red  cross,  sacred  to  neutrals,  had  fluttered  prominently  from  the  roof  of  every 
hospital.  No  doubt  the  charge  will  be  made  that  during  the  siege  our  forces  did 
not  respect  but  fired  upon  and  into  the  buildings  displaying  the  Geneva  flag. 

Thousands  of  us  can  testify  to  two  facts:  First,  that  the  most  damaging  battery 
of  artillery  of  the  enemy,  one  shell  from  which  put  eleven  men  of  the  Sixteenth 
United  States  Infantry  out  of  action,  was  so  located  that  our  return  fire  imperiled 
the  hospital  buildings;  second,  that  the  trenches  of  the  enemy  were,  in  part, 
directly  between  these  hospital  buildings  and  our  own  trenches,  so  that  the  direct 
return  fire  of  our  infantry  brought  the  hospitals,  Geneva  flags  and  all,  into  line. 
Moreover,  in  the  course  of  our  triumphal  entry  from  the  field  of  surrender  to  San- 
tiago, through  Campo  de  Marte,  we  noted  that  the  hospitals  had  trenches  about 
them,  close  in,  and  the  street  barricades  of  tierces  filled  with  earth;  also  the 
barbed- wire  entanglements  were  constructed  with  evident  defensive  purposes  by 
the  enemy  if  driven  from  their  outer  intrenchments.  The  structures  were  care- 
fully scanned  to  see  if  their  plastered  surfaces  showed  any  bullet  marks.  Few 
indications  were  observable  of  bullet  impact  or  penetration.  The  cavalcade  of 
army  officers  passed  Spanish  refugees  who  were  wending  their  way  back  into  town. 
Most  were  afoot.  A  few  carretas,  two-wheeled  vehicles,  drawn  by  a  single  mule 
or  Cuban  pony  in  shafts,  were  passed.  Some  had  as  many  as  ten  children  huddled 
in  one;  only  one  four-wheeled  carriage,  a  sort  of  barouche,  hauled  by  a  pair  of 
undersized  Cuban  ponies,  contained  one  or  two  adults  and  eight  or  ten  juveniles. 
The  streets  are  mostly  paved  and  quite  narrow,  not  wide  enough  for  a  field  bat- 
terv  of  artillery.    Santiago  is  built  upon  a  siding.    Some  of  the  houses  were  built 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  373 

of  brick,  then  plastered;  some  were  built  of  adobe,  or  sun-dried  brick,  and  then 
plastered;  some  were  mud-and-stick  houses.  Many  had  blue  fronts.  The  front 
doors  were  of  double  or  triple  layers  of  wood  studded  with  nails  and  of  great 
strength.  Many  resembled  a  jail  entrance,  because  supplemented  with  iron 
doors.  Barred  windows  were  common.  Nearly  every  residence  showed  both 
door  and  window  gratings,  from  behind  which  many  women  and  children  peered 
at  us;  a  few  men  also  peered.  Shops  were  numerous,  but  the  majority  were 
closed  on  July  17.  Here  and  there  floated  the  flag  of  a  foreign  consulate.  The 
Spanish  flag  was  not  anywhere  seen.  Soldiers  were  numerous.  At  the  principal 
street  corners  armed  sentinels  with  Mauser  rifles  were  posted.  They  appeared 
to  be  doing  police  patrol  duty.  All  of  the  Spanish  privates  were  what  we 
term  undersized  men.  We  passed  sad-eyed  women,  scowling-eyed  women,  and 
coquettish-eyed  women.  Many  of  these  latter  smiled  at  the  procession  of  Amer- 
ican officers  from  second-story  balconies.  As  a  rule,  the  women  were  thin, 
uncomely,  and  slatternly;  only  a  few  had  their  hair  neatly  arranged;  less  than  5 
per  cent  wore  mantillas;  their  faces  were  more  wan  than  handsome.  Absolutely 
naked  children  stood  in  doorways,  on  the  balconies,  in  windows,  or  in  the  streets. 
A  general  paucity  existed  of  decent  clothes  or  necessities.  Numerous  starve- 
ling cats  and  kittens  were  visible.  On  the  ground  porch  of  one  house  a  burro 
was  lariated  to  the  front  door.  More  negroes,  I  should  call  them,  than  Spaniards 
were  seen.  Lines  of  refugee  Cubans,  carrying  bundles,  pails,  furniture,  even 
trunks,  upon  their  heads  were  seen.  All  appeared  to  be  entering  the  city,  none 
departing.  Perhaps  they  were  of  the  15,000  noncombatants  who  fled  from  San- 
tiago to  avoid  the  perils  of  the  bombardment.  A  few,  a  very  few,  led  or  drove 
poor-looking  milch  cows.  We  were  impressed  by  the  marked  physical  contrast 
between  the  undersized,  wiry,  cotton-clad  Spanish  soldiers  and  our  men.  Nobody 
braced  up,  so  far  as  I  noticed.  I  was  surprised  to  see  so  many  well-stocked  stores, 
although  the  warehouses  of  the  pawnbrokers  were  more  abundantly  filled  with 
furniture  and  other  household  belongings  than  any.  Santiago  has  several  stores 
whose  shelves  display  what  good  judges  say  are  $10,000  worth  of  general  mer- 
chandise on  sale.  There  is  a  hardware  store  in  Santiago  de  Cuba  carrying  a 
$20,000  stock  of  goods.  One  warehouse  had  500,000  pounds  of  rice  in  200-pound 
sacks.  Great  quantities  of  olive  oil,  mostly  in  tin  cans,  are  on  hand.  We  had 
heard  such  touching  tales  of  the  general  destitution  prevailing  in  Santiago,  as  for 
instance,  that  the  Spanish  soldiers  were  subsisting  on  horse  meat  to  avoid  starv- 
ing, that  the  evidences  of  sale  goods  were  especially  noted.  Capt.  E.  F.  Taggart, 
commissary  of  subsistence,  United  States  Volunteers,  also  called  my  attention  to 
a  kind  of  parched  barley  put  up  in  metal-lined  cans.  But  to  resume.  Reaching  a 
plaza  the  generals  dismounted,  we  of  the  staff  following  suit.  All  in  order  of 
rank  entered  a  large  building.  For  a  few  minutes  we  wandered  about  without  let 
or  hindrance.  This  is  what  I  saw:  Tiled  floors,  marble  freshly  wet.  The  floors  of 
the  halls  and  the  rooms  that  I  visited  were  not  all  alike.  Some  had  black  and 
white  tiles  alternating.  Some  of  the  rooms  had  planked  floors.  All  of  the  win- 
dows had  Venetian  shutters.  All  of  the  rooms  were  cool.  The  windows  had 
lambrequins.  There  were  also  portieres,  and  an  abundance  of  chairs — arm-chairs, 
cane-seated,  and  cane-backed.  In  the  great  reception  room  was  a  life-sized  oil 
painting,  probably  of  some  Spanish  Queen.  Quantities  of  bamboo  furniture, 
iron-barred  windows,  glass  chandeliers,  crystal  pendants  of  the  old  style,  some- 
thing like  mother's  candelabra,  marble-topped  tables,  green-topped  tables,  irre- 
sistibly suggestive  of  poker,  several  cheval  glasses  six  feet  high  outside  the  frame, 
and  perhaps  four  feet  six  inside,  were  conspicuous.  Strolling  back  I  passed  into 
bedrooms.  There  were  no  closed  doors.  The  beds  all  had  canopies.  Decorated 
china  toilet  sets,  eau  de  quinine,  puff  boxes,  "  Roger  Gallet  "  French  soap.  Ser- 
vants were  engaged  in  setting  a  table  for  ten.  It  had  a  floral  center-piece,  cut- 
glass  decanters,  three  sizes  of  wineglasses,  and  the  usual  china  and  cutlery 
appointments  of  civilization. 


374         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Later  our  ranking  generals  lunched  there.  An  electric  push  button  hung  upon 
the  wall  of  the  hall,  seated  and  standing  about  which  were  groups  of  American 
army  officers,  of  some  of  whom  Adelbert  Ames,  jr.,  secured  snap  shots  with  his 
kodak. 

I  am  told  that  the  mayor  of  Santiago  was  an  American  citizen,  and  that  one  of 
the  gentlemen  in  black  civilian  dress  was  the  civilian  governor  of  the  Province. 
We  heard  that  General  Gomez  asked  to  be  assigned  as  governor  of  the  Province 
of  Santiago;  that  he  was  refused,  and  Gen.  Leonard  Wood  or  Gen.  Chambers 
McKibben  selected  for  thj  position,  whereat  General  Gomez  and  his  followers 
retired  in  umbrage  to  the  mountains.  It  may  be  all  rumor;  I  know  nothing  at  all 
about  it. 

A  little  before  noon,  July  17,  the  generals  and  their  respective  staffs  massed  in 
the  plaza  facing  the  governor's  palace.  Around  the  plaza  our  soldiers  and  many 
others  not  of  our  army  assembled.  On  the  roof  of  the  palace  were  three  officers, 
viz,  Lieutenant  Miley,  of  the  artillery,  Captain  McKittrick,  of  General  Shafter's 
staff,  and  Lieutenant  Wheeler,  of  General  Wheeler's  staff.  Lieutenant  Miley 
held  the  halyards  attached  to  our  national  flag.  It  was  about  the  size  of  a 
recruiting  or  storm  flag,  only  shorter.  Gen.  Chambers  McKibben,  United  States 
Volunteers,  was  with  a  military  band  back  of  us.  The  officer  last  named  gave 
the  command,  "Present  arms! "  repeated  by  Captain  Brett.  Just  as  12  o'clock 
chimed  out  of  the  cathedral  clock  the  flag — our  flag — was  raised  to  the  top  of  the 
staff  over  the  governor's  palace.  The  band  played  the  Star  Spangled  Banner, 
after  which  patriotic  peace  prevailed,  and  General  Kent  and  staff  returned  to 
their  camp.  Some  soldier  called  for  three  cheers  for  General  Shafter.  Cheers 
followed.  To-morrow  our  naval  vessels  will  enter  the  harbor  of  Santiago  and 
be  speedily  followed,  I  trust,  by  enough  transports  to  receive  our  sick  and  take 
them  where  they  can  breathe  saline  air  and  be  sheltered  from  further  exposure 
to  tropical  heat  by  day  and  the  damp,  chill  night,  to  say  nothing  of  the  daily  rains 
prevalent  at  this  season .  In  my  opinion  this  is  the  first  use  to  which  our  fleet  should 
be  devoted.  General  Shafter's  orders  are  that  no  person  in  military  service 
except  division  quartermasters  and  commissary  officers  on  duty  connected  with 
their  departments  in  unloading  the  transports,  etc.,  will  be  permitted  within  the 
limits  of  the  city  of  Santiago  save  upon  the  pass  signed  by  the  corps  commander. 
I  regret,  therefore,  that  opportunity  will  not  be  allowed  me  to  examine  Castle 
Morro  and  the  batteries  at  Punta  Guar  da,  along  the  channel,  on  the  heights,  and 
particularly  the  guns,  6-inch  mortars  or  6-inch  siege,  whose  fire  silenced  our 
3^-inch  field  guns  and  caused  most  of  the  losses  among  our  infantry  men  in 
the  trenches.  It  would  have  been  a  great  and  appreciated  opportunity  to  have 
been  permitted  to  examine  and  report  upon  the  defensive  Spanish  appliances.  It 
is  understood  that  23,000  Spanish  soldiers  capitulated.  Only  11,000  of  this  num- 
ber are  understood  to  be  regulars;  the  rest  are  volunteers.  The  terms  of  the 
capitulation  have  not  been  made  known  officially  to  the  divisions,  so  far  as  I  can 
learn.    An  undated  communication  has  been  telephoned  as  follows,  viz: 

Headquarters  Fifth  Army  Corps, 

July  18,  1898. 
Generals  Wheeler  and  Kent: 
Have  just  received  word  from  General  Toral  that  the  Spanish  Government  has 

approved  capitulation. 

Shafter,  Commanding  Fifth  Army  Corps. 

On  Tuesday,  July  19,  the  First  Division  changed  camp,  moving  west  about  a 
mile  and  a  half,  possibly  five-eighths.  General  Kent  occupying  the  ground  vacated 
by  Col.  H.  L.  Turner,  First  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry,  Lawton's  Division. 
Though  the  distance  was  short,  none  of  the  men  of  this  division  having  to  march 
more  than  3  miles,  and  with  no  restriction  as  to  rate  or  time,  it  took  several 
hours  in  which  to  complete  the  move,  an  army  wagon  or  two  being  allowed  each 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  375 

brigade  to  haul  impedimenta  it  was  not  practicable  to  carry  upon  the  person. 
The  change  of  camping  ground  demonstrated  sadly  the  enfeebled  condition  of  our 
men.  They  straggled  along  the  road;  some  fell  out  and  prostrated  themselves 
anywhere  where  shade  could  be  obtained.  Some  of  General  Ames's  men,  Thir- 
teenth Infantry,  completed  the  march  and  then  dropped  unconscious  or  went 
crazy.  He  has  a  wall  tent  as  his  headquarters  and  for  personal  occupancy.  In 
that  tent  he  sheltered  and  cared  for  several  exhausted  or  delirious  privates.  He 
said  that  during  his  entire  military  experience  and  command,  1861  and  succeeding 
years,  he  never  saw  as  heavy  a  percentage  of  used-up  men.  Unless  more  food  and 
a  greater  variety  of  food  is  furnished  these  soldiers  their  condition  will  become 
pitiable  indeed.  They  also  need  to  be  relieved  of  the  necessity  of  having  to  travel  a 
mile  and  a  half  for  a  canteen  full  of  water.  They  have  no  camp  kettles ;  all  were  left 
aboard  the  transports  25th  of  last  month,  and  have  remained  at  Siboney,  12  miles 
from  here,  ever  since.  Ditto  as  to  extra  clothing.  They  need  better  shelter  than 
shelter  tents .  All  canvas  beyond  what  could  be  carried  upon  the  person  was  ordered 
left  behind  when  the  army  of  invasion  left  the  transports.  That  was  June  24  and 
25.  The  tents  are  still  on  the  vessels,  and  it  is  much  to  be  hoped  that  they  will  be 
landed  at  Santiago,  together  with  other  supplies.  Major  McLaughlin,  command- 
ing Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry,  says  that  his  men  can  no  longer  stomach 
canned  bacon.  According  to  the  statement,  soldiers  vomit  at  the  sight  of  a  label 
having  printed  on  it  the  name  of  Libby  or  Armour.  They  lived  on  it  during  a 
sea  voyage  of  18  days;  have  lived  on  it  since,  and  now  want  some  nourishing  food 
that  their  stomachs  can  retain.  Major  McLaughlin  says  that  he  would  like  vin- 
egar and  tobacco  for  his  regiment.  Regarding  vinegar,  Colonel  Miner,  command- 
ing Sixth  United  States  Infantry,  says,  "  My  men  drank  what  vinegar  was  issued 
them  like  hungry  wolves."  The  officer  last  named  says  that  what  is  issued  as 
canned  beef  is  refuse  from  which  all  nourishment  has  been  extracted.  Dr.  Cal- 
houn says  that  it  is  not  possible  for  officers  to  buy  pure  lime  juice  at  27  cents  per 
large  bottle.  He  believes  that  the  article  sold  by  the  Subsistence  Department  as 
such  is  injurious.  Asst.  Surg.  W.  D.  McCaw,  Medical  Department,  on  duty  with 
the  Sixth  United  States  Infantry,  reports  that  symptoms  of  scurvy  are  showing 
themselves  in  certain  fever  cases,  and  asks  that  issue  be  made  of  vinegar,  onions, 
potatoes,  tomatoes,  etc.  Dr.  McCaw  states  that  he  has  not  shelter  or  canvas 
enough  for  his  sick.  Wants  cans  of  beef  extract.  He  predicts  that  a  startling 
increase  in  the  sick  list  will  occur,  due  to  lack  of  the  essentials,  food  and  rest, 
and  proper  clothing.  All  of  the  indications  sustain  this  prediction,  and  the 
sooner  the  sick  are  placed  aboard  transports  the  better.  The  division  com- 
mander has  received  and  forwarded  for  the  consideration  of  the  corps  commander 
pressing  appeals  upon  this  subject,  i.  e.,  removal  of  the  sick. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Philip  Reade, 
Major,  Inspector-General,  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps. 


Headquarters  Fifth  Army  Corps, 

Santiago  de  Cuba,  July  20,  1898. 
The  Commanding  General  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps. 

Sir:  The  commanding  general  directs  you  to  not  permit  any  of  your  officers  or 
men  to  visit  Santiago  except  by  authority  of  these  headquarters. 

The  only  exception  of  this  order  will  be  the  chief  quartermaster  and  chief  com- 
missary of  the  division,  both  of  whom  are  authorized  to  enter  on  duty  whenever 
necessary. 

Very  respectfully, 

E.  J.  McClernand, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General. 


37fi         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Headquarters  Fifth  Army  Corps, 

Santiago  de  Cuba,  July  28,  1898. 
The  Commanding  General  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps. 

Sir:  The  commanding  general  has  noticed  that  the  town  is  full  of  officers  and 
men,  notwithstanding  the  orders  that  have  been  issued  on  the  subject. 

Hereafter  no  one  will  be  allowed  to  go  to  town  in  addition  to  orderlies  except 
the  officers  and  men  going  to  the  wharf  for  property.    These  persons  will  proceed 
to  the  wharf,  transact  their  business,  and  return  without  loitering  about  town. 
Strict  orders  will  be  issued  to  see  that  the  above  is  carried  out. 
Very  respectfully, 

E.  J.  McClernand, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General. 


Headquarters  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps, 

In  the  Field,  near  Santiago  de  Cuba,  July  23,  1898. 
The  Inspector-General,  Washington  D.  C. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  continue  itinerary  and  report  as  follows: 
Friday,  July  22,  1898.  My  morning  inspection  of  this  date  was  wholly  confined 
to  the  Twenty-first  United  States  Infantry,  now  commanded  by  Capt.  Fred 
Ebstein.  None  of  the  sick  of  this  division  have,  as  expected  and  hoped,  been 
removed  to  the  transports  now  lying  in  the  harbor  of  Santiago,  4  miles  away. 
The  mortality  increase  has  become  so  great  that  I  determined  to  confine  my 
inspection  to  personal  attendance  at  the  sick  call  of  the  respective  regiments, 
beginning  with  the  Twenty-first  Infantry.  The  surgeon  is  Capt.  Harry  E.  Fisher, 
assistant  surgeon,  Medical  Department,  U.  S.  Army.  This  officer  has  been  rec- 
ommended by  the  division  commander,  based  upon  his  conduct  and  services 
during  the  battle  of  Fort  San  Juan,  1st,  2d,  and  3d  instant.  I  sat  beside  him  for 
more  than  three  hours  this  morning,  while  he  examined  and  prescribed  for  121 
applicants  for  admission  to  the  sick  report.  This  number  does  not  include  the 
sick  already  in  hospital  nor  those  who  were  physically  unable  to  report  at  sick 
call.  There  were  no  malingerers.  Then  we  went  to  see  those  who  could  not 
leave  their  shelter  tents  or  the  hospital  tents.  Dr.  Fisher  impresses  me  as  being 
a  physician  of  exceptional  thoroughness,  discrimination,  alertness.  He  is  a  thor- 
oughly well-balanced  man.     The  followng  is  a  summary: 

Cases. 

Company  A,  Captain  Williams 23 

Company  B,  Captain  Wittich 20 

Company  C,  Captain  Sparrow 10 

Company  D,  Captain  Eltonhead 12 

Company  E,  Captain  Duncan 13 

Company  F,  Captain  Bailey 18 

Company  G,  Captain  Bonestead 15 

Company  H,  Captain  Cornman 10 

Strength  of  the  Twenty-first  United  States  Infantry:  Present — officers,  18; 
men,  388. 

There  is  very  little  stationery  in  camp.  Record  books,  etc.,  are  still  aboard  the 
transports.  The  sick  reports  presented  to  the  surgeon  are  made  out  in  pencil  on 
scraps  of  paper.  The  Twenty-first  United  States  Infantry  appears  to  be  largely 
made  up  of  native-born  Americans.  The  men  are  filthy.  Campaign  hats  are 
worn  out,  full  of  holes,  shapeless,  and  sweat  through.  Blue  flannel  shirts  are 
rent,  making  visible  backs  and  shoulders;  sleeves  tattered  to  the  elbows.  Few 
have  either  suspenders  or  suspender  buttons:  latter  are  replaced  by  sticks  or 
thorns  for  fastenings.  Trousers  are  mud-bedaubed  below  the  knee,  and  shine 
from  grease  and  dirt  accumulations  above  the  knee.    The  damp  soil  and  humid 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  377 

climate  cause  feet  to  swell;  then  the  shoes  become  too  tight;  enlarged  joints, 
corns,  etc.,  follow,  and  the  men  cut  or  slit  their  shoes  for  ease.  In  many  cases 
toes  project.  The  men  have  other  shoes,  but  they  are  aboard  the  transports, 
where  left  nearly  a  month  ago.  Canvas  trousers  and  ununiformed  garments  are 
so  common  as  not  to  excite  observation  or  justify  criticism  under  existing  circum- 
stances. Some  of  the  vagrants  employed  by  municipalities  to  earn  their  sub- 
sistence by  labor  in  the  public  streets  are  better  clad  than  some  of  these  self- 
respecting  American  soldiers  who  have  fought  a  brave  resisting  enemy.  Their 
condition  excites  the  deepest  commiseration.  Whilst  awaiting  examination,  some 
of  these  gaunt  soldiers  sat,  some  were  stretched  out  upon  the  ground.  All  of 
their  pallid  faces  were  apathetic  until  their  names  were  called.  When  their  turn 
came,  they  shambled  up  to  the  examining  surgeon  and  told  him  their  symptoms. 
Their  attitude  was  of  extreme  depression.  Dr.  Fisher  said  to  me,  "  Some  of  these 
men  have  eaten  nothing  for  two  days."  In  some  doubtful  cases,  i.  e.,  of  conva- 
lescents, the  examining  surgeon  asked  if  they  were  able  to  do  duty.  As  a  rule, 
the  reply  indicated  a  willingness  to  "  try  to."  The  doctor  had  the  hospital  stew- 
ard take  the  temperature  of  several  of  the  applicants,  some  of  whom  were  for  the 
first  time  presenting  themselves  for  examination  or  treatment.  Private  Johnson, 
Company  G,  had  100f°;  Private  Stafford,  Company  H,  had  101°;  Private  Kuhn, 
Company  C,  had  101^°;  Private  Herrick,  Company  A,  had  103f  °;  Private  DeSwan, 
Company  H,  104|°;  Private  Kelsh,  Company  H,  collapsed  whilst  being  examined. 
After  whisky  and  ammonia  treatment,  he  had  to  be  taken  away  upon  a  litter. 
His  was  not  the  only  case.  Men  reeled  from  weakness  or  staggered  from  vertigo. 
Dr.  Fisher  commented  to  me  that  they  were  not  shamming,  though  doubtless 
sympathy  and  precedent  had  their  effect.  Their  pulse  told  what  his  professional 
eye  could  not.  The  great  majority  were  cases  of  malarial  fever;  some  complained 
of  diarrhea. 

Saturday,  July  23,  1898. 
On  this  date  I  attended  the  sick  call  of  the  Seventy-first  Regiment  New  York 
Volunteer  Infantry  (Col.  Wallace  A.  Downes).  Capt.  H.  E.  Stafford,  assistant 
surgeon,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  is  the  only  medical  officer  present  for  duty  with  the 
regiment.  The  surgeon,  Maj.  W.  D.  Bell,  is  present,  but  sick.  The  other 
assistant  surgeon,  Capt.  James  Stafford,  was  detached  from  the  regiment  the 
13th  of  June  and  assigned  to  duty  with  the  Fourth  United  States  Infantry, 
where  he  yet  remains.  The  strength  of  the  regiment  now  present  is  40  officers, 
615  men.  Dr.  H.  E.  Stafford  conducts  the  examination  of  the  sick  under  circum- 
stances such  as  are  seldom  paralleled,  I  hope.  On  the  21st  instant  his  tempera- 
ture was  105° ,  yesterday  it  was  103° ,  and  to-day  his  temperature  is  above  100°.  He 
sticks  to  his  work,  however.  He  has  two  hospital-corps  privates  to  assist  him. 
There  are  two  hospital  stewards  present  with  the  regiment,  but  both  are  sick.  I 
asked  the  surgeon,  "  How  many  sick  have  you  to  attend  who  are  unable  to  appear 
at  sick  call?"  He  replied,  "About  150."  The  applicants  at  sick  call  this  a.  m. 
numbered  233.     They  were  divided  up  as  follows: 

Cases. 

Company  A,  Captain  Townsand 12 

Company  B,  Captain  Hazen 27 

Company  C,  Captain  Hainsman 21 

Company  D,  Captain  Linson 20 

Company  E,  Lieutenant  Hill  (commanding) 12 

Company  F,  Captain  Rafferty 8 

Company  G,  Captain  Bleeker 26 

Company  H,  Captain  Langston 19 

Company  I,  Captain  Meeks 30 

Company  K,  Captain  Selfridge 14 

Company  L,  Captain  Austin 18 

Company  M,  Captain  Goldsborough 26 


378         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Strength  of  regiment:  Present,  officers,  40;  men,  615. 

Eight  of  the  officers  of  this  regiment  are  also  sick.  It  would  be  hut  a  reitera- 
tion of  what  I  have  already  written  in  my  report  concerning  the  sick  of  the 
Twenty-first  United  States  Infantry  to  record  here  facts,  pitiable  facts,  concerning 
these  fever-stricken  New  York  soldiers.  Surgeon  Maj.  D.  W.  Bell,  of  the  Seventy- 
first,  says: 

"  When  the  Seventy-first  left  New  York  it  had  a  thoroughly  equipped  hospital 
corps,  so  far  as  the  personnel  went.  At  Tampa,  Fla.,  June  13,  one  of  my  assist- 
ants, Capt.  James  Stafford,  was  taken  away  from  the  Seventy-first  and  assigned 
to  duty  with  the  Fourth  United  States  Infantry,  where  he  yet  remains,  although 
he  has  been  applied  for  and  has  applied  to  be  returned  to  the  regiment.  We  then 
numbered  over  a  thousand  men.  Next,  when  we  landed  at  Siboney  (Altares), 
Cuba,  June  24,  the  chief  surgeon,  First  Division,  took  13  of  my  hospital-corps 
men.  On  the  same  day  corps  headquarters  ordered  one  of  my  most  competent 
men,  Froelich,  to  be  sent  to  the  Twelfth  United  States  Infantry,  where  he  still 
remains.  He  was  an  especially  valuable  man  to  me.  Then  First-class  Hospital 
Steward  Busby  and  Private  Guillisan,  hospital  corps,  were,  by  the  corps  com- 
mander, taken  from  me  and  ordered  to  report  to  Chief  Surgeon  Pope.  I  have  not 
since  had  the  benefit  of  their  services.  Prior  to  that  a  staff  officer  of  the  corps 
commander  verbally  ordered  one  of  my  hospital-corps  men,  who  was  also  a  phy- 
sician, to  El  Caney.  His  present  whereabouts  and  assignment  are  unknown  to 
me.  It  is  like  taking  away  the  lock  of  a  soldier's  gun  just  prior  to  sending  him  into 
a  fight  to  thus  strip  a  new  regiment  of  its  hospital  corps  men.  I  am  sick;  unable 
to  move  about.  My  one  assistant,  Capt.  H.  E.  Stafford,  should  be  on  the  sick 
report,  void  of  professional  responsibilities.  I  have  no  steward  available;  both 
are  sick.  My  present  effective  force  consists  of  two  hospital  corps  privates. 
About  the  only  medicines  available  in  the  medical  department  here  are  quinine, 
castor  oil,  compound  cathartics,  diarrhea  pills,  and  salts.  No  stimulants  yet 
received,  though  promised.    I  have  no  calomel." 

Surgeon  Bell  says  that  he  purchased,  at  his  own  expense,  and  paid  for  from 
private  funds  in  Tampa,  Fla. ,  about  $70  worth  of  drugs  for  the  use  of  his  regi- 
ment. Captain  Stafford  also  purchased  and  paid  for  about  $40  worth.  This 
expenditure  was  in  part  for  Warburg  tincture  in  capsule  form,  antiseptic  pills, 
ginger,  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia,  phenal  bromide,  salol. 

I  next  proceeded  to  the  Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry  and  was  present  dur- 
ing the  sick-call  examination,  conducted  by  Assistant-Surgeon  John  Hamilton 
Stone.  One  hundred  and  forty-five  men  responded  at  sick  call,  and  7  officers 
were  also  on  sick  report.     The  following  figures  suggest  a  condition  upon  which  I 

will  not  now  comment: 

Cases. 

Company  A,  Lieutenant  Steadman 11 

Company  B,  Lieutenant  Gowan _ 19 

Company  C,  Lieutenant  Preston 17 

Company  D,  Lieutenant  Simmons 18 

Company  E,  Captain  McFarland 16 

Company  F,  Lieutenant  Ridenour 8 

Company  G,  Lieutenant  Dunning 17 

Company  H  Lieutenant  Erwin 20 

Company  I,  Lieutenant  Cowles 12 

Company  K,  Lieutenant  Palmer _    7 

Present  strength  of  regiment:  Officers,  10;  men,  599. 

The  following-named  officers  are  also  borne  upon  the  sick  report;  all  are  fever 
cases:  Captain  Noble,  Major  McLaughlin,  Captain  Allen,  Lieutenants  Palmer, 
Dunning,  Gowen,  Carey.     Dr.  Stone  says  that  above  aggregate  does  not  represent 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  379 

the  actual  disability  of  the  regiment.  Many  men  are  worn  out  by  sickness  and 
famine,  but  from  motives  of  pride  and  from  a  disinclination  to  impose  any  more 
work  upon  the  regimental  surgeon  ask  not  to  be  placed  on  sick  reports.  So  they 
are  excused  from  duty  without  being  officially  included  in  the  list  of  sick.  Since 
writing  the  foregoing  lines  I  learn  that  Dr.  J.  H.  Stone  has  succumbed  to  the  fever 
epidemic.  It  is  impossible  for  any  one  to  tell  how  long  he  will  be  able  to  fulfill  his 
duties.  After  an  inspection  of  the  Sixteenth  Infantry,  made  in  shelter  tents  and  not 
under  arms,  I  proceeded  to  and  completed  a  like  informal  inspection  of  the  Sixth 
United  States  Infantry.  The  surgeon  of  the  regiment  last  named  is  Capt.  Walter 
D.  McCaw,  Medical  Department,  U.  S.  Army.  From  him  I  obtained  the  follow- 
ing data  regarding  the  sick  of  the  Sixth  Infantry:  The  Sixth  United  States  Infantry 
has  no  hospital.  The  sick  are  cared  for  in  their  own  shelter  tents.  There  is  no 
other  covering  for  them.  In  answer  to  my  question,  "What  is  the  capacity  of 
your  hospital?"  the  following  reply  was  received:  "Capacity  is  unlimited,  all 
patients  being  in  the  open  air  under  shelter  tents."  One  hundred  and  eighty-two 
enlisted  men  of  this  regiment  are  absent  sick. 


Company  A,  Lieutenant  Hunt _ 5 

Company  B,  Captain  Turner 4 

Company  C,  Lieutentant  Ryther 8 

Company  D,  Lieutenant  Chrisman _  _  _ _  _  _  7 

Company  E,  Captain  Kennon 6 

Company  F,  Capt.  Chas.  Byrne 5 

Company  G,  Lieutenant  Jones . ■_  _  _  9 

Company  H,  Lieutenant  Beckurts 5 

Strength  of  regiment:  Present,  officers,  30;  men,  369. 

Three  officers  are  on  the  sick  report.  Dr.  McCaw  says  that  he  has  only  one 
hospital  corps  man  for  duty,  assisted  by  a  bandman.  His  acting  hospital  steward 
is  sick  with  the  prevalent  Cuban  malarial  fever.  Dr.  McCaw  desires  it  to  be 
made  a  matter  of  record  that  he  needs  for  the  sick  food  supplies,  stimulants,  and 
shelter.     Lieut.  Col.  C.  W.  Miner,  regimental  commander,  says: 

"Since  the  landing  of  the  regiment  at  Siboney,  June  23,  it  has  cheerfully 
endured  almost  every  hardship  known  to  military  life.  Sickness  has  made,  is 
making,  very  serious  inroads  upon  the  strength  and  efficiency  of  the  command. 
This  is  due  to  causes  entirely  beyond  the  control  of  the  regimental  commander. 
In  the  first  place,  the  rations  here  have  been  of  the  most  meager  description.  For 
weeks  the  command  has  subsisted  on  bacon,  hard  tack,  sugar,  and  coffee.  Canned 
meat  was  several  times  furnished,  but  without  salt  or  vegetables.  It  had  no  savor, 
scant  nutriment,  and  was  but  little  liked.  Once  three  or  four  potatoes  to  a  man 
were  issued,  and  once  an  onion  was  given  to  about  every  two  men.  On  several 
occasions  soldiers  were  without  anything  to  eat.  It  was  impracticable  always  to 
boil  water.  In  the  trenches  fires  could  not  be  lighted,  and  not  only  was  the 
water  unboiled,  but  the  ration  of  bacon  was  eaten  uncooked.  They  fought  by 
day  and  dug  trenches  by  night.  The  climate  is  hot.  The  men  were  necessarily 
confined  closely  to  their  posts  and  to  camp.  Bathing  facilities  were  lacking  dur 
ing  most  of  the  time.  Facilities  were  lacking  for  change  of  underclothing. 
Under  the  fervid  heat  of  a  tropical  sun,  also  in  torrents  of  rain,  they  have  marched, 
toiled,  and  fought  on  unsuitable  rations.  The  close  confinement  in  freshly  dug 
trenches,  the  unavoidable  drinking  of  impure  water,  the  lack  of  protection  from 
rain,  sun,  and  dew,  and  the  sleeping  in  wet  clothing  on  the  ground  in  mud, 
swamp,  and  trenches;  the  enforced  personal  uncleanliness,  have  all  contributed 
to  render  the  men  weak  and  unable  to  resist  the  fever  and  other  diseases  peculiar 
to  hot  climates.  Every  rule  of  hygiene  has  been  unavoidably  broken.  That  any 
should  have  survived  only  shows  the  excellent  condition  of  the  command  at  the 


380         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

beginning  of  the  campaign.  That  many  are  now  sick  should  cause  no  surprise. 
The  stomach  turns  on  a  diet  without  vegetables,  and  the  exposures  the  men  have 
undergone  have  produced  a  fever  from  which  few  have  escaped.  All  are  weak 
and  in  no  condition  either  for  marching  or  fighting.  The  crying  needs  are  for 
proper  shelter  from  sun  and  rains  and  proper  food." 

It  is  difficult  to  add  to  the  force  of  Colonel  Miner's  statement.  The  scope 
might,  with  equal  truthfulness,  be  made  to  include  the  recommendation,  first, 
that  these  troops  need  a  full  supply  of  fresh  vegetables  of  every  kind;  second,  to 
reiterate  the  suggestion  and  recommendation  that  the  sick  of  the  army  be 
removed  to  transports  properly  equipped  with  cots,  cooks,  food  and  medical  sup- 
plies, culinary,  etc.,  outfits,  an  adequate  hospital  and  medical  corps,  and  taken 
out  into  the  bracing  sea  air.  The  numerous  transports  now  lying  passengerless 
in  the  harbor  of  Santiago  are  within  2  miles  of  some  of  the  sick.  None  of  the 
sick  of  the  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  are  4  miles  distant  from  these 
transports.  Our  sick  list  is  daily  becoming  larger.  The  dangers  of  yellow  fever 
are  not  remote.  The  percentage  of  effective,  tolerably  able-bodied  men  is  daily 
becoming  smaller.  The  fighting  is  over.  The  Spanish  have  capitulated,  and 
are  now  held  as  prisoners  of  war.  Hence  the  incentive  of  bracing  to  fight  human 
foes  is  lacking.  Famine  does  not  threaten  us.  The  National  Relief  Commission, 
backed  by  the  Red  Cross  Society  and  the  contributions  of  the  home  people  of  the 
United  States,  has  put  in  an  appearance.  Curative  and  material  comforts,  lux- 
uries even,  such  as  ice,  lemons,  jars  of  sweets,  etc.,  are  at  hand.  What  is  needed 
is  that  the  sick  men  be  taken  away  and  sheltered  where  invigorating  sea  breezes 
and  skilled  attendance  can  be  given  them.  Then  the  well  men  might  be  pro- 
vided with  hammocks  or  cots.  Thus  they  will  not  be  compelled  to  any  longer 
sleep  on  the  ground.  I  have  persistently  daily  urged  these  accessories  of  health. 
The  sick  remain  just  where  they  have  been  for  several  days.  In  the  language  of 
Maj.  M.  W.  Wood,  medical  department,  chief  surgeon  First  Division,  we  are 
confronted  with  a  very  grave  state  of  affairs.  It  is  a  lamentable  fact  that  there 
are  hundreds  of  sick  who  are  not  receiving  proper  attention,  care,  or  treatment. 
There  are  no  hospitals  provided  with  equipment  near  to  troops,  nor  medical  sup- 
plies obtainable  by  the  regimental  surgeons,  nor  ambulances  with  which  to 
transfer  the  sick  to  hospitals  if  such  existed,  nor  hospital  tents  to  shelter  the 
sick,  nor  proper  food  for  the  sick,  nor  sufficient  means  to  attend  upon  them,  nor 
cots  to  raise  them  from  the  ground. 

Soldiers  recklessly,  thoughtlessly,  enter  deserted  or  abandoned  habitations  or 
shelters  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  island  or  use  fragments  of  these  about  their  own 
shelters,  or  handle  personal  belongings  or  wares  of  the  inhabitants,  all  of  which, 
for  our  purposes,  should  be  regarded  as  infected.  How  can  we  expect  attention 
to  be  paid  to  these  warnings  when  medical  officers  daily  violate  them  by  entering 
deserted  habitations,  locating  our  sick  within  them,  mingling  with  crowds  of 
refugees,  etc.?  Eighteen  hundred  men  of  the  First  Division  are  noneffective  by 
reason  of  sickness.  It  is  predicted  that  this  number  will  increase.  Yellow  fever 
is  in  the  trenches  along  which  this  division  is  encamped.  The  public  road  leading 
from  the  El  Caney  region  into  Santiago  is  a  thoroughfare  daily  for  hundreds  of 
the  natives.  They  gather  fruits  and  sell  same  to  our  soldiers.  They  are  bartering 
cigars,  tobacco,  rum,  and  relics  to  our  soldiers  every  hour  of  the  day  along  that 
thoroughfare.  The  corps  commander's  orders  allow  no  one  to  go  into  town  except 
officers  and  men  going  to  the  wharf  after  property,  save  quartermasters  and  sub- 
sistence officers  of  division  headquarters.  The  nonintercourse  order  of  restriction 
is  neutralized  by  the  trade  intercourse  frequently  reported.  These  natives  should 
be  shunned,  not  dickered  with.  The  quarantine  is  a  farce.  No  regiment  has 
more  than  one  medical  officer  for  duty.  The  rest  are  sick.  Apparent  neglect 
instead  of  care  results.     The  First  Division  hospital,  Dr.  Wood's,  has  suffered  a 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  381 

general  disintegration  by  having  its  equipment  sent  to  various  points,  while  it 
now  consists  only  of  three  hospital  tents,  five  extra  flies,  seven  cots,  eight  blankets, 
no  mattresses  or  pillows.  "  Why,"  said  Dr.  Wood,  "  the  other  divisions,  having 
equal  time,  warning  facilities,  etc.,  were  not  equally  well  provided  with  trans- 
portation from  the  time  of  landing  that  the  First  Division  had,  is  unknown. 
The  sufferings  and  misery  of  this  division  can  not  be  overstated.  We  hear  their 
moans  at  night  as  they  lie  side  by  side  with  the  well.  They  have  had  no  change 
of  clothing,  no  blankets,  insufficient  food.  The  supply  of  medical  stores  is  insuf- 
ficient. The  surgeons  are  overworked.  There  is  plenty  of  food  aboard  the  trans- 
ports, less  than  5  miles  away.  The  sick  are  in  shelter  tents  that  do  not  shelter. 
They  are  frenzied  by  day,  chilled  by  night.  Humanity  demands  that  these  sick 
soldiers  be  transferred  to  a  vessel  fitted  up  as  a  hospital  ship."  In  this  opinion 
the  chief  surgeon  of  the  division  concurs.  So  does  the  division  commander.  The 
number  of  the  sick  will  soon  aggregate  one-third  of  this  command. 

NOTES. 

The  transport  City  of  Washington  carried  from  Port  Tampa,  Fla.,  to  Siboney, 
Cuba,  the  Twenty-fourth  Regiment,  United  States  Infantry,  and  a  battalion  of 
the  Twenty-first  United  States  Infantry.  The  Breakwater  transported  the  Third 
United  States  Infantry.  The  Berkshire  transported  Companies  D  and  G  of  the 
Twenty-first  Infantry.  On  landing  at  Siboney  the  officers  took  ashore  only  such 
personal  effects  as  they  were  permitted  to  carry  upon  their  persons.  The  orders  of 
the  corps  commanders  were  that  only  ammunition  and  rations,  in  addition  to  such 
effects  as  one  could  carry  upon  his  person,  should  be  landed.  Officers  thereupon 
left  aboard  ship  everything  not  embraced  above.  The  transports  named  have 
since  left  Cuban  waters.  The  City  of  Washington  is  now  said  to  be  at  Newport 
News.  The  whereabouts  of  the  Breakwater  and  Berkshire  are  unknown.  The 
officers  and  men  of  the  organizations  named  are  wondering  when  and  how  they 
can  recover  or  replace  their  effects.  One  company  commander  left  his  company 
fund  aboard  ship. 

Modern  appliances  of  war. — There  have  been  heralded  during  the  last  decade 
or  two  many  modern  electrical  and  other  appliances  intended  to  revolutionize  war, 
but  we  seem  to  be  fighting  it  out  on  the  same  old  basis,  smokeless  powder  and  an 
occasional  telephone  excepted.  The  headquarters  First  Division,  Fifth  Army 
Corps,  have  not  been,  up  to  date  hereof,  equipped  with  telephone  or  electrical 
appliances  or  conveniences.  All  messages  and  communications  have  been  by  the 
old-time  methods.  The  advantages  of  the  modern  propellant,  as  opposed  to  the 
old-time  black  powder,  have  been  in  its  comparative  noiselessness  and  smokeless- 
ness.  The  Spanish  have  mainly  used  the  smokeless  propellant.  Some  of  their 
artillery  may  have  employed  black  powder. 

Individual  marksmanship — Range  finders. — First  Lieut.  Charles  H.  Muir,  Second 
Infantry,  is  of  the  class  of  distinguished  sharpshooters.  He  has  been  known  to 
me  for  fully  ten  years  past  by  reason  of  his  honorable  identification  with  what  is 
popularly  known  as  "  target  practice."  His  abilities  are  beyond  the  mere  ability 
to  correctly  judge  of  the  effects  of  wind,  light,  and  shade  upon  a  projectile,  also  of 
ability  to  have  eye,  muscles,  and  finger  act  synchronously  in  pulling  trigger  when 
the  rifle  was  in  proper  position.  He  is  a  man  who  has  always  mixed  brains  with 
gunpowder.  He  states  that  during  the  battles  of  Fort  San  Juan,  1st,  2d,  and  3d  of 
July,  while  in  the  trenches  directing  the  fire  of  a  squad  of  selected  sharpshooters,  his 
attention  was  attracted  by  the  grouping  of  a  few  of  the  Spanish  at  a  range  which 
he,  by  the  use  of  a  binocular  range  finder  of  French  make  (Souchiers) ,  announced 
to  be  1,100  yards.  He  adjusted  the  sights  of  his  rifle,  United  States  magazine, 
model  1892  or  1893,  accordingly;  took  careful  aim,  fired  twice;  called  his  shot 


382         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPUN. 

instantly,  and  each  time  brought  down  an  enemy.  Members  of  his  squad,  with 
equal  success,  same  time  and  range,  potted  a  third  Spaniard.  Lieutenant  Muir 
highly  commends  the  pattern  of  range  finder  named,  and  recommends  that  such 
be  issued  to  selected  distinguished  marksmen,  United  States  Army. 

This  is  in  direct  line  with  what  I  have,  during  many  years  past,  advocated  and 
repeatedly  officially  recommended.  Some  of  our  distinguished  marksmen  have 
earned  all  of  the  medals  that  orders  allow  and  are  disqualified  from  entering 
further  small-arm  competitions,  but  ask  that  each  year  they  be  permitted  to  com- 
pete with  those  of  their  own  class,  the  prizes  tobe  rifles  or  carbines  of  especial  manu- 
facture, range  finders,  binocular  glasses,  or  other  paraphernalia  proper  for  the 
outfit  of  a  marksman  who  is  also  a  practical  hunter.  Capt.  George  H.  Morgan, 
Third  Cavalry,  and  who  is  also  a  distinguished  marksman,  United  States  Army, 
an  officer  of  ripened  experience  in  Indian  warfare  in  Arizona,  and  who  is,  like 
Lieutenant  Muir,  a  very  cool-headed  man,  of  good  judgment  amid  surroundings 
of  excitement,  says  that  he  would  have  had  some  interesting  data  to  furnish  sup- 
porting my  conviction  that  individual  marksmanship,  properly  supplemented, 
counts  in  battle,  if  he  had  had  a  proper  range  finder.  He  says  that  in  trench 
work,  having  no  glass,  he  could  not  locate  the  point  of  impact  of  the  bullets,  even 
when  his  troops  fired  volleys.  Lieut.  Hugh  D.  Wise,  Ninth  United  States  Infantry, 
alleges  that  during  the  battle  of  July  1  he  and  a  sharpshooter  named  Mcllhaney 
had  their  attention  attracted  by  a  Spanish  officer  who  was  conspicuous  because  rid- 
ing a  white  horse.  Guessing  at  the  range,  1,100  yards,  Mcllhaney  opened  fire 
upon  and  hit  the  Spaniard.  Lieutenant  Wise  says  that  he  subsequently  learned 
that  General  Linares,  the  commander  of  the  Santiago  Spanish  forces,  rode  a  horse 
of  that  color  when  wounded,  and  he  believes  that  Mr.  Mcllhaney  did  it.  Our 
trenches  in  places  were  not  over  500  or  600  yards  from  the  trenches  of  the  enemy 
during  the  fusillades  of  the  2d  and  3d  of  July.  One  of  our  lieutenants  of  artillery 
told  me  that  at  a  period  when  the  Spanish  guerrillas  were  especially  pestiferous 
and  annoying,  a  second  lieutenant,  name  unknown,  went  under  a  tree  in  whose 
dense  foliage  he  thought  a  Spanish  sharpshooter  might  be  concealed,  and  fired  at 
random  several  revolver  shots  into  the  tree  top.  After  the  fourth  or  fifth  shot 
a  Mauser  or  Remington  rifle  was  dropped  from  overhead,  followed  a  few  seconds 
later  by  a  frightened  Spaniard  who  was  clad  in  a  dark-blue  United  States  Army 
blouse.  My  informant  went  on  to  say  that  he  must  decline  giving  me  any  names, 
because  the  incident  closed  without  any  aid  from  any  priest  or  clergyman. 

Casualties. — Lieut.  Charles  E.  Tayman,  Twenty-fourth  United  States  Infantry, 
was  detailed  July  15  as  acting  inspector-general,  Third  Brigade,  First  Division, 
by  Brig.  Gen.  Adelbert  Ames,  commanding  brigade,  and  filled  the  position  for 
two  weeks,  when  he  was  appointed  aid-de-camp  by  General  Ames.  He  says  that 
on  July  1  the  Spanish  loss  at  El  Caney  was  500  killed  and  wounded;  that  the 
enemy  lost  1,700  at  the  muzzle  of  General  Kent's  division  at  Fort  San  Juan,  and 
sustained  a  further  loss  of  3,500  during  the  attempted  surprise  of  and  attack  upon 
our  line  on  the  night  of  July  2.  The  failure  of  this  attack,  he  said,  caused  Admiral 
Cervera  to  make,  the  following  day,  the  attempt  to  break  out  of  Santiago  Harbor, 
preferring,  he  said,  to  die  fighting  rather  than  to  sink  his  ships.  The  Gatling  gun 
detachment  is  in  charge  of  Lieut.  John  H.  Parker,  Thirteenth  United  States  Infan- 
try. He  has  four  guns.  During  the  forenoon  of  July  1 ,  in  the  assault  on  Fort  San 
Juan,  he  fired  24,000  caliber  .30  cartridges  at  ranges  of  1,800  yards  and  upward. 
During  the  entire  battle  he  fired  42,000  rounds.  One  of  Lieutenant  Parker's  indi- 
vidual exploits,  using  the  service  rifle,  was  to  kill  at  a  range  of  400  yards  a  Span- 
ish sharpshooter  who  had  posted  himself  in  a  tree  top  and  was  shooting  at  the 
Gatling  gun  detachment.  The  effective  strength  of  the  First  Division,  Fifth 
Army  Corps  (Kent's),  on  the  10th,  15th,  20th,  25th,  and  31st  of  July,  1898,  is 
shown  on  the  following  page.     The  steady  increase  in  the  sick  report  is  shown  by 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  383 

the  last  column.  It  is  more  than  feared  that  the  list  will  soon  include  one-third 
of  the  division.  The  removal  of  such  of  the  sick  as  can  be  moved  to  transports 
for  deportation  to  the  United  States  is  urgently  recommended  by  the  chief  sur 
geon  of  the  division.  It  should  be  done  at  once.  Empty  transports  are  in  the 
harbor  of  Santiago.  One  has  150  unoccupied  cots  aboard.  The  main  causes  of 
death  so  far  have  been  diagnosed  as  malarial  fever,  dengue  fever,  remittent  per- 
nicious fever,  remittent  malarial  fever,  dysentery,  and  exhaustion  following 
dengue  fever.  On  Monday,  June  27,  at  Sevilla,  Major-General  Breckinridge, 
United  States  Volunteers,  the  Inspector- General,  United  States  Army,  asked  me 
what  thing  did  I  consider  most  markedly  should  be  reported  to  General  Miles  by 
cable?  I  then  replied:  "  The  maintenance  of  magnificent  health  by  the  army."  I 
regret  that  I  can  not  now  make  that  observation.     Our  sick  list  is  increasing  daily. 

RECOMMENDATIONS. 

It  is  understood  that  none  of  the  troops  comprising  the  army  of  invasion 
will  be  permitted  to  leave  the  present  lines  of  investment  overlooking  Santiago 
until  all  of  the  capitulated  Spanish  prisoners  have  been  sent  to  Spain.  It  is  under- 
stood that  the  United  States  regiments  of  immunes  will  then  take  our. places,  and 
we  will  be  sent  to  Montauk  Point,  eastern  end  of  Long  Island.  But  the  sick,  such 
as  can  be  moved,  should  be  sent  away.    Human  life  will  thus  be  saved. 

Hammocks,  camp  stools. — The  majority  of  the  soldiers  here  sleep  upon  the 
ground.  I  have  recommended  that  this  be  prohibited  for  sanitary  reasons.  The 
Second  United  States  Infantrymen,  first  of  all  in  this  division,  made  for  them- 
selves rude  but  practicable  cots,  using  forked  uprights,  cross  sticks,  and  grass, 
etc. ,  bedding.  This  command  merits  a  gratuitous  supply  of  hammocks  and  camp 
stools.  Such  health  preserves  cost  comparatively  little.  Company  I,  Second 
United  States  Infantry,  came  to  Cuba  on  the  Hudson,  and  the  effects  of  the  organ- 
ization were  landed  on  the  beach.    They  have  wholly  disappeared. 

The  statement  of  the  New  York  Herald  that  General  Shaf ter  was  wounded  in 
the  battle  of  July  1,  2,  3,  is  not  true.  The  corps  commander  first  came  to  the 
front  on  July  7. 

Clerk,  stationery. — Under  the  provisions  of  Army  Regulations  358,  I  made 
application  May  30  for  a  clerk.  This  application  and  request  were  reiterated  in 
June.  I  have  no  clerk.  I  have  also  asked  to  have  a  supply  of  office  stationery 
sent  to  me  by  mail.  I  have  received  none.  It  is  my  daily  practice  to  leave  my 
hammock  as  soon  before  7  o'clock  a.  m.  as  possible,  returning  at  about  noon.  At 
10  o'clock  a.  m.  the  heat  is  most  oppressive.  Not  much  out-of-door  work  can  be 
done  or  should  be  done  in  this  region  between  10  o'clock  a.  m.  and  3*  o'clock  p.  m. 
But  the  duties  of  my  position  involve  a  good  deal  of  clerical  labor.  Having 
neither  blanks  nor  stationery,  I  am  compelled  to  restrict  myself  to  this  form  of 
itinerary  and  report.  I  urgently  request  that  a  competent  clerk,  provided  with 
a  typewriter  and  typewriting  supplies  of  all  kinds,  be  sent  to  report  to  me.  He 
must  expect  to  mess  as  do  the  soldiers  of  the  division  headquarters,  detachment 
of  guards,  and  orderlies;  must  be  prepared  and  willing  to  "  rough  it,"  and  should 
bring  bedding,  hammock,  toilet  necessaries,  etc.  If  possible,  I  will  secure  him  a 
mount.  In  the  matter  of  stationery,  we  have  been  indebted  to  the  Young  Men's 
-Christian  Association  for  our  paper,  envelopes,  pens,  pencils,  and  ink.  The  Quar- 
termaster Department  has  no  stationery  for  issue — none  for  its  own  necessities. 
In  preceding  reports  I  have  told  how,  from  the  day  we  landed  at  Siboney,  every 
officer,  from  General  Kent  down,  carried  upon  his  own  person  what  he  slept  on  or 
under,  what  he  ate  or  drank.  It  was  impracticable  to  carry  any  stationery, 
except  such  as  could  be  carried  in  a  sabretache.  I  can  not  make  formal  applica- 
tions for  articles  and  amounts  of  stationery;  have  no  blanks;  none  are  obtainable; 
but  I  want  and  need  a  clerk  and  also  paper,  etc. 


384         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Maj  James  H.  McLeary,  inspector-general,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  reported  to  me 
aboard  the  steamship  Santiago,  pursuant  to  orders  from  the  corps  commander, 
on  June  13  last,  as  my  assistant.  He  is  still  attached  to  these  headquarters,  but, 
from  one  cause  or  another;  chiefly  inaptitude,  has  not  done  one  full  day's  duty 
since  reporting.  Aboard  ship  he  either  assigned  nausea  or  fear  of  seasickness 
as  an  excuse  for  not  accompanying  when  the  lower  hold  was  inspected,  soldiers 
exercised,  etc.,  so  he  did  not  inspect  any  when  we  were  at  sea.  I  tried  verbally 
to  impart  to  him  some  elemental  ideas  of  what  his  duties  might  be.  He  fell 
asleep  in'  his  chair.  Several  captains  of  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century  of  mil- 
itary experience  were  by  me  introduced  to  Major  McLeary  and  requested  to  teach 
him  what  constituted  a  soldier  s  equipment,  what  the  component  articles  of  the 
rations  were,  etc.  Many  army  officers  were  more  than  willing  to  post  and  advise 
him.  He  preferred  to  read  novels,  and  made  no  effort  to  acquaint  himself  with 
the  contents  of  professional  text-books  loaned  him.  Prior  to  landing  in  Cuba  he 
said  he  had  no  outfit  except  a  trunk  containing,  among  other  things,  an  evening- 
dress  suit  and  a  presentation  sword.  He  also  said  that  he  had  no  money  to  meet 
his  mess  expenses  with.  This  lack  of  funds  has  been  painfully  apparent  ever 
since.  The  division  commander  told  him  that  he  had  no  duty  or  place  for  him; 
that  if  he  went  to  the  front  he  did  so  at  his  peril,  and  he  was  advised  to  equip 
himself  before  proceeding  to  the  front.  So  he  remained  aboard  ship  until  the 
captain  of  the  transport,  tired  of  messing  him,  told  him  that  General  Shafter 
wanted  every  man  armed  with  a  sword  on  the  firing  line.  Our  scanty  stock  of 
mess  supplies  has  been  heavily  drained  upon  by  this  250-pounder  ever  since.  His 
obesity,  boils,  and  very  numerous  bodily  ills  have  been  assigned  as  excuses  for 
the  nonperformance  of  such  duties  as  inspecting  latrines,  sink-holes,  etc.  The 
sick  report  has  been  his  refuge  several  times.  He  bought  a  horse  on  credit  and 
ingratiated  from  Miss  Clara  Barton  delicacies  that  might  have  gone  to  worthy 
sick  soldiers.  He  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  mail,  but  the  duty  was  so  grudg- 
ingly, surlily,  and  incompletely  performed  that  the  duty  was  vested  in  another 
officer. 

Exempli  gratia. — He  was  often  too  sick  or  too  lazy  to  frank  by  his  official 
indorsement  soldiers'  letters.  He  would  call  for  a  clerk  to  do  it  for  him.  With 
all  these  deficiencies  he  was,  and  probably  is,  more  vociferous  in  regard  to  what 
he  calls  "his  rights,"  than  anyone  here.  He  does  not  want  to  leave  Cuba.  He 
says  fortunes  will  be  made  here.  He  has  written  to  the  corps  commander  that, 
as  a  lawyer  and  ex-judge,  he  would  like  to  have  a  place  found  for  him  in  Santiago, 
or  words  to  that  effect.  He  has  also  written  to  Gen.  L.  Wood,  military  governor, 
to  be  taken  onto  his  staff.  He  makes  no  pretense  of  concealment  of  the  fact  that  he 
is  in  Cuba  for  what  there  is  in  it  for  the  syndicate,  or  corporation,  or  company 
that  he  represents,  rather  than  for  the  performance  of  the  military  duties  for 
which  he  is  paid,  but  of  his  ignorance  of  which  he  is  complacently  unconscious. 

Deaths  are  increasing  so  rapidly  that  slight  attention  is  paid  to  the  three  vol- 
leys and  taps.  Orders  have  finally  been  issued  prohibiting  these  ceremonies,  lest 
a  depressing  effect  be  produced  by  the  demonstration.  Heavy  rains  are  frequent. 
They  change  the  well-tramped  earth  into ' '  gumbo . ' '  The  gumbo  of  Cu  ba  i  s  j  ust  as 
bad  as  that  of  the  region  intermediate  between  Texas  and  Montana.  If  possible, 
it  is  even  more  tenacious.  A  soldier  of  the  Thirty-fourth  Michigan  Volunteers  ie 
unofficially  said  by  the  attending  surgeon  to  have  died  of  nostalgia.  Blue  sus- 
penders of  a  shade  to  match  the  dark-blue  flannel  shirt  are  recommended.  They 
would  harmonize  better  with  the  army  shirt  than  any  other  color  would,  and  be 
just  as  cheap.  Honorably  discharged  soldiers  are  inquiring  as  to  how  they  can 
get  proper  discharge  and  negotiable  final  statement  papers.  There  are  few,  if  any, 
here,  and  the  men  find  difficulty  in  getting  transportation  back  to  the  United 
States.    Applications  for  sick  leave  on  surgeon's  certificate  of  disability  are  becom- 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  385 

ing  frequent.  An  impression  prevails  that  letters  from  Cuba  are  being  quaran- 
tined, owing  to  apprehensions  regarding  yellow  fever.  Some  regularity  now 
attaches  to  the  incoming  mail,  but  no  one  knows  whether  our  letters  are  regu- 
larly forwarded.  I  had  a  large  canteen  made  in  Tampa  of  the  size  and  kind  used 
in  Arizona  twenty  odd  years  ago.  It  is  covered  first  with  saddler's  felt  one-half 
inch  thick,  then  with  several  thicknesses  of  blue  flannel.  After  the  outside 
becomes  saturated  the  canteen  keeps  water  cool  much  longer  than  the  little 
canvas-covered  ones  do.  The  canteen  has  an  orifice  about  \\  inches  in  diameter, 
and  is  slung  by  a  broad  leather  strap.  Until  recently  I  have  kept  the  screw  cap 
off,  so  as  to  aid  in  lowering  the  temperature  of  the  water.  The  other  night  a 
tree  frog  made  his  aquatic  home  in  my  canteen.  The  animal  was  not  discovered 
until  after  the  canteen  had  been  refilled  with  boiling  water.  I  shall  always 
keep  my  canteen  closed  now.  Lizards,  swifts,  tree  toads,  frogs,  etc.,  are  very 
common  and  very  sociable  about  our  tents.  The  sabretasche  is  a  useful  article 
for  any  staff  officer  in  the  field.  The  authorization  for  its  issue  and  use  as  a  por- 
tion of  the  equipment  for  regimental  and  battalion  staff  officers  is  recommended. 

The  first-aid  packets  possess  a  value  not  at  first  appreciated.  The  soldiers  now 
eagerly  seek  for  and  carefully  care  for  them.  So  many  officers  of  the  Thirteenth 
United  States  Infantry  are  off  duty  that  at  date  that  regiment  is  commanded  by 
its  senior  officer  present  for  duty,  to  wit,  First  Lieut.  Marion  B.  Saffold.  We 
hear  that  Col.  Alfred  T.  Smith,  Thirteenth,  is  in  Cuba, 

In  illustration  of  our  ignorance  of  what  is  oris  to  be,  further  in  instance  of  what 
may  be  termed  camp  rumors,  still  further  because  I  am  on  sick  report,  confined 
to  my  hammock,  one  more  unit  in  the  long  list  of  Cuban-fever  victims,  I  lie  and 
record  what  is  alleged.  The  Fifth  Army  Corps,  being  acclimated,  will  soon 
attack  Havana.  The  Fifth  Army  Corps,  being  exhausted,  will  be  sent  to  the 
United  States.  The  well  men  only  of  the  Fifth  Corps  will  (will  not)  be  sent  to 
Long  Island.  Comment:  Incentives  are  thus  offered  to  the  well  to  get  sick,  or  to 
the  sick  to  get  well.  Take  your  choice.  It  is  a  mere  matter  of  volition.  Yellow 
fever  exists  and  soldiers  have  died  in  camp  from  it.  No  well-defined  case  of 
yellow  fever  has  yet  appeared  outeide  of  Siboney  among  the  troops. 

Public  opinion  in  the  United  States  demands  a  vigorous  prosecution  of  this  war 
until  all  of  the  Spanish  forces  in  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico  have  been  subjected. 
Public  opinion  in  the  United  States  is  satisfied  with  what  has  already  been 
accomplished. 

High  medical  authority  in  the  United  States  says:  "  Stay  in  Cuba;  you  can  not 
be  permitted  to  land  anywhere  in  the  United  States  lest  you  infect  the  country 
with  yellow  fever.  You  are  pariahs."  Equally  good  medical  authority  in  Cuba 
says:  "  If  the  Fifth  Army  Corps  is  kept  in  Cuba  from  20  to  70  per  cent  of  the 
command  will  be  dead  by  October  1.  The  only  chance  for  exemption  lies  in 
prompt  removal  to  a  northern  climate." 

To  be  free  from  malarial  feveis  camp  on  high  ground,  says  one  medical  expert; 
whereupon  another  medical  expert  points  to  the  fact  that  the  First  United  States 
Infantry,  encamped  on  ground  1,000  feet  above  the  level,  has  suffered  more  from 
sickness  than  the  Twenty-first  United  States  Infantry,  which  has  lower  camping 
ground  than  any. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Philip  Reade, 
Major,  Inspector-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 

7833— VOL.  1 25 


386* 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Ix'i  port  of  effective  strength  First  Division,  Fifth  Anna  Corps. 

JULY  10,  1898. 


Organization. 

Effective  strength. 

"Without  arms. 

Sick. 

Officers. 

Men. 

Officers. 

Men. 

1 
8 

31 

1 
2 

48 
101 

1 

1 

76 
65 
50 

1,627 
1,376 
1,208 

M 

95 

19 



Total 

200           4,242 

9 

152 

214 

Mr.  Meuoz,  volunteer  aid,  absent,  wounded;  one  prisoner  on  parole. 

JULY  15,  1898. 


Organization. 

Effective  strength. 

Without  arms. 

Sick. 

Officers. 

Men. 

Officers. 

Men. 

Officers. 

Men. 

1 
9 

27 

1 

42 
49 

5 
4 

4 

75 
GO 
52 

1,954 
1,575 
1,161 

125 

36 

65 

35 

Total 

197 

4,717 

9 

157 

200 

Gain,  Maj.M.C.  Hutchins,  chief  quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers;  one  prisoner  on  parole. 

JULY  20,  1898. 


1 
9 

30 

1 
42 
50 
62 
26 

5 
4 
4 
2 

67 
51 
27 

1,702 

1,295- 

562 

12 

6 
5 

378 

289 

150 

Total 

155 

3,589 

15 

181 

23 

817 

Ninth  Infantry  on  duty  at  Santiago;   Twenty-first  Infantry  on  duty  at  Siboney;    Thirty-fourth 
Michigan  Volunteer  Infantry  attached  to  Thirl  Brigade;  one  prisoner  on  parole. 

JULY  25,  1898. 


1 
9 

30 

1 
42 
52 
68 
26 

5 
4 
5 

57 
54 
25 

1,637 

1,140 

464 

20 
4 
9 

440 

427 

Third  Brigade 

275 

Total 

146 

3,271 

14 

189 

33 

1,142 

Ninth  Infantry  on  duty  at  Santiago;  Twenty-fourth  Infantry  on  duty  at  Siboney;  six  companies 
'hirty-fourth  Michigan  Volunteer  Infantry  on  duty  with  Third  Briga  " 


Brigade;  one  prisoner  on  parole. 


JULY  31,  1898. 


1 
5 

39 

4 

5 
6 

42 
52 
43 
26. 

First  Brigade 

68 
57 

20 

1,555 
1,169 

471 

9 
6 
4 

468 

423 

* 

250 

Total 

151 

3,234 

15 

163 

23 

1,148 

Ninth  Infantry  on  duty  at  Santiago;  Twenty-fourth  Infantry  on  duty  at  Siboney ;  six  compauiei 
Thirt>  -fourth  Michigan  Volunteer  Infantry  oil  duty  with  Third  Brigade;  attached,  three  enlistee 
men,  Volunteer  Signal  Corps  included. 


INSPECTION    KEPORTS.  387 

[Headquarters  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  Brig.  Gen.  J.  Ford  Kent,  TJ.  S.  Volunteers, 

Commanding.] 

Steamship  Santiago,  off  Santiago  de  Cuba,  16  Miles  Distant, 

Thursday,  June  24,  1898. 
The  Inspector-General,  U.  S.  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  as  follows:  In  compliance  with  paragraph  13, 
Special  Orders,  No.  118,  current  series,  Headquarters  Adjutant-General's  Office,  I 
reported  in  person  to  Brig.  Gen.  J.  Ford  Kent,  commanding  First  Division,  Fifth 
Army  Corps,  at  Tampa,  Fla.,  30th  ultimo,  for  staff  duty,  and  was  by  him,  under 
the  title  of  captain,  Third  United  States  Infantry,  assigned  to  duty  as  inspector- 
general  of  said  division.  This  per  General  Order,  No.  3,  Headquarters  First 
Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  dated  Tampa,  Fla.,  May  30,  1898.  Official  copy  of 
this  order  is  herewith  inclosed.  I  accepted  the  appointment  of  inspector-general 
of  volunteers,  with  rank  of  major,  on  May  30,  and  the  order  above  quoted  was 
modified  as  to  title  only,  but  not  as  to  assignment,  on  the  following  day,  by 
extract  3,  General  Orders,  No.  4,  Headquarters  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps, 
Tampa,  Fla.,  31st  May,  1898.  Official  copy  of  this  order  is  inclosed  herewith,  and 
has  been  confirmed,  I  believe,  by  orders  from  headquarters  of  the  Army,  dated 
June  8,  1898. 

On  Monday,  13th  June,  Maj.  James  H.  McLeary  reported  to  me,  pursuant  to  an 
order,  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy: 

General  Orders,  )        Hdqrs.  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps, 

J-  On  Board  Steamship  Santiago. 

No.  6.  )  Tampa  Bay,  Fla.,  June  13,  1898. 

[Extract.] 

******* 

1.  Maj.  James  H.  McLeary,  inspector-general  United  States  Volunteers,  having 
reported  at  these  headquarters  in  compliance  with  paragraph  3,  Special  Orders, 
No.  18,  current  series,  Headquarters  Fifth  Army  Corps,  is  announced  as  assist- 
ant to  the  inspector-general  of  the  division. 
By  command  of  Brigadier-General  Kent: 

A.  C.  Sharpe, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General. 

Major  McLeary  informs  me  that  he  entered  the  Confederate  service  at  the 
age  of  14  years,  and  served  as  a  private  for  four  years.  He  says  this  comprises 
his  military  experience.  He  further  says  that  he  is  53  years  old;  that  he  was 
associate  justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Montana  for  two  years,  and  that  he 
has  practiced  law  in  San  Antonio,  Tex.,  for  about  twenty-five  years. 

As  I  am  to  perform  the  duties  of  provo"st-marshal  of  the  division,  also  to  select 
and  assign  the  camping  grounds,  I  would  prefer  to  have  as  an  assistant  a 
younger,  more  experienced,  and  more  active  man.  Major  McLeary  has  been 
assigned  by  me  to  elemental  duties,  loaned  such  text-books  as  I  have,  introduced 
to  experienced  line  and  other  officers  willing  to  advise  and  aid  him.  This  with 
the  hope,  rather  than  the  expectation,  that  he  will  qualify  himself  for  some  of 
the  field  duties  of  his  position.  Unless  otherwise  directed  by  authority  higher 
than  the  division  commander,  Major  McLeary  will  not  accompany  the  First 
Division  when  it  makes  its  initial  landing  in  Cuba.  He  has  no  camp  outfit  or 
essentials,  beyond  his  uniform. 

The  command  to  which  I  am  assigned  received  orders  to  break  camp  at  about 
9  o'clock  p.  m.  of  Tuesday,  June  7. 

Prior  to  that  date  I  visited  Port  Tampa  three  times.  Port  Tampa  is  about  9 
miles  from  Tampa.  The  First  Division,  Fifth  Corps,  was  encamped  on  or  near 
Tampa  Heights,  a  sand  region  about  3  miles  from  Tampa. 


3SS         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

My  purpose  in  visiting  Port  Tampa  was  to  familiarize  myself  with  the  ways 
whereby  the  transports  were  fitted  up  to  shelter  and  carry  men  and  animals  from 
the  United  States  to  Santiago  de  Cuba,  or  whatever  other  region  it  was  proposed 
to  invade;  also  to  witness  the  methods  of  the  supply  departments  in  loading  the 
transports,  etc. 

Berths  were  placed  in  3  tiers;  length  and  width  varied.  Some  were  longitu- 
dinally divided  by  a  board  set  on  edge  and  running  lengthwise;  some  were  not 
so  separated.  Some  groupings  allowed  6  men,  some  3.  This  disparity  was  una- 
voidable, owing  to  structural  lines  of  the  ships.  Bottom  of  lower  berth  in  all 
cases  sufficiently  raised  to  admit  of  air  space  between  it  and  the  deck.  Distances 
not  uniform.'  Occupant  of  the  upper  berth  could  generally  sit  upright,  but  the 
occupant  of  the  second  or  third  berth  could  not  keep  his  spine  vertical.  In  some 
vessels  heads  of  berth  were  close  to  mangers  or  feed  boxes. 

Bathing  facilities. — Hose-pipe  method  in  some  transports,  as  the  Orizaba, 
Twenty-second  Infantry;  shower  standpipe,  as  the  Santiago,  Ninth  Infantry  and 
First  Battalion  Tenth  Infantry.  In  the  cockpit  of  the  Santiago  the  shower  bath 
was  used  more  commonly  by  the  officers  than  the  one  in  the  regular  bathroom. 
It  was  most  refreshing,  and  was  liberally  patronized.  When  bathing  in  the  open 
sea  under  proper  restrictions  as  to  tide,  hours,  and  distance,  Capt.  Charles  P. 
Leighton,  Ward  Line,  113  Wall  street,  New  York,  captain  of  the  Santiago,  a  sea- 
faring man  by  vocation,  states  that  no  shark  will  ever  attack  a  moving  man  in 
the  water.  He  emphatically  says  that  there  is  no  danger  whatever  from  sharks, 
provided  the  man  keeps  in  motion. 

Badges  or  insignia  should  be  required  to  be  worn  on  the  left  side  of  campaign 
hats  by  all  persons  in  the  military  service.  Owing  to  the  fore-and-aft  crease,  the 
front  is  not  the  best  place  to  wear  campaign-hat  devices — the  ends  stick  out  and 
catch.  At  Mobile  the  Fourth  Corps  drilled,  etc.,  in  dark-blue  shirts  without 
blouses;  at  Tampa  the  Fifth  Corps  did  the  same.  All  officers  and  men  wore  the 
campaign  hat,  devoid  of  anything  to  show  arms  of  the  service,  corps,  division, 
organization,  or  rank.  Such  uniformity  is  too  uniform.  It  is  inconsistent  with  a 
profession  where  rank,  grade  organization,  arms,  etc., is  supposed  to  be  indicated 
by  insignia  rendering  it  possible  to  tell  a  general  from  a  private.  It  is  recom- 
mended that  the  wearing  of  such  be  permitted  in  yellow  silk  upon  the  collar  of 
the  dark-blue  flannel  shirt,  and  that  metal  or  other  device — fabric  even — be 
required  upon  the  campaign  hat. 

SIGNALING. 

Army  Regulations,  1544,  embodies  the  following: 

"Department  commanders  will  require  suitable  instructions  and  practice  in 
military  signaling  in  their  departments.  To  this  end,  they  will  cause  a  signal 
officer  to  be  detailed  at  each  post,  who  will  give  necessary  instruction  and  super- 
vise field  practice  during  at  least  two  months  of  the  year.  Constant  instruction 
will  be  maintained  until  at  least  one  officer  and  four  enlisted  men  of  each  com- 
pany are  proficient  in  the  exchange  of  both  day  and  night  signals  by  flag,  torch, 
and  heliograph.     The  detail  will  be  changed  from  time  to  time." 

The  value  of  aerial  signaling  and  the  wisdom  of  detailing  to  each  vessel  of  the 
fleet  a  practical  signalman  has  never  in  my  experience  been  so  well  exemplified 
as  during  the  voyage  from  Tampa  to  Santiago  de  Cuba,  June  8  to  24. 

The  transports,  about  thirty  in  number,  carried  in  the  aggregate,  say,  15,000  offi- 
cers and  soldiers,  mostly  from  the  permanent  military  establishment  of  the  United 
States,  convoyed  by  fourteen  naval  vessels.  The  order  of  cruising  was  in  two 
divisions,  each  containing  three  parallel  columns.  Each  division  included  fifteen 
transports,  preceded  and  flanked  by  war  vessels.  The  prescribed  interval  between 
columns  was  800  yards.    The  transports  were  ordered  to  be  kept  400  yards  apart, 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  389 

stern  to  bow,  and  the  distance  from  the  rear  of  the  first  division  to  the  leading 
transport  of  the  second  division  was  also  800  yards.  Thus  the  depth  from  the 
bow  of  the  leading  transport  of  each  column  to  the  stern  of  the  rear  transport 
of  the  second  division  was  normally  4,000  yards.  To  this  must  be  added  the 
distance  between  tail  of  the  column  and  the  naval  vessels  acting  as  rear  guard. 
To  obtain  the  actual  depth,  add  also  the  length  of  twelve  vessels,  viz,  ten  trans- 
ports and  two  war  vessels. 

The  frontage  or  lateral  width  of  entire  fleet  was  4,800  yards  plus  the  width  of 
the  vessels  themselves.  Inclosed  with  this  report  will  be  found  a  diagram,  scale 
1  inch  to  1,000  yards,  showing  the  order  of  cruising.  I  also  inclose  an  incomplete 
list  of  transports,  giving  also  what  I  understand  to  be  the  computation  of  the 
Quartermaster's  Department  as  to  their  carrying  capacity.  The  names  of  the 
vessels  of  the  Navy  Department  provided  as  escort  for  the  fleet  of  invasion  also 
accompany.  The  following  is  an  extract  from  General  Orders,  No.  2,  Headquar- 
ters United  States  Forces,  Tampa,  Fla.,  May  2,  1898: 

"  Signal  detachment. — A  signal  detachment  to  be  commanded  by  First  Lieut. 
Frank  Green,  Signal  Corps,  at  these  headquarters  is  organized  as  follows: 
Fourteen  enlisted  men  of  the  First  Infantry  to  be  selected  by  Lieutenant  Green, 
and  two  men  from  each  of  the  regiments  of  infantry  constituting  the  two  brig- 
ades of  the  infantry  division,  to  be  selected  by  the  commanding  officers  of  their 
regiments  from  thoroughly  instructed  men,  if  such  can  be  found.  The  men  of 
the  signal  detachment  hereby  constituted  will  remain  with  their  respective  com- 
mands for  quarters  and  rations,  will  be  excused  from  all  duties,  and  will  report 
at  the  camp  of  the  First  Infantry  to  Lieutenant  Green  for  instruction  in  signal- 
ing at  such  hours  as  may  be  requested  by  him." 

Notwithstanding  these  and  other  regulations  and  orders  the  practical  ineffi- 
ciency of  many  of  the  signal  detachments  was  made  obvious  the  13th  of  June  and 
I  later.  Aboard  the  Santiago  Naval  Cadet  Herbert  G.  Sparrow,  of  Ohio,  a  mem- 
ber of  the  second  class,  United  States  Naval  Academy,  on  leave,  en  route  to  the 
Marblehead,  showed  himself  efficient,  not  only  in  the  International  Code  of  Sig- 
nals, but  also  in  the  Army  Myer  Code.  He  bids  fair  to  be  a  valuable  officer;  and 
Capt.  Charles  P.  Leighton,  captain  of  the  Santiago,  Ward  Line,  113  Wall  street, 
New  York,  says  that  Naval  Cadet  Sparrow  has  been  of  great  use  to  him.  The 
young  man  spends  about  seventeen  hours  daily  in  the  pilot  house. 

As  a  signal  officer  of  nine  years'  experience  I  feel  qualified  to  express  an  opinion 
as  to  merit  in  the  specialty.  The  tendency  of  an  infantryman  or  other  combatant 
soldier  detailed  as  a  signalman  is  to  use  a  two- jointed  staff  and  4-foot  square  flag 
for  transmitting  a  message  at  a  range  not,  perhaps,  exceeding  a  thousand  yards, 
whereas  a  2-foot  flag  and  tip  joint  of  staff  is  all  that  is  requisite.  The  soldier 
will  also  use  the  appliance  last  named  as  a  means  of  communication  and  feel 
helpless  without  it  at  a  300  or  400  yard  range  when  the  use  of  a  handkerchief, 
hat,  glove,  etc.,  is  adequate  for  aerial  communication.  A  trouble  with  the  aver- 
age army  post  method  of  instruction  in  military  signaling  is  that  men  are  not 
taught  to  be  independent  of  the  appliances  ordinarily  issued  by  the  signal  depart- 
ment. Protracted  use  of  a  wand  as  a  medium  of  communication  up  to  300  yards 
begets  the  substitution  by,  say,  a  scout,  of  a  stick,  twig,  bough,  or  his  head  gear. 
-  Company  H,  Third  United  States  Infantry,  includes  some  men  who  have  been 
taught  to  utilize  about  any  portable  thing  for  wigwagging  up  to  and  including 
what  riflemen  call  short  ranges.  The  utility  of  such  for  ground  scouts  who  have 
acquired  information  which  they  wish  to  silently  report  to  the  organization  from 
which  they  have  been  detailed  for  purposes  of  observation,  etc.,  is  obvious. 

When  this  fleet  pulled  out  from  Port  Tampa,  Fla.,  into  the  stream,  Monday, 
June  13,  and  from  that  time  to  the  present,  the  only  method  of  communication 
between  the  15,000  land  combatants  and  the  to  me  unknown  number  of  naval 


390        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

combatants  aboard  the  nearly  50  moving  vessels  composing  it.  was  by  signals. 
Here,  then,  came  the  crucial  test.  Fortunately,  every  vessel  had,  I  believe,  a 
practical  signalist  of  the  Signal  Corps  aboard  it;  also  naval  cadets;  but  at  the 
outset,  "repeat  message"  was  often  demanded  or  made  necessary,  and  the  dem- 
onstration of  practical  inefficiency  by  army  details  of  signalmen  in  many  cases 
to  either  correctly  send,  receive,  or  translate  a  simple  message  at  short  range  was 
not  creditable  to  army  instructors.  The  appreciative  value  of  the  American  sol- 
dier can  justly  be  commented  on  in  this  connection.  Before  three  days  at  sea 
had  lapsed,  the  men  detailed  for  signal  duties  "  caught  on."  They  did  not  need 
to  be  twice  told  that  signaling  was  a  valuable  adjunct  of  the  military  naval  serv- 
ice. Of  their  own  volition  some  of  them  perfected  themselves,  theoretically,  in 
the  army  and  in  the  international  codes,  then  energetically  went  to  work  to  prac- 
tice and  observe,  so  that,  at  date,  the  Fifth  Army  Corps  has  some  fair,  all-round 
signalmen  in  it,  not  all  of  whom  are  privates  either. 

# 

CONDITION   OF   ARMS   AND   ACCOUTERMENTS. 

The  oxidation  of  all  metallic  portions  of  a  soldier's  equipment  after  a  sea  voy- 
age, protracted  as  this  has  been,  or  at  least  aboard  ship,  9th  to  29th  instant,  a 
period  of  fifteen  days,  and  not  yet  concluded,  suggests  that  the  Ordnance  Depart- 
ment be  requested  to  supply,  say,  Belmontyle  or  other  oil  to  prevent  rusting  and 
consequent  injury  to  rifle  boxes,  etc.  Belmontyle  oil  is  not  a  lubricant.  It  pre- 
serves iron  and  steel  from  rusting,  just  as  blue  ointment,  as  used  by  the  Medical 
Department,  preserves  steel  surgical  instruments  from  being  affected  by  exposure. 

SANITARY   PRECAUTIONS. 

The  Morning  Report  book  shows  that  there  are  776  officers  and  men  of  the 
United  States  Army  aboard  the  Santiago  at  date  and  hour  of  writing.  The  regi- 
mental commander,  Ninth  United  States  Infantry,  473  men,  25  officers,  is  Lieut. 
Col.  Ezra  P.  Ewers. 

Maj.  Richard  Eskridge  commands  the  battalion — Companies  A,  B,  F,  and  H, 
Tenth  Infantry— 206  men,  9  officers. 

Accompanying  these  commanders  in  their  daily  inspections,  the  undesirableness 
of  the  floor  gratings  upon  the  lower  decks  was  suggested  on  sanitary  grounds. 
The  gratings  were  cut  up  and  thrown  overboard.  In  explicit  terms,  the  gratings 
were  crisscross  upper  floorings  intended  to  serve  the  same  purpose  as  in  some 
horse  or  electric  cars,  raising  the  feet  about  1£  inches  from  the  deck  floor  below; 
but  in  city  lines  of  transportation  the  floor  gratings  are  daily  raised  and  the  floors 
below  swept  and  washed,  after  which  the  grating  is  replaced. 

Aboard  ship  it  is  said  to  be  impracticable  to  raise  the  floor  deck  gratings,  hence 
undesirable  matter  aggregates — can't  be  gotten  at.  A  slushy,  smelly  condition 
follows,  and  possible  results  were  prevented  by  the  course  above  reported.  Since 
then  the  decks  have  been  daily  hose-piped  off. 

RATIONS. 

This  command  has  officially  subsisted  upon  the  travel  ration  for  ten  days;  that 
is  to  say,  an  uncounted  number  of  men  have  received  nutriment  solely  from  the 
constituent  articles  and  specified  amounts  of  certain  comestibles  since  the  receipt 
of  the  order  from  competent  authority.  This  food  issue  has  included  canned 
roast  beef,  probably  brawn,  a  most  welcome  addition  to  the  canned  corned  beef 
and  beans,  to  which  the  men  were  previously  confined. 

Inquiries  among  the  company  commanders  develop  one  uniform  recommenda- 
tion, viz,  that  a  desiccated  vegetable  or  fruit  "  bowel  opener  "  be  added  to  the 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  3(Jl 

ration  for  the  benefit  of  the  costive.  In  this  I  concur.  Both  the  fourteen  days' 
field  rations  and  the  ten  days'  travel  rations  ordered  by  the  corps  commanders  to 
be  carried  will  be  exhausted  this  evening,  24th  of  June. 

WATER. 

On  June  13  the  Santiago  received  from  the  Olivette  what  Captain  Leighton  told 
me  increased  his  supply  of  fresh  water  to  50,000  gallons  of  water  from  Petersburg; 
crew,  about  50;  military  men,  777.  Six  days  later  the  forward  tank  gave  out. 
Captain  Leighton  said  that  it  had  contained  about  25,000  gallons.  At  date  the 
ice  supply  is  exhausted,  and  all  are  drawing  upon  the  rear  tank  or  tanks.  So  far 
the  water  has  been  excellent.  Conference  with  the  chief  surgeon  of  the  division 
fails  to  develop  any  ailment  due  to  the  inefficient  or  impure  water. 

SINKS. 

The  sinks  admit  of  dejecta  from  eight,  or  at  worst,  ten  soldiers  and  four  officers 
(using  ladies'  cabin)  simultaneously.  Add  the  element  of  seasickness  and  nausea, 
the  result  is  as  might  be  expected  under  cover. 

STATIONERY   NEEDED. 

The  paucity  of  office  stationery  of  every  kind  is  severely,  even  absurdly,  felt. 
There  is  not  a  quire  of  paper  or  package  of  envelopes,  I  am  told,  at  the  headquar- 
ters. There  is  certainly  none  for  issue.  I  request  that  an  adequate  supply  of 
stationery  of  every  kind  suitable  for  use  in  the  field,  including  such  official  text- 
books and  record  books,  particularly  manifold  books  and  carbon  sheets  and 
pads,  be  sent  to  me  by  mail.  The  United  States  mail  will  follow  us  when  nothing 
else  will. 

CLERK   AND  MESSENGER  WANTED. 

I  also  request  that  a  competent  clerk  and  messenger  be  assigned  me  by  the  hon- 
orable Secretary  of  War. 

As  has  been  stated,  the  troops — nine  regiments  of  infantry,  eight  regulars,  one 
volunteers — are  scattered  throughout  several  transports  of  this  fleet.  General 
Orders,  No.  5,  Headquarters  Fifth  Army  Corps,  Tampa,  Fla.,  was  issued  by  Major- 
General  Shafter  tho  day  after  I  reported  for  duty  at  these  headquarters.  We  have 
been  on  transports  for  more  than  fifteen  days.  No  general  inspection  of  the  First 
Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  has  been  made  by  me  since  my  assignment.  None 
can  be  made  until  the  troops  are  landed  and  mobilized.  In  general  terms,  it  gives 
me  pleasure  to  report  that  the  conduct,  discipline,  and  apparent  efficiency  of  offi- 
cers and  of  the  troops  of  the  regiments  of  this  command  has  been,  and  is,  such  as 
to  justify  the  highest  expectations  as  to  results  should  conflict  occur,  or  should 
the  command  be  subjected  for  a  weary  period  to  the  unusual  climatic  and  other 
perils  incident  to  this  locality. 

CLOTHING. 

So  far  as  I  know  all  of  the  troops  of  the  regular  service  composing  this  army 
of  invasion  are  provided  with  the  clothing  as  issued  by  the  Quartermaster's 
Department.  Colonel  Wood's  regiment— the  organization  popularly  known  as 
"Teddy's  Rough  Riders,"  Lieut.  Col.  Theodore  Roosevelt— now  dismounted,  I 
understand  had  khaki-colored  cotton  suits,  issued  in  San  Antonio;  but  the  great 
majority  of  the  combatants  here  are  clad  in  dark-blue  flannel  shirts,  etc.  Some 
have  bought  dark-colored  cotton  shirts.  At  Mobile,  April  21  to  May  5,  my  experi- 
ence inclined  me  to  the  belief  that  the  dark-blue  flannel  shirt  was  best  adapted  to 


392         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

that  locality  during  the  period  indicated.  This  because  of  excessive  precipitation 
from  sunset  to  sunrise  and  consequent  humidity  when  the  temperature  rose:  but 
here  similar  conditions  do  not  exist,  nor  did  they  at  Tampa. 

Qualifying  my  conclusions  by  the  admission  that  my  southern  experience  has 
been  brief;  further,  that  the  past  fifteen  days  have  been  spent  afloat,  I  recommend 
that  15,000  suits  of  light  outer  clothing  be  sent  for  the  use  of  this  command.  The 
chief  surgeon  of  this  division,  Maj.  M.  W.  Wood,  Medical  Department,  U.  S. 
Army,  concurs  in  this  recommendation.  If  I  quote  him  correctly,  he  believes  that 
a  light  woolen  garment  should  be  worn  next  to  the  skin,  also  a  body  belt  or  belly- 
band  of  same,  in  preference  to  a  skin  garment  of  light  wool  or  cotton.  Troops 
aboard  ship  have  no  adequate  way  of  washing  and  laundering  their  clothing. 

SHOES. 

The  soil  of  Cuba  at  this  season  is  understood  to  be  damp.  This  means  swelled 
feet  and  the  consequent  sufferings  incident  to  too  tight  shoes.  Perhaps  an  inner 
sole  of  light  cork  would  tend  to  palliate  the  excruciating  discomfort  of  corns, 
enlarged  joints,  etc.  Those  who  have  not  recourse  to  a  chiropodist  know  how  to 
appreciate  comfortable  foot  gear. 

PONCHOS. 

The  slit  if  too  large  sluices  rain  water  inside  instead  of  outside  the  body  of  the 
soldier.  An  elastic  or  collar  attachment  would  tend  to  reduce  to  a  minimum  this 
discomfort. 

DRILL  AND  CALISTHENICS  ABOARD  THE  SANTIAGO— DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  STEAMSHIP. 

Commencing  morning  June  24,  the  Ninth  Infantry  and  the  four  companies 
comprising  the  battalion  of  the  Tenth  Infantry  aboard,  began,  officers  included, 
setting-up  exercises,  file  marchings  in  quick  and  double  time,  etc.  The  tonnage 
of  the  Santiago  is  about  1,695  net;  length  between  perpendiculars,  about  275  feet; 
beam,  39  feet;  the  vessel  was  built  at  Chester,  Pa.,  in  1879,  by  John  Roach  & 
Son;  cost,  about  $325,000;  iron  hull;  43  staterooms;  86  berths;  allowed  104  passen- 
gers, of  which  86  can  be  rated  first  cabin.  The  Santiago  is  certified  to  August  11 , 
1897,  New  York,  as  having  5  lifeboats,  4  rafts,  5  metal  lifeboats,  158  cork  life  pre- 
servers, 500  feet  of  hose,  2  hand  fire  pumps,  90  fire  buckets,  4  main  stairways  to 
upper  deck,  and  possesses  a  gunpowder  iron  compartment  in  the  power  hold  for- 
ward of  the  collision  bulkhead.  Captain  Leighton  informs  me  that  he  caused  the 
latter  to  be  filled  with  fresh  water  sixteen  days  ago,  and  felicitates  himself  that 
he  did  so  (further,  that  the  collision  compartment  proved  water-tight),  as  he 
obtained  about  19,000  gallons  of  drinking  water  thereby.  It  is  not  amiss  to  here 
state  that,  both  officially  and  personally,  Captain  Leighton,  New  York  and  Cuba 
Mail  (Ward)  Steamship  Line,  has  merited  the  thanks  of  this  command  by  his 
efforts  to  do  all  possible  for  the  comfort  and  general  welfare  of  his  military 
passengers. 

AN  INCIDENT. 

Two  shots  were  directed  at  the  transport  Santiago  at  9  to  9.05  o'clock  a.  m.  of 
Wednesday,  June  22.  The  vessel  was  at  that  time  passing  the  mouth  of  the  narrow 
channel  leading  into  the  harbor  of  Santiago  de  Cuba.  Our  headway  was  11  knots 
an  hour,  and  the  transport  was  fully  5  miles  from  where  the  Texas,  Commodore 
W.  S.  Schley's  flying  squadron,  was  bombarding  the  Spaniards.  Columns  of 
smoke  were  rising  along  the  shore.  Daiquiri,  a  village  15  miles  east  of  Santiago 
de  Cuba,  was  burning.  When  underway  for  Cabanas,  a  place  6  miles  west  of 
Santiago  de  Cuba,  we  were  seen  by  the  artillerists  on  Punta  Garda,  an  elevation 
1  mile  from  the  mouth  of  the  channel.     The  first  shot  struck  the  water  about  350 


INSPECTION    REPORTS. 


393 


yards  from  the  steamship.     The   second,  a  liner,  apparently  passed  over  our 
smokestacks.     It  harmlessly  struck  about  200  to  225  yards  beyond  us. 

It  may  be  of  interest  or  value  to  the  Inspector-General's  Department  to  know 
of  the  composition  of  the  naval  escort  convoying  the  Fifth  Army  Corps,  Maj.  Gen. 
W.  R.  Shafter,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  commanding,  from  Key  West  to  Santiago  de 
Cuba.  Following  is  approximately  correct.  Exact  sources  of  official  information 
are  not  open  to  me. 
Escort  from  Key  West,  Fla.,  June  12, 1898,  to  Santiago  de  Cuba,  June  24, 1898: 

1 Indiana,  16  guns,  Capt.  H.  C.  Taylor. 

T Detroit,  10  guns,  Commander  J.  H.  Dayton. 

A.  C Scorpion,  Lieut.  Commander  A.  Marix. 

V Vesuvius,  Lieut.  Commander  J.  E.  Pillsbury. 

E_. Helena,  8  guns,  Commander  W.  T.  Swinburne. 

N Castine,  8  guns,  Commander  R.  M.  Berry. 

H Annapolis,  6  guns,  Commander  J.  J.  Hunker. 

A.  T Panther,  Commander  G.  C.  Reiter. 

A.  H Hornet,  Lieut.  Jas.  M.  Helm. 

N.  G Manning,  Capt.  F.  M.  Munger. 

K Bancroft,  4  guns,  Commander  R.  Clover. 

N.  W Wompatuck,  Lieut.  C.  W.  Jungen. 

A.  E Eagle,  Lieut.  W.  H.  H.  Southerland. 

A.  W Wasp,  Lieut.  A.  Ward. 

FIRST   DIVISION,   FIFTH   ARMY  CORPS. 

Brig.  Gen.  J.  Ford  Kent,  commanding. 

Brig.  Gen.  H.  S.  Hawkins,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  commanding  First  Brigade: 

Sixth  United  States, Infantry,  commanded  by  Lieut.  Col.  Harry  C.  Egbert. 

Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry,  commanded  by  Col.  Hugh  H.  Theaker. 

Seventy-first  New  York  Volunteer  Infantry,  commanded  by  Col.  W.  H. 
Downs. 
Col.  E.  P.  Pearson,  Tenth  United  States  Infantry,  commanding  Second  Brigade: 

Tenth  United  States  Infantry,  commanded  by  Lieut.  Col.  E.  R.  Kellogg. 

Twenty-first  United  States  Infantry,  commanded  by  Col.  C.  McKibben. 

Second  United  States  Infantry,  commanded  by  Col.  W.  M.  Wherry. 
Lieut.  Col.  W.  H.  Worth,  Thirteenth  United  States  Infantry,  commanding  Third 
Brigade: 

Thirteenth  United  States  Infantry,  commanded  by  Maj.  P.  H.  Ellis. 

Ninth  United  States  Infantry,  commanded  by  Lieut.  Col.  E.  P.  Ewers. 

Twenty-fourth  United  States  Infantry,  commanded  by  Col.  E.  H.  Lisnam 
Since  the  foregoing  was  written  Colonel  Wikoff,  Twenty-second  Infantry, 
relieved  Lieutenant- Colonel  Worth,  commanding  brigade. 

Transports  for  Fifth  Army  Corps  from  Port  Tampa,  Fla.,  June  9  to  20,  1898. 


Vessels. 

Capacity, 
infantry. 

Horses 
or  mules. 

Remarks. 

B 

C 
D 
F 

Gr 

H 

J 

K 
L 
M 

N 

950 

950 
100 
1,000 
900 
900 

775 
950 
300 
100 
400 

7.  Comal 

176 

neer  Corps. 

174 

10.  Whitney 

11.  Olivette 

15 

Hospital  ship. 

INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Transports  for  FiftJi  Army  Corps  from  Port  Tampi 

t,  Fla.,  etc. — Continued. 

Vessels. 

Capaciiy. 
infantry. 

Horses 
or  mules. 

Remarks. 

8 

T 
V 

\v 

Corps. 

950 
1,300 

Commanding  officer 
and  stall'. 

•too 

450 

190 

1,100 

304 

950 

1,250 

1,250 

1,200 

900 

26 

18.  D.  H  Miller... 

20   Leona i 

21.  Rio  Grande 1 

23.  Orizaba    . .                                                       . .  1 

500 

The  composition  of  the  Second  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  has  been  changed 
as  regards  the  commander,  Brig.  Gen.  A.  R.  Chaffee,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  announced 
in  orders  last  received  here.  There  is  some  doubt  whether  Brig.  Gen.  Robert  H. 
Hall,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  accompanies  this  corps  of  invasion,  but  the  following  is 
approximately  correct: 


SECOND   DIVISION,  FIFTH   ARMY   CORPS. 

Brig.  Gen.  H.  W.  Lawton,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  commanding. 

Col.  J.  J.  Van  Horn,  commanding  brigade: 

Eighth  United  States  Infantry,  Maj.  E.  M.  Conrad. 
Twenty-second  United  States  Infantry,  Lieut.  Col.  J.  H.  Patterson. 
Second  Massachusetts  Infantry,  Col.  E.  P.  Clark. 
Second  Brigade,  Brig.  Gen.  Robert  H.  Hall,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  commanding: 
First  United  States  Infantry,  Col.  Evan  Miles. 
Fourth  United  States  Infantry,  Lieut.  Col.  A.  H.  Brainbridge. 
Twenty-fifth  United  States  Infantry,  Lieut.  Col.  A.  S.  Daggett. 
Third  Brigade,  Brig.  Gens.  Adna  R.  Chaffee  or  John  N.  Andrews,  U.  S.  Volunteers, 
commanding: 
Seventh  United  States  Infantry,  Col.  D.  W.  Benham. 
Twelfth  United  States  Infantry,  Lieut.  Col.  Richard  Comba. 
Seventeenth  United  States  Infantry,  Lieut.  Col.  J.  T.  Haskell. 
Independent  Brigade,  Brig.  Gen.  John  C.  Bates,  commanding: 

Third  United  States  Infantry,  Col.  John  H.  Page. 
Dismounted  Cavalry  Division,  Maj.  Gen.  J.  Wheeler. 

Regiments  or  squadrons,  regulars:    First,   Second,  Third,   Sixth.  Ninth, 
Tenth;  volunteers:  First  Rough  Riders. 
Artillery,  Maj.  J.  W.  Dillenbeck,  commanding: 

Light  Batteries  E  and  H,  First;  A  and  F,  Second;  also,  battalion  engineers. 
Location  Twentieth  United  States  Infantry  is  unknown  to  me  at  date  of  writing. 
Appended  is  the  composition  of  headquarters,  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps, 
June  20,  1898,  aboard  steamship  Santiago,  off  Santiago  de  Cuba: 
Brig.  Gen.  J.  Ford  Kent,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  commanding  First  Division. 
Maj.  Philip  F.  Harvey,  Medical  Department,  U.  S.  Army,  chief  surgeon,  (sick; 
will  not  be  able  to  march). 

Maj.  M.  W.  Wood.  Medical  Department,  U.  S.  Army,  in  charge  of  Division 
Hospital  No.  1. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  895 

Maj.  Philip  Reade,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  inspector-general  of  First  Division  and 
pro  vost-mar  shall . 

Maj.  A.  C.  Sharpe,  IT.  S.  Volunteers,  assistant  adjutant-general  ot  First  Division. 

Maj.  James  H.  McLeary,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  assistant  to  inspector-general  of  the 
First  Division. 

Capt.  U.  G.  Alexander,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  quartermaster  of  the  division. 

Capt.  Elmore  F.  Taggart,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  commissary. 

Capt.  Frank  G.  Lord,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  assistant  to  commissary  of  the  Division. 

Capt.  R.  W.  Johnson,  assistant  surgeon,  Medical  Department,  U.  S.  Army., 
Division  Hospital  No.  1. 

Capt.  Guy  CM.  Godfrey,  assistant  surgeon  Medical  Department,  U.  S.  Army, 
acting  assistant  quartermaster,  acting  commissary  of  subsistence,  in  charge  First 
Company  Hospital  Corps,  Fifth  Corps. 

Hamilton  P.  Jones,  acting  assistant  surgeon,  U.  S.  Army,  immune  expert. 

Fred  J.  Combe,  acting  assistant  surgeon,  U.  S.  Army,  immune. 

Second  Lieut.  Fred.  L.  Munson,  Ninth  Infantry,  U.  S.  Army,  in  charge  guard 
detachment. 

First  Lieut.  George  P.  Cartwright,  Twenty-fourth  United  States  Infantry, 
aid-de-camp,  acting  judge-advocate. 

"  First  Lieut.  William  P.  Jackson,  Twenty-fourth  United  States  Infantry,  aid- 
de-camp,  ordnance  officer,  volunteers. 

Lieut.  U.  C  Miner,  aid-de-camp,  acting  engineer  officer. 

Naval  Cadet  Herbert  G.  Sparrow,  of  Ohio,  signal  officer  on  Santiago. 

Mr.  Sparrow  informs  me  that  his  mother  is  named  Mrs.  Amelia  Sparrow,  135 
Putnam  street,  Cleveland,  Ohio.  He  stands  at  the  head  of  his  class  at  the  Naval 
Academy;  returns  in  September.  He  is  a  promising  naval  officer,  and  has  already 
shown  zeal,  untiring  industry,  and  efficiency  aboard  the  Santiago  in  other  lines 
than  mere  signaling. 

CITRIC   ACID. 

The  issue,  or  if  not  that,  the  sale  by  the  Subsistence  Department,  to  officers  and 
enlisted  men  of  citric  acid  in  small  air  and  water  tight  packages  is  recommended. 
Either  the  crystal  or  powdered  form  is  to  be  preferred.  Cholera  germs  can  not 
live  in  citric-acid  solution.  Either  with  or  without  sugar,  it  forms  a  palatable 
drink. 

ITINERARY. 

June  7,  Tuesday,  9  o'clock  p.  m.,  commanding  general  First  Division  received 
orders  to  break  camp  and  march  to  railroad. 

June  8,  Wednesday,  divison  reached  Port  Tampa  during  forenoon;  boarded 
transports. 

June  13,  Monday,  First  Division  sailed  from  the  stream  to  the  bar,  near  Egmont, 
38  miles  below  Tampa,  and  then  anchored  for  the  night. 

June  14,  expedition  under  naval  convoy  started  for  Santiago  de  Cuba,  38  miles. 

June  15,  Wednesday,  passed  between  Dry  Tortugas  and  Key  West,  123  miles. 

June  16,  passed  Havana,  Matanzas,  Cardenas,  Sagua  la  Grande,  189  miles. 

June  17,  Friday,  continued  eastward  along  north  coast  of  Cuba,  171  miles. 

June  18,  latitude,  noon  observation,  21°  29',  longitude  76°  12';  115  miles. 

June  19,  Sunday,  latitude,  noon  observation,  20°  46' ,  longitude  73°  49';  152  miles. 

June  20,  latitude,  noon  observation,  19°  46'  30 ",  longitude  75°  45';  151  miles. 

June  21,  Tuesday,  cruised  and  drifted  about  opposite  Santiago  de  Cuba;  62 
miles.     General  Kent  sent  for  by  General  Shatter,  corps  commander,  for  orders. 

June  22,  division  commander  returned  early  a.  m.  to  the  Santiago.  Steamship 
fired  on  by  battery  located  on  Punta  Gorda,  6  miles  range,  two  shots.  Bombard- 
ment visible  from  decks  of  Santiago. 


39(1         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

June  23,  Thursday,  buried  at  sea,  pneumonia,  Private  Frank  Lossee,  Company 
B,  Ninth  Infantry,  of  Watertown,  N.  Y. 

June  24,  Friday,  waiting  for  orders.  At  3  p.  m.  received  orders  per  dispatch 
boat  Hornet  to  proceed,  keeping  ship  near  to  the  Brooklyn,  to  place  opposite 
Altares. 

Altares  is  12  miles  east  of  Santiago  de  Cuba,  about  opposite  Cajobabo  Point, 
little  beyond  Berracos  Point.  Altares  is  6  miles  west  of  Daiquiri  and  east  of  the 
Jaragua  River. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Philip  Reade, 
Captain,  Third  United  States  Infantry, 
Major,  and  Inspector-General  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps. 


[Headquarters,  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  aboard  the  auxiliary  cruiser  St.  Paul,  Capt.  Charles 
I).  Sigsbee,  U.  S.  Navy,  commanding.] 

In  Quarantine,  Office  of  the  Inspector-General, 

Off  Montauk  Point,  Long  Island,  August  15,  1898. 
The  Inspector-General,  United  States  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  This  vessel,  transporting  17  officers  and  705  men  of  the  Second  Regiment 
Infantry,  U.  S.  Army,  plus  14  officers  and  244  men  of  the  first  battalion,  Seventy- 
first  Regiment  New  York  Volunteer  Infantry;  also  10  officers  and  35  men,  divi- 
sion headquarters,  commanding  general,  J.  Ford  Kent,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  staff, 
and  headquarters  guard,  reached  Montauk  Point,  Long  Island,  at  9  o'clock  a.  m. 
this  morning  and  dropped  anchor  ten  minutes  later  about  a  mile  or  less  from  the 
shore,  where  other  organizations,  of  the  permanent  military  establishment  and 
of  the  volunteers  had  preceded  us  and  were  encamped. 

In  the  bay  were  the  following-named  transports,  viz:  St.  Louis,  Vigilancia,  Gate 
City,  Miami,  and  the  Grand  Duchesse.  Three  of  the  transports  named  were 
carrying  troops  belonging  to  this  division.  Major-General  Wheeler,  U.  S.  Vol- 
unteers, is  understood  to  be  ashore;  also  Brigadier-General  Ames,  U.  S.  Vol- 
unteers, the  former  commanding  the  Dismounted  Cavalry  Division,  Fifth  Army 
Corps,  and  the  latter  commanding  the  Third  Brigade,  First  Division,  Fifth  Army 
Corps.  The  canvas  of  these  respective  commands  is  visible  from  the  St.  Paul. 
Asst.  Surg.  Gen.  William  H.  Forward,  Medical  Department,  U.  S.  Army,  is  said 
to  be  the  senior  medical  officer.  Each  vessel,  except  this  one,  the  St.  Paul,  was 
told  to  raise  the  yellow  flag,  indicating  quarantine,  upon  inspection  by  the  health 
or  by  the  marine  medical  officers.  The  St.  Paul  was,  after  careful  inspection, 
first  by  the  health  officials,  second  by  the  medical  examiners  of  the  Marine  Serv- 
ice, given  a  clean  bill  of  health. 

This  gratifying  result  was  due  to  the  circumspection  and  acumen  of  the  chief 
surgeon,  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  Maj.  M.  W.  Wood,  Medical  Depart- 
ment, U.  S.  Army,  who,  prior  to  our  departure  from  Cuba,  prevented  any  "  sus- 
pect," or  "infect,"  or  "contact"  case  of  yellow,  fever  from  accompanying  the 
St.  Paul. 

It  is  due  to  Dr.  Wood  to  say  that  he  admitted,  11th  instant,  at  Guantanamo 
Bay,  Cuba,  that,  although  he  had  weeded  out  every  suspicious  case,  such  might, 
probably  would,  develop  during  the  three  or  four  days  requisite  in  which  to  make 
the  1,300-mile  voyage  thence  to  this  place.  Hence  every  consideration  suggested 
landing  immediately  after  arrival  of  the  St.  Paul  at  Montauk  Point.  His  predic- 
tions have  been  unfortunately  verified.  At  11  o'clock  this  morning  no  yellow- 
fever  case  was  known  by  any  of  the  medical  experts  to  exist  aboard  the  St.  Paul; 
at  sunset,  this  date,  the  quarantine  flag  was  raised  at  our  foremast. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  397 

This  deplorable  fact  could  have  been  rendered  unnecessary  if  the  troops  had 
been  landed;  but  they  could  not  be  landed  until  Dr.  Forward,  in  his  official 
capacity,  had  been  communicated  with  and  had  given  his  assent  to  the 
disembarkation . 

No  official  representative  of  Dr.  Forward  has  inspected  the  St.  Paul,  so  our 
chief  surgeon,  Dr.  Wood,  endeavored  to,  by  boat,  go  to  the  shore  for  purposes  of 
conference  and  report.  The  captain  of  the  ship,  Captain  Sigsbee,  so  honorably 
known  to  the  American  public,  says  that  the  quarantine  laws  forbid  intercom- 
munication between  a  naval  vessel's  passengers  and  the  land  detention  author- 
ities. In  plainer  language,  Dr.  Wood  can  not  land  unless  Dr.  Forward  says  so. 
The  prohibition,  of  course,  extends  to  everyone  aboard  the  St.  Paul  until  Dr. 
Forward,  who  is  not  3  miles  away  from  a  plain  view  of  this  cruiser,  in  his  official 
capacity  examines  the  occupants  of  the  St.  Paul,  or  sends  an  assistant  to  do  so. 

The  opportunity  for  visual  signaling  thus  became  obvious,  and  recommenda- 
tion was  made  that  wigwagging  or  other  means  of  communication,  which  should 
be  familiar  to  ordinary  signalmen,  be  resorted  to. 

I  have,  with  regret,  to  report  that  about  three  hours  have  been  devoted  to  inces- 
sant effort  to  establish  communication  between  this  ship  and  the  land.  The 
futile  efforts  are  due  to  a  lack  of  signal-knowledge  methods — lack  of  observation. 

Of  the  officers  and  men  aboard  the  St.  Paul,  and  who  have  been  considered  pro- 
ficient signalers,  I  fail  to  find  more  than  one  or  two  practical  signalists. 

The  Second  Regiment,  United  States  Infantry,  to  a  man,  is  anxious  to  trans- 
mit and  receive  a  simple  message  or  two  to  and  from  the  shore.  The  ability,  not 
the  inclination,  is  lacking. 

Lieut.  Col.  Edward  B.  Ives,  United  States  Volunteer  Signal  Service,  is  a  passen- 
ger aboard  the  St.  Paul. 

I  recommend  that  the  Chief  Signal  Officer,  United  States  Army,  be  advised  of 
this  signal  and  unfortunate  failure  to  demonstrate  the  utility  of  a  means  of  visual 
communication,  a  failure  which  is  due  to  a  lack  of  observance  of  existing  reg- 
ulations, as  expressed,  in  the  fifth,  sixth,  and  seventh  lines  of  Army  Regula- 
tions 1544. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Philip  Reade, 
Major,  and  Inspector-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers, 

First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps. 


Extract  from  report  of  field  inspection  of  the  Thirteenth  United  States  Infantry, 
at  camp  near  Santiago  de  Cuba,  made  July  23,  1898,  by  Maj.  Philip  Reade, 
inspector-general,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 


Troops  fully  equipped  for  field  service? — No  regiment  needs  complete  outfit, 
camp,  and  cooking  equipage. 

Police  of  tents,  grounds,  kitchen,  sinks,  etc.? — G-ood. 

Camp  properly  located? — Yes;  except  the  fact  that  it  is  so  far  distant  from  water, 
which  has  to  be  carried  nearly  2  miles  by  the  men.  There  are  no  facilities  for  haul- 
ing water.     Camp  is  unnecessarily  near  to  the  trenches. 

Properly  drained? — Yes;  under  the  circumstances. 
*  *  *  *•  *  *  * 

Quartermaster's  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — None  received  since  leaving 
Tampa,  Fla.,  June  7.  Regiment  badly  in  need  of  many  articles;  also  clothing. 
No  fuel  is  furnished  by  the  Quartermaster's  Department.  Dry  fuel  is  scarce,  and 
is  obtained  by  demolishing  blockhouses  vacated  by  the  Spanish,  gathered  by  labor 
of  the  troops. 


$98         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Commissary  supplies  good  and  sufficient?— Regiment  subsisted  on  travel  rations 
from  June  7  until  the  24th.  Fresh  vegetables  and  "  barrel  openers"  are  needed. 
After  landing  in  Cuba  June  24,  full  ration  was  not  furnished,  but  of  late  greater 
variety,  quantity,  and  quality  of  commissary  supplies  have  been  furnished. 

Ordnance  supplies  good  and  sufficient?— Yes;  fairly  so. 

Medical  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — No. 

Strength  of  hospital  corps  sufficient?— No. 

Number  of  sick  in  quarter?— Ten  officers,  93  men.  A  large  number  of  men  who 
are  sick  are  not  borne  on  sick  report.  The  proportion  of  men  who  are  sick  but 
fail  to  report  to  the  surgeon  is  three  to  one. 

Sick  receive  proper  attention?— No;  no  facilities  for  attending  sick.  Medical 
officer  in  all  the  regiments  doing  all  he  can  under  adverse  circumstances. 

Any  epidemic  diseases? — Thermic  fevers,  dengue  fevers,  all  of  which  are  caused 

by  heat  and  exhaustion. 

******* 

Note  1. — Regiment  needs  everything  ever  furnished  for  sick  men,  except  qui- 
nine, Epsom  salts,  and  castor  oil.    Every  day  means  loss  by  sickness  and  prostration. 

Thermic  fevers,  due  to  heat  and  exposure,  prevail.  Condition  of  the  regiment 
is  anaemic.  Among  the  medical  supplies  the  following  are  especially  needed: 
Bismuth,  subnitrate  and  gallade;  salol,  salicylate  of  soda,  antipyretis,  triturates 
(iron,  quinine,  and  strychnine),  Warburg's  tincture,  morp.  sulph.  hypo,  tab., 
strychnine,  and  arsenic. 


Extract  from  report  of  field  inspection  of  the  Ninth  United  States  Infantry,  at 
camp  in  Santiago  de  Cuba,  made  July  22,  1898,  by  Maj.  Philip  Reade,  inspector- 
general,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 

******* 
Troops  fully  equipped  for  field  service?— No;  they  need  camp  equipage  of  nearly 

every  kind;  also  clothing. 
Police  of  tents,  grounds,  kitchens,  sinks,  etc.? — Fair. 
Camp  properly  located?— Regiment  is  quartered  in  old  theater  building,  entirely 

unsuited  for  purpose.    Cooking  is  done  in  the  street.     If  the  command  is  to  be 

kept  in  the  city,  houses  should  be  rented  as  quarters. 

*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

Quartermaster  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Good;  but  not  sufficient.  Great 
demand  for  underwear.  Most  of  the  articles  issued  are  worn-out.  None  received 
since  leaving  Tampa,  Fla.,  Tuesday,  June  7, 1898. 

Commissary  supplies  good  and  sufficient?— Travel  rations  only  from  June  7  to  25. 
Men  became  tired  of  it.  Full  ration  not  supplied  June  25,  and  date  of  capitula- 
tion. Men  suffered  and  were  reduced  in  health  and  strength.  Present  commis- 
sary supplies  are  improving  in  quantity,  quality,  and  increasing  variety. 

Medical  supplies  good  and  sufficient?— No;  great  difficulty  in  obtaining  them. 
No  cots  and  straw,  no  mattresses,  no  blankets,  no  food  for  the  sick,  and  no  way 
to  cook  it  if  had. 

Strength  of  hospital  corps  sufficient?— No;  there  are  132  men  on  sick  report, 
which  is  a  heavy  drain  upon  its  resources. 

Police  and  capacity  of  hospital?— No  hospital  or  sick  ward. 

Sick  receive  proper  attention?— Yes;  they  are  attended  to  as  well  as  possible. 
Conditions  for  proper  attention  are  adverse. 

Any  epidemic  diseases? — Most  of  the  fevers  are  thermic;  some  of  the  doctors 
call  them  "  Cuban/'  some  "  dengue,"  some  yellow,  some  pernicious  malarial. 
******* 

Note  1.— The  regiment  is  performing  provost  guard  duty  in  the  city  of  Santiago 
de  Cuba.     The  men  are  badly  quartered.     Six  companies  in  the  theater  building 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  399 

and  two  companies  under  sheds  at  the  docks  guarding  quartermaster  and  com- 
missary stores.  A  detachment  also  occupies  El  Morro,  and  an  island  in  the  harbor 
on  which  is  located  a  magazine,  the  Spanish  general's  residence,  and  three  picket 
posts  on  roads  into  the  country.  This  all  in  addition  to  a  main  guard  from  which 
patrols  are  furnished  for  the  city. 


Extract  from,  re/port  of  field  inspection  of  the  Second  United  States  Infantry,  at 
camp  near  Santiago  de  Cuba,  made  July  20,  1898,  by  Maj.  Philip  Reade,  inspec- 
tor-general, U.  S.  Volunteers. 

******* 

Any  diseases  ? — Most  of  the  fevers  are  paludal  fevers.  Some  are  thermic,  some 
yellow  fever.  Dysenteric  and  other  diarrheas  prevail.  Some  are  cases  of  true 
dysentery. 

Troops  fully  equipped  for  field  service  ? — No.  Many  articles  of  camp  equipage 
are  required.     Troops  require  change  of  clothing. 

Police  of  tents,  grounds,  kitchens,  sinks,  etc? — Good. 

Camp  properly  located  ? — Fairly.  The  position  of  camp  has  to  conform  with 
the  location  of  trenches.  The  trenches  are  at  present  located  about  1  mile  distant 
from  water,  which  has  to  be  carried  by  the  men. 

Properly  drained  ? — Fairly. 
******* 

Quartermaster  supplies  good  and  sufficient  ? — None  on  hand.  Great  demand 
for  underwear  ;  none  received  since  leaving  Tampa,  Fla.,  Tuesday,  June  7.  No 
fuel  furnished  by  Quartermaster's  Department.  Dry  wood  mostly  obtained  by  the 
labor  of  troops,  who  demolish  blockhouses  abandoned  by  tne  Spanish  to  get  fuel. 

Commissary  supplies  good  and  sufficient  ? — Full  rations  not  received  since  leav- 
ing Tampa,  June  7.  Quality  is  fair,  except  in  many  cases  the  bread  was  wet  and 
moldy.  The  brigade  commissary  has  not  had  stores  for  sale  to  officers.  The  regi- 
mental commissary  has  not  been  furnished  with  means  or  appliances  to  issue  in 
bulk. 

Ordnance  supplies  good  and  sufficient  ?— Yes,  as  to  first ;  some  articles  not  to  be 
had. 

Medical  supplies  good  and  sufficient  ?— Good,  but  insufficient.  Too  limited  in 
variety.  No  cots,  no  mattresses,  no  straw,  no  blankets,  no  food  for  sick — no  way 
to  cook  it  if  he  had.     Only  one  hospital  and  one  wall  tent.     (See  note  1). 

Strength  of  hospital  corps  sufficient? — No;  utterly  insufficient.  Three  officers 
and  235  men  sick.  Regiment  has  one  acting  steward  and  three  men  to  care  for 
them.     The  wants  of  the  hospital  are  and  have  been  very  great. 

Ambulances  and  stretchers,  number  and  condition  ? — No  ambulance ;  two 
stretchers,  only  one  of  which  is  good.  Owing  to  lack  of  ambulances  very  sick 
and  wounded  men  have  had  to  be  transjjorted  on  dead-axle  wagons. 

Police  and  capacity  of  hospitals  ? — Good.     Capacity  for  20  sick. 

Number  of  sick  in  hospital  ?— Six  ;  in  quarters,  221. 

Sick  receive  proper  attention? — Yes,  as  far  as  practicable.  The  assiduous  care 
of  the  Medical  Department  officers  merits  the  highest  commendation. 

Any  epidemic  diseases? — Yes;  malarial  fevers,  and  what  some  of  the  doctors 
call  Cuban  or  dengue  fever.     All  are  thermic  fevers,  due  to  heat  and  exhaustion. 
*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

Note  1. — Regiment  needs  everything  ever  furnished  for  sick  men  except  quinine, 
epsom  salts,  and  castor  oil.      Every  day  means  loss  by  prostration  and  sickness. 


400         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OP    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Thermic  and  paludal  fevers,  due  to  heat  and  exposure,  prevail.  Conditions  of  the 
regiment,  anaemic.  Among  other  medical  supplies  the  following  are  especially 
needed:  Bismuth,  subnitrate  and  gallade,  salol,  salicylate  of  soda,  antipyrine, 
strychnine,  Warburg's  tincture,  morphine  sulphate-hypo  tablets,  arsenic,  tonic 
triturates  (iron,  quinine,  and  strychnine). 


Extract  from  report  of  field  inspection  of  the  Twenty-first  Regiment  United  States 
Infantry,  made  in  the  field  near  Santiago  de  Cuba,  by  Maj.  Philip  Reade, 
inspector-general  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  July  22,  1898. 

******* 

Any  diseases?— Thermal  fever,  due  to  heat  and  exhaustion,  prevails;  also  dysen- 
tery. Some  of  the  doctors  designate  these  low  fevers  as  pernicious  malarial, 
dengue,  and  Cuban  fever. 

Troops  fully  equipped  for  field  service? — Yes,  except  clothing  and  tentage. 
Nearly  all  articles  of  camp  equipage  are  required. 

Police  of  tents,  grounds,  kitchens,  sinks,  etc.? — Good. 

Camp  properly  located? — Only  fairly  so.  Regiment  is  compelled  to  camp  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  trenches.    Water  is  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  distant. 

Properly  drained? — Fairly. 
******* 

Quartermaster's  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — None.  Great  demand  for  under- 
wear.   None  received  since  leaving  Tampa,  Fla.,  Tuesday,  June  7,  1898. 

Commissary  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Good,  but  insufficent.  Full  rations 
were  not  supplied  during  the  first  half  of  July.  At  present  commissary  supplies 
are  improving  in  quality,  also  quantity,  and  increasing  in  variety. 

Medical  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Fairly  so.  Quinine  and  epsom  salts 
about  the  only  drugs  of  which  a  sufficient  quantity  is  on  hand.     (See  note  1.) 

Strength  of  hospital  corps  sufficient? — No. 

Ambulances  and  stretchers,  number  and  condition? — No  ambulances,  two 
stretchers.    Sick  remain  in  shelter  tents. 

Police  and  capacity  of  hospital? — Police  good.  Capacity  unlimited,  all  patients 
being  in  the  open  air  under  shelter  tents. 

Number  of  sick  in  hospital? — Eighteen. 

Number  of  sick  in  quarters? — One  hundred  and  three. 

Sick  receive  proper  attention? — Yes;  so  far  as  can  be  under  present  conditions. 
Conditions  for  proper  attention  are  adverse. 

Any  epidemic  diseases? — Malarial  fever.  Some  of  the  doctors  call  it  Cuban 
fever,  some  call  it  dengue  fever;  all  are  thermal  fevers,  due  to  heat  and  exhaustion. 
Most  of  the  fevers  are  paludal  fevers.  Some  are  thermic  fever;  some  are  yellow 
fever.    Dysentery  and  diarrheas  prevail.     Some  are  cases  of  true  dysentery. 

Note  1. — Regiment  needs  everything  ever  furnished  for  sick  men  except  quinine 
and  epsom  salts.  Following  medical  supplies  are  needed:  Bismuth,  subnitrate 
andgallate;  salol,  salicylate  of  soda,  antipyretics,  strychnine,  Warbury's  tincture, 
morphine  sulphate-hypo  tablets,  arsenic,  tonic  triturates  (iron,  quinine,  and 
strychnine). 

******  * 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Philip  Reade, 
Mcyor  and  Inspector-General,  U.  S.  Volunteer* 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  401 

Extract  from  report  of  field  inspection  of  the  Sixteenth  United  States  Infantry, 
made  at  camp  near  Santiago  de  Cuba  July  22  and  23, 1898,  by  Maj.  Philip  Reade, 
inspector-general  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  in  the  field. 

Troops  fully  equipped  for  field  service? — Troops  unable  to  obtain  change  of 
clothing,  that  worn  at  present  being  worn  out.  Nearly  all  articles  of  camp 
equipage  are  required. 

Police  of  tents,  grounds,  kitchens,  sinks,  etc.? — Good. 

Camp  properly  located? — Regiment  has  been  performing  almost  continuous 
duty  in  the  trenches  up  to  July  14.  Camp  had  to  conform  to  this  duty.  These 
trenches  and  the  present  camp  are  about  1  mile  distant  from  water,  which  has  to 
be  carried  by  the  men. 

Properly  drained? — Yes. 
•  ••*•#• 

Quartermaster  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — No.  Great  demand  for  under- 
wear; none  received  since  leaving  Tampa,  Fla.,  Tuesday,  June  7,  1898.  No  fuel 
furnished  by  Quartermaster's  Department.  Dry  wood  mostly  obtained  by  the 
labor  of  troops,  who  demolish  blockhouses  abandoned  by  the  Spanish  to  get  fuel. 

Commissary  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — No.  Since  leaving  Tampa,  Fla., 
June  7,  only  partially  supplied  with  travel  ration.  Since  leaving  Siboney,  June 
27,  full  ration  never  supplied.  At  present  commissary  supplies  are  improving  in 
quality,  also  quantity,  and  increasing  in  variety. 

Medical  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — No.  Good,  but  insufficient,  and  too 
limited  in  variety.  No  cots,  no  mattresses,  no  straw,  no  blankets,  no  food  for 
sick,  no  way  to  cook  it  if  we  had.     (See  note  1.) 

Strength  of  hospital  corps  sufficient? — No;  utterly  insufficient.  At  date  there 
are  198  on  sick  report,  and  it  has  been  necessary  to  treat  and  care  for  many  of 
these  men  in  their  own  tents,  where  they  could  have  the  help  of  their  comrades. 

Ambulances  and  stretchers,  number  and  condition? — None;  sick  remain  in  their 
shelter  tents. 

Police  and  capacity  of  hospitals? — No  hospital;  no  means  for  one. 

Sick  receive  proper  attention? — No.  They  are  attended  as  well  as  possible  under 
the  circumstances.     Conditions  for  proper  attention  are  adverse. 

Any  epidemic  diseases? — Fevers.  Some  of  the  doctors  call  it  Cuban  fever,  some 
call  it  dengue  fever.  All  are  thermic  fevers,  due  to  heat  and  exhaustion.  Most 
of  the  fevers  are  paludal;  some  are  thermic;  some  are  yellow  fever.  Dysenteric 
and  other  diarrheas,  prevail.  Some  are  cases  of  true  dysentery.  The  assiduous 
care  of  the  Medical  Department  officers  merits  the  highest  commendation. 

Note  1. — Regiment  needs  everything  ever  furnished  for  sick  men,  except  qui- 
nine, epsom  salts,  and  castor  oil.  Every  day  means  loss  by  prostration  and 
sickness.  Thermic  fevers,  due  to  heat  and  exposure,  prevail.  Condition  of  the 
regiment  is  anaemic.  Among  other  medical  supplies  the  following  are  especially 
needed:  Bismuth,  subnitrate,  and  gallade;  salol,  salicylate  of  soda,  antipyretics, 
strychnine,  Warburg's  tincture,  morph.  sulph.  hypo  tab.,  arsenic,  tonic  triturates 
(iron,  quinine,  strychnine). 


Respectfully  submitted. 

7833— vol.  1 26 


Philip  Reade, 
Major,  Inspector-General,  U,  S.  Volunteers, 


402         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    AVAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Extract  from  report  of  field  inspection  of  the  Tenth  United  States  Infantry  made 
at  camp  neon  Santiago  de  Cuba  Juli/  tly  1898,  by  Maj.  Philip  Reade,  inspector- 
general  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  in  the  field. 

Troops  fully  equipped  for  field  service?— No.  Many  articles  of  camp  equipage 
are  required;  also  cooking  outfit.  Troops  unable  to  obtain  change  of  clothing, 
that  worn  at  present  being  worn  out.  Most  of  the  articles  necessary  are  aboard 
the  transports. 

Police  of  tents,  grounds,  kitchens,  sinks,  etc.? — G-ood. 

Camp  properly  located? — Camp  is  necessarily  near  the  trenches,  the  regiment 
being  still  on  guard  duty.  Water  is  about  1  mile  distant,  supply  of  which  has  to 
be  carried  by  the  men. 

Properly  drained? — Yes;  well  as  is  possible. 
******* 

Quartermaster  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — No.  Great  demand  for  under- 
wear; none  furnished  since  leaving  Tampa,  Fla.,  June  7, 1898.  No  fuel  furnished 
by  Quartermaster's  Department.  Dry  wood  mostly  obtained  by  the  labor  of 
troops,  who  demolish  blockhouses  abandoned  by  the  Spanish  to  get  fuel. 

Commissary  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — No.  Since  leaving  Tampa,  Fla., 
June  7,  only  partially  supplied  with  traveling  rations.  Since  leaving  Siboney, 
June  27,  full  rations  never  supplied.  At  present  onions  and  potatoes  are  too  often 
replaced  by  canned  stuff.  Commissary  supplies  are  improving  in  quality,  also  in 
quantity,  and  increasing  in  variety. 

Medical  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Good,  but  insufficient  and  too  limited  in 
variety.  No  cots,  no  blankets,  no  mattresses,  no  straw,  no  food  for  sick,  no  way 
to  cook  it  if  we  had.     (See  note  1.) 

Strength  of  hospital  corps  sufficient? — No;  utterly  insufficient.  At  date  there 
are  46  men  and  6  officers  on  sick  report.  The  Tenth  United  States  Infantry  is 
practically  a  sanitarium,  with  only  two  or  three  officers  able  to  do  full  duty.  The 
cases  of  sick  men  who  are  not  on  sick  report  as  compared  with  the  number  of 
men  who  are  on  sick  report  is  about  as  3  to  1. 

Ambulances  and  stretchers,  number  and  condition?— No  ambulances;  seven 
stretchers  in  good  condition. 

Police  and  capacity  of  hospital?— Thirty  men. 

Properly  located? — Yes.  The  assiduous  ca^e  of  the  Medical  Department  officers 
merits  the  highest  commendation. 

Sick  receive  proper  attention?— Yes;  the  best  possible.  Conditions  for  proper 
attention  are  very  adverse. 

Any  epidemic  diseases?— Fevers;  some  of  the  doctors  call  it  Cuban,  some  dengue 
fever.    All  are  thermic  fevers,  due  to  heat  and  exhaustion. 

Note  1. — Regiment  needs  everything  ever  furnished  for  sick  men  except  quinine, 
epsom  salts,  and  castor  oil,  Every  day  means  loss  by  prostration  and  sickness. 
Thermic  fever,  due  to  heat  and  exposure,  prevails.  Condition  of  the  regiment  is 
anaemic.  Among  other  medical  supplies  the  following  are  especially  needed: 
Bismuth,  subnitrate,  andgallade;  salol,  salicylate  of  soda,  antipyretics,  strychnine, 
Warburg's  tincture,  morph.  sulph.  hypo,  tab.,  arsenic,  tonic  triturates  (iron, 
quinine,  and  strychnine). 

*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Philip  Reade. 
Major,  Inspector-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  403 

Extract  from  report  of  field  inspection  of  tha  Thirty-Fourth  Michigan  Volunteer 
Infantry,  in  camp  near  Santiago  de  Cuba,  made  July  23  and  21^,  1898,  by  Maj. 
Philip  Reade,  inspector-general,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 

Troops  fully  equipped  for  field  service? — No.  Nearly  all  articles  of  camp  equi- 
page are  required  in  addition  to  change  of  clothing. 

Police  of  tents,  grounds,  kitchens,  sinks,  etc.? — Yes;  fairly  good. 

Camp  properly  located? — No;  it  is  unnecessarily  close  to  the  trenches  when  we 
are  still  on  guard.  Water  is  fully  a  mile  distant,  and  has  to  be  carried  by  the 
men  from  San  Juan  River. 

******* 

Quartermaster  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — No.  Great  demand  for  under- 
wear; none  received  since  leaving  Tampa. 

Commissary  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — No.  On  leaving  Siboney  the  regi- 
ment was  furnished  three  days'  rations.  Being  unable  to  carry  them,  and  being, 
moreover,  inexperienced,  the  regiment  abandoned  a  portion  of  these  rations,  and 
twenty-four  hours  later  was  almost  destitute  of  subsistence  supplies. 

Medical  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — No.  Good,  but  insufficient,  and  too  lim- 
ited in  variety.  No  cots,  no  mattresses,  no  straw,  no  blankets,  no  food  for  sick, 
and  no  way  to  cook  it  if  we  had. 

Strength  of  hospital  corps  sufficient? — Yes. 

Ambulances  and  stretchers,  number  and  condition? — None.  Sick  remain  in 
their  shelter  tents. 

Number  of  sick  in  hospital? — No  hospital,  nor  any  means  for  one;  in  quarters, 
231 ,  8  of  whom  are  officers. 

Sick  receive  proper  attention? — As  far  as  possible  under  the  conditions. 

Any  epidemic  diseases? — Most  of  the  fevers  are  paludal  fevers;  some  are  thermic, 
some  are  yellow  fever.  Dysenteric  and  other  diarrheas  are  prevalent.  Some  are 
true  cases  of  dysentery. 


Extract  from  report  of  field  inspection  of  the  Sixth  United,  States  Infantry,  made 
in  camp  near  Santiago  de  Cuba  July  19,  1898,  by  Maj.  Philip  Reade,  inspector- 
general  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  in  the  field. 

Any  diseases? — Most  of  the  fevers  are  paludal  fevers;  some  are  thermic,  some 
yellow  fever.  Dysenteric  and  other  diarrheas  prevail.  Some  are  true  cases  of 
dysentery. 

Police  of  tents,  grounds,  kitchens,  sinks,  etc.? — Good. 

Camp  properly  located? — Yes.  The  camp  is  near  to  the  trenches,  which  is 
about  1  mile  distant  from  water,  which  has  to  be  carried  by  the  men. 

Properly  drained? — Yes. 
******* 

Quartermaster  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — None  on  hand.  Great  demand 
for  underclothing;  none  received  since  leaving  Tampa,  Fla.,  Tuesday,  June  7, 
1898. 

Commissary  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — None  on  hand.  After  leaving 
Siboney  the  full  rations  not  supplied.  Men  suffered  from  lack  of  nourishing  food. 
When  in  the  trenches  men  had  to  do  individual  cooking.  Fuel  is  scarce,  but  we 
are  promised  that  subsistence  stores  will  improve  in  quality  and  quantity  and 
increase  in  variety. 

Ordnance  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — None  on  hand,  excepting  small  arms 
in  the  hands  of  the  men  and  cartridges  as  noted  on  first  page. 

Medical  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Scarcely  any  on  hand.  Not  sufficient. 
No  cots,  no  mattresses,  no  blankets,  no  food  for  sick  nc  waj  to  cook  it  if  we 
had.     (See  note  1.) 


404         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    \YA\l    WITH    SPAIN 

Strength  of  hospital  corps  sufficient? — No.  One  man  and  one  steward.  At 
date  there  are  8  officers  and  185  men  on  sick  report,  and  it  has  been  necessary  to 
treat  and  care  for  many  of  these  men  in  their  own  tents,  where  they  could  have 
the  help  of  their  comrades. 

Ambulance  and  stretchers,  number  and  condition? — None.  Sick  remain  in  their 
shelter  tents. 

Police  and  capacity  of  hospital? — No  hospital.  Men  treated  in  their  own  shelter 
tents.    No  material  or  canvas  for  a  hospital. 

Number  of  sick  in  hospital? — Thirty-four;  in  quarters,  151  men  and  8  officers. 

Sick  receive  proper  attention? — Received  proper  personal  attention.  Strength 
of  the  hospital  corps  does  not  admit  rendering  proper  attention.  Surgeon  does 
the  best  he  can. 

Any  epidemic  diseases? — Yes;  so-called  Cuban  fever.    *    *    * 

Note  1. — Regiment  needs  everything  ever  furnished  for  sick  men  except  quinine, 
epsom  salts,  and  castor  oil.  Every  day  means  loss  by  prostration  and  sickness. 
Thermic  fevers,  due  to  heat  and  exposure,  prevail;  also  paludal  fevers.  Condi- 
tion of  the  regiment  is  anaemic.  Among  other  medical  supplies  especially  needed 
are  as  follows,  viz:  Bismuth,  subnitrate  and  gallade;  salol,  salicylate  of  soda,  anti- 
pyretics, strychnine,  Warburg's  tincture,  morph.  (sulph.,  hypo.,  tab.),  arsenic, 
tonic  triturates  (iron,  quinine,  and  strychnine). 

*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

Note  3. — It  is  noted  all  sanitary  precautions  are  being  taken;  sinks  are  removed 
to  the  bottom  lands,  300  yards  away  from  the  slopes  occupied  by  the  troops. 
There  is  no  odor;  grounds  are  policed  each  morning.  Canvas,  what  there  is  of  it, 
is  being  removed,  so  as  to  let  the  sun  dry  the  ground  where  men  and  officers  have 
slept;  blankets  are  aired  on  bushes.  Men  boil  their  water  in  such  tin  cans  as  they 
can  obtain.  The  needs  of  the  regiment  are  full  rations,  ovens,  (Buzzacott) ,  stoves, 
clean  clothing,  mail  facilities,  and  matches. 

*****  *  * 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Philip  Reade, 
Major,  Inspector-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 


Extract  from  report  of  field  inspection  of  the  Seventy-first  Regiment  New  York 
Volunteers,  made  at  camp  near  Santiago  de  Cuba,  July  23, 1898,  by  Maj.  Philip 
Reade,  inspector-general,  First  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps. 

******* 

Any  diseases? — Malarial  fevers,  dysentery,  lumbago;  anaemic  condition.  Ther- 
mal fevers,  due  to  heat  and  exhaustion,  prevail. 

Troops  fully  equipped  for  field  service? — Regiment  needs  blankets,  canvas 
clothing,  and  camp  equipage  of  every  description.  All  blankets  and  personal 
belongings  left  at  Siboney,  June  25;  not  since  recovered. 

Police  of  tents,  grounds,  kitchens,  sinks,  etc.?— Good,  considering  the  area  to 
which  restricted. 

Camp  properly  located? — As  good  a  location  as  any  about  this  section.  No 
water  less  than  a  mile  distant,  and  nothing  but  canteens  to  carry  it  in;  very 
severe  on  the  men. 

Properly  drained? — Yes,  located  on  the  hillside. 

Quartermaster  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — None.  Great  demand  for  under- 
wear; none  received  since  leaving  Lakeland,  Fla.,  May  25,  1898. 

Commissary  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Pork,  hardtack,  and  coffee  us  a 
steady  diet  in  a  tropical  climate  is  not  conducive  to  health.  Half  rations  of  these 
articles  of  food  is  responsible  for  much  of  the  prevailing  sickness.    Vegetables 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  405 

and  acids  are  very  essential.     At  present,  commissary  supplies  are  increasing  in 
quality,  also  in  quantity,  and  increasing  in  variety. 

Ordnance  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Yes.  Regiment  armed  with  caliber 
.45  Springfields;  rusted  and  worn  by  exposure  and  service.  Regiments  want  the 
same  rifle  and  cartridge  the  United  States  infantry  are  supplied  with;  black 
powder  objectionable. 

Medical  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Not  when  needed  the  most.  (See  note 
1  hereon.) 

*  *  *  -x-  *  *  * 

Strength  of  hospital  corps  sufficient? — No. 

Police  and  capacity  of  hospital? — Police  good;  capacity  limited  only  by  the  num- 
ber of  shelter  tents. 

Properly  located? — Yes;  on  high  ground,  separate  from  the  camp  proper. 

Number  sick  in  hospital? — Forty-seven. 

Number  sick  in  quarters? — Two  hundred  and  forty. 

Sick  receive  proper  attention? — All  the  attention  that  the  present  facilities  will 
afford.     Conditions  for  proper  attention  are  very  adverse. 

Any  epidemic  diseases? — Both  affirmed  and  denied  by  medical  men  that  yellow 
fever  exists  in  this  division.  Cases  of  measles  have  occurred.  Thermal  fevers, 
due  to  heat  and  exhaustion,  are  very  prevalent.  Some  of  the  medical  men  call 
these  fevers  dengue;  some  call  them  pernicious  malarial  fever;  some  call  them 
Cuban  fever.  Most  of  the  fevers  are  paludal  fevers;  some  are  thermic;  some  are 
yellow  fever.  Dysenteric  and  other  diarrheas  prevail.  Some  are  cases  of  true 
dysentery. 

******* 

Note  1. — The  surgeon  Seventy-first  Regiment  New  York  Volunteer  Infantry, 
Maj.  W.  D.  Bell,  states  as  follows: 

"About  the  only  medicines  available  in  the  medical  department  are  quinine, 
castor  oil,  compound  cathartics,  diarrhea  pills,  and  salts.  No  stimulants  yet 
received,  though  promised.  Capt.  H.  E.  Stafford  purchased  at  his  own  expense 
in  Tampa  about  $40  worth  of  drugs  for  the  regiment,  for  which  he  paid  cash  from 
his  own  funds.  I  also  purchased  from  private  funds  for  the  use  of  the  regiment, 
in  Tampa,  Fla.,  about  $70  worth  of  drugs.  My  purchases  included  Warburg's 
tincture  in  capsule  form,  bismuth  in  large  quantity,  antiseptic  pills,  ginger,  aro- 
matic spirits  of  ammonia,  phenol  bromide,  and  salol. 

"When  this  regiment  left  New  York,  the  14th  of  May,  it  had  a  thoroughly 
equipped  hospital  corps  and  medical  department  so  far  as  the  personnel  went. 
The  present  strength  of  the  regiment,  sick  and  well,  is  964  officers  and  men.  Of 
these,  7  officers  are  sick,  47  men  are  sick  in  hospital,  and  233  are  sick  in  quarters. 

"My  available  force  for  the  care  of  these  sick  consists  of  two  hospital  corps 
privates.  Both  of  my  stewards  are  sick;  I  am  sick;  Asst.  Surg.  Capt.  H.  E.  Staf- 
ford is  sick — has  had  a  temperature  of  over  100  degrees  for  three  days  past  and 
ought  to  be  on  the  sick  report  himself,  but  continues  in  his  devotion  to  his  duties. 
All  the  rest  of  my  hospital  corps  have  been  taken  from  me.  It  is  like  taking  away 
the  lock  of  a  soldier's  rifle  prior  to  sending  him  into  a  fight  to  strip  a  new  regiment 
of  its  hospital  corps  men,  under  recent  and  existing  circumstances." 


Headquarters  Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps, 

Inspector-General's  Office. 
Hunisville,  Ala.,  August  19,  1898. 
Assistant  Adjutant-General, 

Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps. 
Sir:  In  compliance  with  verbal  orders  from  the  general  commanding,  I  have 
the  honor  to  report  the  result  of  my  inspection  of  the  Fifth  Regiment  Maryland 
Volunteer  Infantry,  commanded  by  Col.  R.  Dorsey  Coale. 


406         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

I  inspected  six  companies  on  the  6th,  five  companies  on  the  8th,  and  Company 
F,  detailed  and  doing  duty  at  division  headquarters,  on  the  13th  instant.  I  was 
accompanied  by  battalion  commanders,  each  in  his  respective  battalion. 

This  regiment  was  mustered  into  the  United  States  service  on  the  14th  day  of  May, 
1898.  About  50  per  cent  of  its  numerical  strength  has  had  some  instruction,  prior 
to  entering  the  United  States  service,  as  national  guardsmen  in  the  State.  The 
men  are  armed  with  the  Springfield  rifle,  caliber  .45.  About  one-half  of  the  guns 
are  old,  having  been  used  in  the  State  service  from  ten  to  fifteen  years. 

The  other  half  of  the  guns  were  issued  to  the  regiment  new  by  the  Government, 
after  entering  the  service.  The  old  guns  show  age,  and  are  in  a  condition  which 
makes  it  necessary  for  the  men  to  be  watchful  and  diligent  to  keep  them  from 
rusting,  yet  in  other  respects  they  are  in  good  order  and  serviceable. 

About  50  or  75  per  cent  of  the  men  have  the  army  regulation  overcoat,  which 
they  brought  with  them  from  the  State,  and  are  poorly  cared  for,  many  of  them 
being  unfit  for  use. 

Many  officers  expressed  a  desire  to  have  the  men  relieved  of  this  burden.  It 
appears  to  be  unnecessary  to  encumber  soldiers  with  such  clothing  in  a  climate 
like  this,  and  unjust  to  make  them  care  for  and  retain  them,  or  else  pay  for  them 
if  lost  or  destroyed,  as  is  the  case,  which  can  not  be  well  avoided;  yet,  in  view  of 
the  fact  that  the  regiment  may  be  mustered  out  within  a  few  months,  and  in 
order  that  the  men  may  not  be  compelled  to  pay  for  them,  I  would  recommend 
that  the  coats  be  packed,  stored,  and  cared  for,  that  they  may  be  returned  to  the 
State  when  the  regiment  is  mustered  out,  or  else  turned  over  to  the  Government. 
The  men  are  otherwise  too  heavily  burdened  and  loaded  down  with  a  great 
variety  of  personal  effects. 

The  inspection  showed  that  there  is  a  good  degree  of  interest  manifested  by  the 
field  and  line  officers,  yet  a  closer  application  of  the  customs  of  the  service  in 
administrative  affairs  would  produce  better  results  for  the  labor  performed. 
Nothing  is  ever  required  in  general  or  special  orders  that  can  not  be  performed. 
All  provisions  in  orders  from  constituted  authority,  whether  oral  or  written, 
should  be  rigidly  enforced,  strictly  obeyed,  and  faithfully  performed.  This  is  a 
fundamental  principle  of  military  government,  which  admits  of  no  apology  for 
violation  or  even  modification.  Not  only  the  health  and  comfort,  but  the  safety 
and  success  of  an  army  in  the  field,  depends  entirely  upon  the  conscientious 
observance  of  this  uncompromising  principle. 

A  failure  to  do  this  was  observed  in  some  of  the  companies  by  neglecting  to 
boil  the  water  used  for  domestic  purposes.  It  may  be  a  small  matter,  and  yet 
the  penalty  may  be  a  vast  amount  of  sickness  and  even  death.  The  reason  given 
in  some  of  the  companies  for  this  open  disobedience  was  that  some  thought  it 
not  necessary,  and  that  it  did  no  good,  while  others  thought  they  were  relieved 
from  the  execution  of  the  order  because  the  Government  did  not  furnish  kettles 
expressly  for  that  purpose.  In  neither  case,  and  under  no  circumstances,  can 
an  officer  justify  himself  or  be  justified  by  his  superior  for  such  disobedience 
even  in  small  matters. 

The  arms  were  in  good  condition  with  a  few  bad  exceptions.  A  few  pieces 
were  rusty,  dirty,  and  exhibited  lack  of  care  and  attention.  Many  bayonet  sock- 
ets were  rusty,  which  caused  the  end  of  the  barrel  to  rust,  showing  that  that 
part  of  the  gun  was  neglected.  One  lock  was  out  of  order,  several  bayonets  bent, 
all  of  which  defects  were  ordered  corrected.  When  95  out  of  100  men  can  and 
do  keep  their  arms  in  perfect  order  at  all  times,  the  inspector  fails  to  understand 
why  the  other  5  can  not  do  the  same.  There  is  no  excuse  for  this  neglect,  and  it 
is  unbecoming  an  officer,  and  he  fails  to  comprehend  his  duties  when  he  makes 
an  excuse  and  apologizes  for  an  enlisted  man  for  the  bad  condition  of  his  arms, 
in  his  presence.    It  is  not  only  detrimental,  but  demoralizing  to  the  best  interest 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  407 

of  the  service,  and  it  should  never  be  done.  Send  him  to  his  quarters  to  put  his 
gun  in  condition,  with  orders  to  report  to  your  quarters  after  inspection  with  his 
piece  for  your  examination,  and  it  will  not  frequently  occur  the  second  time. 

Clothing,  particularly  trousers,  are  badly  worn,  no  effort  having  been  made  to 
replace  them,  as  the  regiment  is  to  be  uniformed  with  the  new  canvas  or  khaki 
uniforms  in  the  near  future.  Many  men  were  without  two  pairs  of  shoes,  some 
with  but  one  suit  of  underwear,  and  some  without  any,  and  have  not  worn  any 
since  entering  the  service.  A  few  pairs  of  leggings  are  needed  to  make  the  outfit 
complete.  Haversacks,  canteens,  and  mess  kits  are  in  good  order,  showing  proper 
care,  only  a  few  articles  being  missing.  Every  man  is  supplied  with  a  shelter 
half,  poles  and  pins,  poncho,  and  wool  blanket.  Rations  drawn  give  satisfaction 
and  are  sufficient.  At  some  of  the  company  mess  tents  the  lack  of  knowledge  of 
how  to  cook  and  make  the  best  use  of  what  they  have  is  apparent.  In  some  of 
the  companies  the  subsistence  stores  were  not  suitably  cared  for.  Boxes  should 
not  be  allowed  to  rest  on  the  ground,  but  placed  on  boards,  or  what  is  better,  on 
poles  or  joists,  so  as  to  admit  a  free  circulation  of  air  under  and  around  the  pack- 
ages. It  is  the  duty  of  commanding  officers  to  look  after  such  matters,  both  on 
the  score  of  economy  and  the  health  of  their  men. 

The  general  police  of  the  camp  was  good,  kitchens  fairly  neat,  with  one  or  two 
exceptions — that  of  Companies  D  and  M  being  bad.  In  most  cases  kitchen  sinks 
or  pits  were  well  cared  for.  In  one  or  two  instances  two  companies  used  the  same 
sink.  This  is  not  a  satisfactory  way.  No  one  seems  to  be  accountable,  particu- 
larly if  it  becomes  a  subject  of  criticism.  Officers  should  always  assume  all  the 
responsibilities  of  their  respective  commands  and  never  share  the  responsibilities 
of  others. 

There  was  but  one  large  sink  for  the  use  of  men  and  this  was  not  properly 
screened.  In  no  case  should  more  than  two  companies  use  the  same  pit,  and  in 
no  case,  unless  the  officer  of  the  day  is  held  strictly  accountable  for  their  sanitary 
condition. 

Schools  are  held  for  the  instruction  of  officers  and  noncommissioned  officers, 
and  a  good  interest  is  manifested  on  the  part  of  all  to  learn  their  duties,  and  then 
discharge  them  in  an  intelligent  manner.  Discipline  in  the  command  is  good, 
but  not  up  to  the  standard  it  should  be,  nor  of  that  order  which  can  easily  be 
attained.  I  heard  much  loud  and  profane  language  in  some  companies  after  they 
were  dismissed,  while  inspecting  other  companies  near  by.  To  allow  this  is  not 
creditable  to  any  officer,  and  is  detrimental  to  good  order  and  military  discipline. 
Some  wrong  commands  and  incorrect  positions  were  taken,  substituting  com- 
mands and  movements  not  found  in  Drill  Regulations.  In  many  cases  in  the 
ceremony  of  inspection,  after  arms  were  stacked,  the  company  was  moved  one 
or  more  paces  to  the  rear,  the  front  rank  faced  about  by  command  of  the  com- 
manding officer,  preparatory  to  unslinging  knapsacks.  There  is  no  authority  for 
this  movement.  After  arms  are  stacked,  ranks  are  opened.  This  formation, 
however,  does  not  give  sufficient  space  between  ranks  to  spread  out  the  pack  and 
display  the  contents,  when  the  blanket  roll  is  used,  which  is  now  substituted  or 
allowed  in  the  place  of  the  blanket  bag.  The  commanding  officer  should  therefore 
regulate  the  movement  to  have  the  necessary  distance  to  display  the  pack.  In 
many  instances  the  command  was  given  "  Unsling  knapsacks,"  and  then  "  Open 
blanket  rolls."  In  other  cases  the  command  was  given  "  Unsling  blanket  rolls, 
open  blanket  roll,"  all  of  which  is  wrong.  The  command  should  be  "Unsling 
knapsack,  open  knapsack,"  no  matter  what  the  pattern  of  the  pack  may  be.  (See 
note,  paragraph  98,  Drill  Regulations.) 

The  administration  of  affairs  is  intelligently  administered.  The  medical  staff 
labors  hard  to  preserve  the  health  of  the  command,  but  its  efforts  are  baffled  by 
the  diligent  indiscretion  of  the  men  in  their  desire  to  gratify  appetite.    The  quar- 


408         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

termaster  is  properly  equipped  with  teams  and  tools  to  carry  on  the  work  of  his 
department. 

The  inspection  of  Company  F  was  very  gratifying.  Arms  were  in  excellent 
order,  clothing  clean  and  neat,  police  of  company  street,  quarters,  and  kitchen 
uncommonly  good.  Subsistence  stores  were  well  housed,  water  boiled,  all  refuse 
gathered  from  policing  camp,  including  all  vegetable  and  animal  matter  from  the 
kitchen,  is  burned  daily,  and  the  sink  was  filled,  so  there  was  no  odor  whatever. 

The  following  statement  shows  the  strength  of  the  regiment,  present  and 
absent: 

Officers  present  for  duty 43 

Absent  and  sick . 10 

Enlisted  men  for  duty 1,106 

Enlisted  men  sick  and  absent 140 

In  arrest 18 

Everything  being  taken  into  consideration,  it  is  a  good  volunteer  regiment, 
composed  of  good  material,  and  simply  needs  time  and  experience  to  fit  it  for 
active  service. 

Very  respectfully,  D.  M.  White, 

Major,  Inspector-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 

[First  indorsement.] 

Headquarters  Second  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps, 

Huntsville,  Ala. ,  August  22,  1898. 
Respectfully  forwarded  to  the  adjutant-general,  Fourth  Army  Corps. 

Simon  Snyder, 
Brigadier-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Commanding. 

[Second  indorsement.] 

Headquarters  Fourth  Army  Corps, 
Camp  Wheeler,  Huntsville,  Ala.,  August  26,  1898. 
Respectfully  forwarded  to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army. 

J.  J.  Coppinger, 
Major-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Commanding. 


Hdqrs.  Fourth  Army  Corps,  Office  of  the  Inspector-General, 

Tampa,  Fla.,  June  25,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General  Fourth  Army  Corps. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  pursuant  to  the  instructions  of  the  major- 
general  commanding,  I  have  made  inspections  of  the  Second  New  York  Volunteer 
Infantry,  *  *  *  and  would  respectfully  submit  the  following  report.  To  this 
report  is  attached  a  tabulated  statement  of  needs. 

******* 

On  June  18  I  inspected  the  Second  New  York  Volunteer  Infantry,  twelve  com- 
panies, Col.  E.  E.  Hardin  commanding.  Officers  and  men  present  and  absent, 
993;  absentees  all  on  guard  and  recruiting  duty. 

This  regiment  has  100  rounds  of  ammunition  per  man;  rifles  and  belts  all  serv- 
iceable; haversacks,  canteens,  mess  outfits  all  serviceable.  The  Merriam  pack  is 
carried  and  liked  by  the  men.  Tentage  sufficient.  As  a  rule  the  blue  clothes  are 
of  State  issue,  and  while  serviceable  at  present  should  soon  be  replaced  by  new 
clothing.     There  are  29  wagons  and  117  mules. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  409 

The  inspection  of  this  regiment  was  made  by  company,  and  as  far  as  conld  be 
determined  by  the  marching  and  manual  for  this  ceremony  the  regiment's  drill 
is  good.  The  rifles  and  equipments  are  all  serviceable,  but  rust  was  found  in 
many  guns.  The  guard  duty  is  good;  the  military  courtesy  fair.  The  colonel, 
who  has  great  energy  and  the  best  of  judgment,  superintends  all  drills,  and  the 
regiment  is  improving  rapidly  and  should  be  in  good  shape  very  soon.  The  men 
are  cheerful,  willing,  and  of  fine  physique.  The  officers  are  diligent,  intelligent, 
and  willing  workers.  With  the  exception  of  potatoes  the  rations  are  good. 
About  50  per  cent  of  the  potatoes  issued  up  to  the  present  time  are  rotten.  The 
sinks  should  be  inclosed  and  made  more  comfortable  for  the  men. 

The  regiment  is  well  pleased  with  its  camp  site,  but  to  my  mind  the  site  seems 
very  much  cramped  and  not  at  all  suitable  for  so  many  men  (three  regiments) . 
Of  course,  the  men  have  the  advantage  of  sea  bathing,  but  there  is  no  drill  ground 
and  no  shade  to  speak  of. 

One  regiment  of  this  brigade  (Carpenter's)  marches  each  night  to  Tampa 
Heights,  bivouacs  in  shelter  tents,  and  practices  at  outpost  and  other  drills, 
returning  to  their  camp  about  10  o'clock  the  following  morning. 

I  believe  this  regiment  will  be  entirely  satisfactory  in  a  short  time. 
******* 
Very  respectfully, 

J.  K.  Thompson, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Acting  Inspector-General. 


Hdqrs.  Fourth  Army  Corps,  Office  of  the  Inspector-General, 

Tampa,  Fla.,  June  25,  1S98. 
The  Adjutant-General  Fourth  Army  Corps. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  pursuant  to  the  instructions  of  the  major- 
general  commanding,  I  have  made  the  inspection  of  the  *  *  *  Third  Penn- 
sylvania Volunteer  Infantry,  *  *  *  and  would  respectfully  submit  the 
following  report.  To  this  report  is  attached  a  tabulated  statement  of  needs. 
******* 
On  June  21  I  inspected  the  Third  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry,  eight  com- 
panies, Colonel  Rallston  commanding.  Five  hundred  and  twenty-one  officers 
and  men  present;  24  officers  and  men  absent;  absentees  on  guard  and  recruit- 
ing. Two  hundred  and  ninety  thousand  rounds  of  ammunition;  none  short. 
The  regiment  is  fully  equipped  with  rifles  and  one  belt  per  man  for  men  present; 
practically  equipped  with  haversacks,  canteens,  mess  kits,  and  uniforms;  19 
wagons  and  77  mules. 

The  inspection  of  this  regiment  was  made  by  company,  and  as  far  as  could  be 
determined  by  the  marching  and  manual  for  this  ceremony  the  regiment's  drill  is 
good.  Rifles  and  equipments  are  all  serviceable,  but  rust  was  found  in  many 
guns.  The  guard  duty  is  good  and  the  military  courtesy  fair.  The  colonel  super- 
intends all  drills,  and  the  regiment  should  be  in  good  shape  when  the  other  four 
companies  are  recruited  and  drilled.  The  men  are  cheerful,  willing,  and  of  fine 
physique.  The  officers  are  diligent,  intelligent,  and  willing  workers.  The  rations 
are  good  except  the  potatoes,  of  which  about  50  per  cent  were  rotten.  The  sinks 
and  kitchens  are  well  cared  for. 

This  regiment  is  at  Port  Tampa  City,  where  the  water  is  brackish.  The  water 
is  boiled  and  filtered  before  the  men  drink  it. 

*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

Very  respectfully, 

J.  K.  Thompson, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Acting  Inspector-General. 


410        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Hdqrs.  Fourth  Army  Corps,  Office  of  the  Inspector-General, 

Tampa,  Fla.,  June  25,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General  Fourth  Army  Corps. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  pursuant  to  the  instructions  of  the  major- 
general  commanding,  I  have  made  inspections  of  the  *  *  *  First  Illinois 
Volunteer  Infantry,  and  would  respectfully  submit  the  following  report.  To  this 
report  is  attached  a  tabulated  statement  of  needs. 

******* 

On  June  23  I  inspected  the  First  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry,  twelve  companies, 
Colonel  Turner  commanding.  Seven  hundred  and  sixty-two  officers  and  men 
present;  247  officers  and  men  absent;  absentees  reported  by  name.  Attention  is 
invited  to  the  large  number  of  absentees. 

This  regiment  and  134  recruits  had  just  arrived  from  Chicago.  It  expects  to 
fill  its  quota  before  June  27.  It  has  340,000  rounds  of  ammunition;  it  needs 
134,000  rounds,  not  counting  ammunition  necessary  for  recruits. 

Except  recruits,  this  regiment  is  fully  equipped  with  one  rifle  and  two  belts  per 
man.    Its  uniform  is  serviceable;  has  30  wagons  and  121  mules. 

The  inspection  of  this  regiment  was  made  by  company,  and  as  far  as  could  be 
determined  by  the  marching  and  manual  for  this  ceremony  the  regiment's  drill  is 
good.  The  rifles  and  equipments  are  all  serviceable,  but  rust  and  dirt  were  found 
in  many  guns.  The  guard  duty  is  good.  In  camp  the  military  courtesy  is  good, 
but  out  of  camp  bad.  I  passed  privates  of  this  regiment  who  utterly  failed  to 
salute  until  stopped  and  questioned  about  their  duty  in  this  respect.  I  should  add 
that  this  negligence  is  not  confined  to  the  First  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry,  but  is 
universal  over  the  entire  command,  officers  very  often  setting  the  bad  example. 
The  colonel  superintends  regimental  drills  and  is  present  at  some  of  the  others. 

This  regiment  should  be  in  good  shape  soon.  The  men  are  cheerful,  willing, 
and  of  fine  physique.  The  officers  are  diligent,  intelligent,  and  willing  workers. 
I  should  like  to  call  special  attention  to  Captain  Funkhausen,  Company  K.  The 
internal  economy  of  this  company  is  well  administered  in  his  hands. 

The  kitchens  of  this  regiment  are  clean  and  the  sinks  in  good  condition.     The 
rations  are  good,  except  the  potatoes,  which  are  about  50  per  cent  bad.    The  water 
for  this  regiment  is  hauled  in  cars  from  Ybor  City  and  is  good. 
Very  respectfully, 

J.  K.  Thompson, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers, 

Acting  Inspector-General. 


Headquarters  Fourth  Army  Corps, 

Office  of  the  Inspector-General, 

Tampa,  Fla.,  June  25,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General  Fourth  Army  Corps. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  pursuant  to  the  instructions  of  the  major- 
general  commanding,  I  have  made  inspections  of  the  *  *  *  One  hundred  and 
fifty-seventh  Indiana  Volunteer  Infantry,  *  *  *  and  would  respectfully  sub- 
mit the  following  report.  To  this  report'  is  attached  a  tabulated  statement  of 
needs: 

»#♦•#•• 

On  June  20  I  inspected  the  One  hundred  and  fifty-seventh  Indiana  Volunteer 

Infantry,  12  companies,  Colonel  Studebaker  commanding.    Seven  hundred  and 

eighty-five  officers  and  men  present;  251  officers  and  men  absent.    Absentees  were 

accounted  for  by  name;  attention  is  called  to  the  large  number. 

This  regiment  has  a  fair  band  of  22  pieces.     It  has  397,000  rounds  of  ammuni- 


INSPECTION   REPORTS.  411 

tion;  still  needs  66,000.  Rifles  and  belts  all  serviceable.  Many  bayonet  scabbards 
in  a  very  bad  condition;  they  are  very  old,  and  the  leather  attaching  the  steel 
scabbard  to  the  belt  is  old,  rotten,  and,  in  most  instances,  entirely  unserviceable. 
The  chief  ordnance  officer  has  no  new  scabbards  on  hand.  The  blue  uniform, 
as  a  rule,  is  good.  The  regiment  has  still  some  old  uniforms  brought  from  the 
State;  these  are  of  very  little  value,  being  old  and  rotten.  They  have  30  wagons 
and  121  mules. 

Inspection  of  this  regiment  was  made  by  company,  and  as  far  as  could  be 
determined  by  the  formation  and  manual  for  this  ceremony,  the  drill  is  not 
good.  The  rifles,  as  a  rule,  were  filthy  with  rust  and  grease.  The  guard  duty 
was  performed  in  a  most  slovenly  manner,  and  the  military  courtesy  is  bad.  The 
colonel  superintends  most  drills.  The  men  are  cheerful,  willing,  and  of  fine 
physique.  Some  of  the  company  officers  seem  well  instructed,  and  others  seem 
very  far  from  knowing  their  work.  Few  or  no  companies  were  properly  prepared 
for  inspection.  The  dressing  at  open  ranks  was  very  bad,  and  the  manual,  dur- 
ing inspection,  worse.  The  ration  is  reported  good  with  the  exception  of  potatoes, 
about  50  per  cent  of  the  latter  being  reported  rotten. 

This  regiment  is  camped  at  Port  Tampa  City,  where  the  water  is  brackish  and 
bad.  The  water  in  this  regiment  is  boiled  for  drinking  purposes.  Sea  bathing 
at  this  camp  is  excellent. 

******* 

Very  respectfully, 

J.  K.  Thompson, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers, 

Acting  Inspector-General. 


Extract  from  report  of  field  inspection  of  the  Fourth  Regiment  Missouri  Infantry 
Volunteers,  made  at  Camp  Russell  A.  Alger,  Va.,  July  25,  1898,  by  Maj.  R.  A. 
Brown,  inspector  general,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 

Troops  fully  equipped  for  field  service? — Yes. 

Police  of  tents,  grounds,  kitchens,  sinks,  etc.? — Good. 

Camp  properly  located?— Yes. 

Transportation  in  good  condition  and  sufficient? — None. 

Quartermaster  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Tentage  insufficient  and  much  of 
it  unserviceable. 

Commissary  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Rations  satisfactory. 

Medical  supplies  good  and  sufficient?— No;  supplies  are  deficient  in  variety. 

Strength  of  hospital  corps  sufficient? — Yes. 

Ambulances  and  stretchers,  .number  and  condition? — No  ambulances;  4 
stretchers. 

Police  and  capacity  of  hospital? — No  regimental  hospital. 

Number  of  sick  in  hospital? — Thirty-six,  mostly  measles;  in  quarters,  22  con- 
valescents, from  measles  mostly. 

Sick  receive  proper  attention? — Yes. 

Any  epidemic  diseases? — Measles. 

The  condition  of  this  regiment  in  equipment,  discipline,  and  instruction  is 
satisfactory,  and  progress  is  evidently  along  the  proper  lines  and  in  the  right 
spirit. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

R.  A.  Brown, 
Major,  and  Inspector-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers, 

Second  Division,  Second  Army  Corps. 


412         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Extract  from  a  report  of  field  inspection  of  the  One  hundred  and  sixty-first 
Indiana  Volunteer  Infantry,  made  at  Panama  Park,  Fla.,  September  2, 1898, 
by  Lieut.  Col.  Curtis  Guild,  jr.,  inspector-general,  Seventh  Army  Corps. 


Troops  fully  equipped  for  field  service? — As  nearly  as  other  volunteer  regiments 
have  been  equipped. 

Police  of  tents,  grounds,  kitchens,  sinks,  etc.? — Excellent. 

Camp  properly  located? — Yes.    Dry,  sandy  soil.     Sunny  plain. 

Properly  drained? — Thoroughly. 

Quartermaster  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Additional  blue  shirts  needed. 

Commissary  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Constant  complaint  of  bad  fresh 
beef.  Much  delay  in  getting  rations.  Last  ten-day  issue  was  thirty-six  hours 
late. 

Medical  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Yes;  larger  variety  than  most  hospitals. 

Strength  of  hospital  corps  sufficient? — Yes. 

Ambulances  and  stretchers,  number  and  condition? — None. 

Police  and  capacity  of  hospital? — Good.    Twelve. 

Properly  located? — Yes. 

Number  of  sick  in  hospital? — Four. 

Number  of  sick  in  quarters? — Forty-two, 

Sick  receive  proper  attention? — Yes. 

Any  epidemic  diseases? — No. 
******* 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Curtis  Guild,  Jr., 
Lieutenant-Colonel,  Inspector-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 


Extract  from  report  of  field  inspection  of  the  Sixth  Missouri  Volunteer  Infantry, 
in  camp  at  Panama  Park,  Fla.,  made  September  3,  1898,  by  Lieut.  Col.  Curtis 
Guild,  jr.,  inspector-general,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 


Troops  fully  equipped   for    field    service?  —  Yes,  as  far  as  most   so-called 
"  equipped  "  volunteer  regiments  are. 

Police  of  tents,  grounds,  kitchen,  sinks,  etc.? — Good. 

Camp  properly  located? — Yes. 
*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

Quartermaster  supplies  good  and    sufficient?— Trousers  (woolen)  somewhat 
worn;  only  one  blue  shirt;  no  khakis;  not  sufficient. 

Commissary  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Fresh  beef  constantly  bad.    Great 
delay  in  getting  other  rations. 

Medical  supplies  good  and  sufficient? — Yes. 

Strength  of  hospital  corps  sufficient? — Yes. 

Ambulance  and  stretchers,  number  and  condition? — Two  stretchers.    Sick  at 
division  hospital. 

Number  of  sick  in  hospital? — Nine;  in  quarters,  66. 

Sick  receive  proper  attention? — Yes. 

Any  epidemic  diseases? — No. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  413 

Brief  of  report  of  Curtis  Guild,  jr.,  lieutenant-colonel,  inspector  general. 

Jacksonville,  Fla.,  August  29, 1898. 

The  hospital  is  located  to  the  east  of  the  camp  of  the  First  Brigade,  Second 
Division.  The  site  was  chosen  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Maus,  chief  surgeon,  and 
myself.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  dry,  the  tents  being  shaded  by  lofty  pine  trees. 
The  water  is  from  the  city  supply,  and  is  pure  and  free  from  the  usual  smell  of 
sulphur. 

The  corral  and  ambulances  are  across  the  railroad  to  the  left,  and  ambulance  is 
easily  and  quickly  summoned.     Tents  were  neat  and  well  policed. 

The  receiving  tent  is  to  the  left,  a  circular  pavilion  where  patients  are  received 
and  examined  as  to  the  nature  of  the  disease.  Tent  furnished  with  a  dozen  cots; 
contract  surgeon  in  attendance;  only  three  patients  at  the  time  of  visit.  Premises 
neat. 

The  bath  house  is  a  wooden  building  adjoining  the  quartermaster's  storeroom, 
with  two  set  bath  tubs.  The  waste  water  from  this  bath  house  lies  in  an  open 
ditch.  t  Was  informed  that  box  drain  had  been  ordered,  and  recommended  for 
immediate  construction. 

In  the  office  found  the  various  books  correctly  kept.  There  is  no  return  of  any 
nature  showing  property  accountability.  Surgeon  in  charge  has  received  none, 
though  repeatedly  requested.  Dispensary  well  furnished  with  ordinary  drugs  and 
supplies,  but  great  difficulty  is  experienced  in  getting  nitroglycerine,  strychnia, 
and  other  tonics. 

The  local  supply  depot  is  limited  to  the  field  supply  table,  which  is  absurdly 
inadequate  for  the  needs  of  the  semipermanent  hospitals  and  army  corps  in 
camp.  Major  Pilcher  reports  all  reasonable  requisitions,  outside  field  supply 
table,  are  immediately  honored  by  Surgeon-General  and  goods  shipped  at  once. 
I  recommend  full  supply  table  be  ordered  at  once  for  this  place. 

We  have  had  a  number  of  deaths  here.  There  is  no  postmortem  case  (Par.  248, 
Man.  Med.  Dept.)  on  hand.  There  is  not  at  this  hospital,  nor  I  am  informed  at 
any  other  in  this  corps,  any  eye  and  ear  case.     (Par.  235,  Man  for  Med.  Dept.) 

Only  one  microscope  has  been  furnished,  and  that  is  without  accessories,  so 
microscopic  examinations  of  samples  of  milk,  food,  etc.,  and  the  blood  of  patients 
for  malaria  and  typhoid  bacilli  is  impossible.  A  neglect  to  fill  requisitions  for 
such  highly  important  appliances  in  a  subtropical  climate  is  incomprehensible. 
Recommend  attention  of  corps  commander  to  the  lack  of  these  three  cases. 
(Pars.  235,248,258.) 

At  the  hour  of  my  visit  there  were  352  patients  in  the  hospital,  of  whom  276 
were  suffering  from  typhoid.  There  is  very  little  doubt  in  my  mind  that  it  is  con- 
tracted from  drinking  lemonade,  milk  shakes,  and  other  drinks  sold  by  peddlers 
from  water  drawn  from  infected  surface  wells.  I  recommend  men  be  forbidden 
to  purchase  food  or  drink  from  peddlers,  and  that  such  drinks  as  ginger  ale,  etc., 
be  sold  at  the  regimental  post  exchange  in  every  regiment. 

Then  follows  a  description  of  the  hospital,  which  seems  to  be  satisfactory.  We 
found  in  several  cases  pans  and  bottles  filled  with  urine  unemptied  outside  of  the 
tents.  The  ground  about  the  tents  is  littered  with  papers,  orange,  lime,  and 
lemon  peel. 

Recommend  immediate  issue  of  waste  buckets,  to  be  placed  between  the  beds 
for  refuse;  also  the  issue  of  cups  for  sputum.     None  in  the  wards  at  present. 

In  one  of  the  minor  wards  was  a  patient  suffering  from  skin  disease.  Beneath 
his  bed  was  a  mass  of  dirty  bandages.     The  nurse  in  charge  was  reprimanded. 

Force  of  nurses  is  inadequate.  I  saw  in  one  ward  a  man  vomiting,  another 
calling  for  a  bedpan,  and  a  third  for  ice  water,  all  at  once,  with  but  one  man 
to  attend  to  them.    Not  one  experienced  steward  has  ever  been  sent  here.    It 


414         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

is  impossible  to  detain  inexperienced  privates  for  typhoid  fever,  as  the  slightest 
carelessness  is  the  cause  of  death. 

In  regard  to  the  kitchens  and  commissary  stores,  premises  were  clean  and  neat. 

The  waste  water  drains  into  an  open  cesspool,  filled  to  overflowing.  Am 
informed  a  box  train  is  in  process  of  construction.  In  the  diet  kitchen  two  cooks 
are  employed.  Their  outfit  consists  of  one  blue-flame  kerosene  stove,  with  three 
burners.  On  this  single  stove,  in  addition  to  the  constant  calls  for  hot  water  for 
poultices,  must  be  cooked  all  the  food  for  at  least  250  men  not  on  full  diet.  A 
more  ridiculous  travesty  of  equipment  it  would  be  hard  to  find. 

Speaks  well  of  Red  Cross  Society  and  their  supplies,  giving  them  great  credit. 

In  conclusion  says  the  greatest  need  of  all  is  for  more  experienced  nurses. 

Has  heard  this  hospital  praised  by  George  Kennan  and  Clara  Barton. 


Headquarters  Seventh  Army  Corps, 

Office  Inspector-General, 
Camp  Cuba  Libre,  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  August  24, 1898. 
Inspector-General  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  report  of  inspection  of  Second  Division  hos- 
pital, as  prescribed,  paragraph  872,  Army  Regulations. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Curtis  Guild,  Jr.. 
Lieutenant-Colonel,  Inspector-General. 


Headquarters  Seventh  Army  Corps. 

Office  Inspector-General, 
Camp  Cuba  Libre,  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  August  21, 1S98.  ' 
The  Adjutant-General,  Seventh  Army  Corps, 

Jacksonville,  Fla. 
Sir:  In  obedience  to  order,  copy  inclosed,  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  I  pro- 
ceeded, within  five  minutes  of  receipt  of  the  order,  to  the  Second  Division  hospital 
and  performed  the  required  tour  of  inspection. 

I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  statement  of  the  hospital  fund,  tabular  view  of  the 
sick,  by  diseases  and  regiments,  and  complete  deaths  since  the  foundation  of 
the  hospital,  and  statement  as  to  strength  of  the  hospital  corps,  map  of  the  hos- 
pital and  grounds,  and  roster  of  the  surgeons  in  charge. 

LOCATION. 

The  hospital  is  located  to  the  east  of  the  camp  of  the  First  Brigade,  Second 
Division,  in  the  rear  of  the  camp  of  the  general  commanding,  along  the  shell  road 
leading  to  Panama,  and  south  of  the  spur  track  originally  constructed  for  Buck's 
mills.  The  site  was  chosen  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Maus,  chief  surgeon,  and 
myself.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  dry,  the  tents  being  shaded  by  lofty  pine  trees. 
The  water  furnished  is  from  the  city  supply,  coming  originally  from  artesian 
wells,  and  is  pure  and  free  from  the  usual  smell  of  sulphur. 

ARRANGEMENT. 

The  ground  plan  of  the  hospital  camp  is  as  shown  on  inclosed  map.  The  corral 
and  ambulances  are  across  the  railroad  to  the  left,  and,  as  I  found  by  test,  ambu- 
lance is  easily  and  quickly  summoned.  The  officers',  tents  are  in  line  along  the 
road,  the  major  surgeon  commanding  being  in  the  center.  Tents  were  neat  and 
well  policed. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  415 

The  receiving  tent  (N)  is  to  the  left;  a  circular  pavilion  where  patients  are 
received,  relieved  immediately  by  treatment,  if  in  pain,  and  examined  as  to  the 
nature  of  the  disease.  Tent  furnished  with  a  dozen  cots;  a  contract  surgeon  is 
in  attendance.  There  were  only  three  patients  at  the  time  of  my  visit.  Premises 
neat.    If  possible  the  patient  is  taken  from  the  receiving  tent  to  the  bath  house. 

The  bath  house  (V)  is  a  wooden  building  adjoining  the  quartermaster's  store- 
room, with  two  set  bath  tubs.  In  one  of  these  the  newcomer  is  thoroughly  bathed 
before  being  removed  to  one  of  the  wards.  The  waste  water  from  this  bath  house 
lies  in  an  open  ditch.  Was  informed  that  box  drain  had  been  ordered.  Recom- 
mend its  immediate  construction. 

The  office  and  dispensary  (Y  X)  are  side  by  side  in  the  center  of  the  wards, 
which  radiate  from  them  like  the  sticks  of  a  fan.  I  found  the  various  books  cor- 
rectly kept.  There  is,  however,  no  return  of  any  nature  showing  property 
accountability.  The  surgeon  in  charge  reports  that  he  has  received  none,  though 
he  has  repeatedly  requested  it.  The  dispensary  was  well  furnished  with  ordinary 
drugs  and  supplies,  such  as  carbolic  acid,  castor  oil,  whisky,  quinine,  bicarbonate 
of  soda.  Great  difficulty,  it  was  reported,  had  been  experienced  in  getting  nitro- 
glycerine, strychnia,  and  other  tonics. 

The  local-supply  depot,  under  charge  of  Major  Pilcher,  is  limited  to  the  field- 
supply  table,  which  is  absurdly  inadequate  for  the  needs  of  the  semipermanent 
hospitals  of  an  army  corps  in  camp.  Major  Pilcher  reports  that  all  reasonable 
requisitions  outside  the  field-supply  table  are  immediately  honored  by  the  Surgeon- 
General,  and  the  goods  shipped  at  once. 

As,  however,  remedies  are  needed  immediatly  and  not  after  the  lapse  of  two  or 
three  days,  and  as  we -are  rapidly  approaching  the  sickliest  season  of  the  year,  I 
respectfully  recommend  that  the  full  supply  table  be  ordered  at  once  to  be  kept 
on  hand  at  this  place.  Even  if  ordered  away  immediately,  several  hundred  sick 
will  be  necessarily  left  behind,  and  these  must  be  cared  for. 

We  have  had  a  number  of  deaths  here.  There  is  no  post-mortem  case  (par. 
248,  Man.  Med.  Dept.)  on  hand.  There  is  not  at  this  hospital,  nor,  I  am  informed, 
at  any  other  in  this  corps,  any  eye  and  ear  case  (par.  235,  Man.  Med.  Dept.), 
Only  one  microscope  has  been  furnished,  and  that  is  without  accessories,  so  that 
microscopic  examination  of  samples  of  milk,  food,  etc.,  and  the  blood  of  patients 
for  malaria  and  typhoid  bacilli  is  impossible.  The  neglect  to  fill  requisitions  for 
such  highly  important  appliances  in  a  subtropical  climate  are  incomprehensible. 
I  respectfully  recommend  the  immediate  attention  of  the  corps  commander  to  the 
lack  of  these  three  cases  (235,  248,  258). 

Number  of  patients.— At  the  hour  of  my  visit  there  were  352  patients  in  the 
hospital,  of  whom  276  are  suffering  from  typhoid  fever.  There  is  very  little 
doubt  in  my  mind  that  it  is  contracted  from  drinking  lemonade,  milk  shakes, 
and  other  drinks  sold  by  peddlers  and  made  from  water  drawn  from  the  numer- 
ous infected  surface  wells.  I  recommend  that  enlisted  men  be  forbidden  to  pur- 
chase food  or  drink  from  peddlers  in  the  vicinity  of  the  camp,  and  that  properly 
inspected  supplies  of  such  mild  luxuries  as  ginger  ale,  unadulterated  milk,  etc., 
be  sold  at  the  regimental  post  exchanges,  which  should  exist  in  every  regiment, 

The  five  principal  wards  radiate  like  the  sticks  of  a  fan  from  the  dispensary  and 
office,  an  admirable  arrangement,  for  which  great  praise  is  due  to  Major  Bock- 
mann,  who  devised  the  laying  out  of  the  hospital. 

In  each  of  the  main  wards  (A,  B,  D,  E),  filled  for  the  most  part  with  fever 
patients,  there  are  ten  hospital  tents,  arranged  end  to  end  in  pairs.  An  open-air 
space  covered  with  a  roofing  of  boughs  separates  each  couple  of  tents.  There  are 
usually  eight  cots  in  each  tent,  arranged  lengthwise.  Regulation  charts  of  the 
cases  are  properly  kept.  The  center  ward  is  devoted  to  surgical  cases,  and  con- 
tains but  eight  hospital  tents.  In  its  immediate  rear  are  (L)  three  hospital  tents, 
arranged  end  to  end.  for  dressing  room  and  operating  room. 


41  fi         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

These  tents-  contain  two  surgical  chests  No.  1  and  two  surgical  chests  No.  2. 
There  are  two  sterilizing  chests  in  addition  to  a  private  sterilizing  apparatus,  and 
three  operating  tables  with  all  necessary  supplies,  such  as  lint,  bandages,  etc.  A 
small  oil  ttove  keeps  hot  water  boiling  constantly  for  sterilization  and  the  needs 
of  operations. 

The  patients  in  all  five  of  these  wards  seemed  contented,  and  stated  generally 
that  they  had  no  complaints.  The  exceptions  were  a  few  typhoid  patients  who 
complained  of  great  hunger — the  usual  symptom  of  the  convalescent  stage — a 
longing  which,  of  course,  can  not  be  gratified.  At  the  time  of  my  visit  the 
patients  were  quite  generally  eating  or  being  fed  with  vanilla  ice  cream,  made 
under  supervision  on  the  grounds,  the  materials  being  furnished  by  the  Red  Cross 
Society. 

The  hospital  swarms  with  flies.  Each  patient  has  a  fly  net,  but  most  of  them  say 
they  do  not  wish  it,  as  it  cuts  off  the  air.  In  many  of  the  tents  there  are  electric 
fans,  the  gift  of  the  Red  Cross  Society.  Barrels  of  diluted  carbolic  acid  for  imme- 
diate disinfection  are  in  the  air  spaces  between  the  wards.  These  barrels  are 
closely  watched  and  conspicuously  labeled  "  Poison."  The  solution,  however,  is 
not  strong  enough  to  materially  injure  a  man,  even  if  by  any  accident  he  drank 
a  glassful. 

I  found  in  several  cases  pans  and  bottles  filled  with  urine  unemptied  outside 
the  tents.  The  ground  about  the  tents  was  littered  with  papers,  orange,  lime,  and 
lemon  peel  thrown  out  by  the  patients.  The  sinks  (P)  are  100  yards  or  so  from 
the  main  ward.  I  would  respectfully  recommend  for  each  ward  closed  galvan- 
ized tubs  with  bar  handles,  to  be  removed  and  emptied  at  regular  intervals;  or, 
better,  hoppers  with  sewer  connection  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  wards. 

Application  has  been  made,  but  not  honored,  for  waste  buckets.  I  would 
respectfully  recommend  the  immediate  issue  of  waste  buckets,  to  be  placed  between 
the  Deds  for  refuse;  also  the  issue  of  cups  for  sputa.  None  of  these  are  in  the 
wards  at  present.  I  would  respectfully  recommend  a  detail  for  policing  the 
grounds  of  the  hospital.  Sick  men  can  not  well  be  disciplined.  They  will  throw 
refuse  about,  and  the  need  of  policing  is  constant.  I  would  further  recommend 
an  ice  cooler  for  each  four  tents.  The  ice  water  is  now  kept  in  common  pails, 
and  the  ice  quickly  melts.  I  would  further  recommend  the  issue  of  canvas  dun- 
nage bags  for  the  storage  of  clothes,  which  are  now  for  the  most  part  piled  loosely 
under  the  patients'  beds. 

Visitors  with  the  kindest  intentions  are  in  some  cases  more  a  hindrance  than  a 
help.  I  saw  one  kind-hearted  woman  trying  to  force  a  serious  surgical  case  to  eat 
sponge  cake  till  she  was  checked  by  the  nurse.  A  case  was  also  reported  to  me 
by  a  citizen,  not  a  soldier,  of  another  who  took  out  some  hot  freshly  baked  bis- 
cuit for  those  suffering  with  typhoid  fever,  and  felt  aggrieved  that  the  men  were 
not  allowed  delicacies.  The  ladies  of  Jacksonville  have  been  untiring  in  their 
kindness,  and  the  officers  in  charge  have  welcomed  the  cooperation  of  those  who 
have  brought  wine,  jelly,  flowers,  magazines,  light  custards,  and  the  others 
who  have  brought  cologne  and  other  cooling  washes,  and  have  themselves  bathed 
the  feverish  foreheads  and  faces  of  the  sick  soldiers. 

Minor  wards. — To  the  right  of  the  main  hospital  are  three  hospital  tents  (F) 
intended  for  officers,  but  filled  with  privates  well  cared  for.  To  the  right  of 
these,  about  a  hundred  yards  from  the  dispensary,  are  the  four  tents  containing 
the  mumps  patients  (G) ,  and  close  to  them  four  containing  the  measles  patients. 
The  premises  were  clean  and  the  patients  mostly  sitting  up.  (H)  The  mumps 
patients  were  eating  oranges.  The  mumps  patients  were  mostly  from  the  Fourth 
Virginia,  the  measles  from  the  First  North  Carolina.  Beyond  in  a  small  common 
tent  (I)  was  a  patient  suffering  from  skin  disease.  Beneath  his  bed  was  a  mass 
of  dirty  bandages,  which  I  ordered  to  be  summarily  removed  and  burned.  The 
nurse  in  charge  was  summoned  and  reprimanded  for  disobedience  to  orders. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  417 

In  the  rear  of  the  main  hospitals  are  a  number  of  hospital  tents  arranged  in 
pairs  and  used  for  serious  cases  (K  K),  and  a  morgue  (M)  used  also  for  a  deposi- 
tory for  dirty  linen.  I  recommend  the  immedate  issue  of  covered  baskets  for  the 
collection  and  temporary  storage  of  this  linen,  and  the  erection  of  another  tent 
as  a  morgue. 

Nurses,  etc. — On  the  day  of  my  inspection  there  were  82  nurses  on  duty  from 
the  hospital  corps  and  a  detail  of  40  from  the  ambulance  corps.  The  total  is 
divided  into  two  reliefs.  There  were,  therefore,  41  nurses  and  20  men  from  the 
ambulance  corps  on  duty  at  a  time  for  352  patients,  or,  roughly,  1  man  to  6 
patients.  This  force  is  inadequate.  I  saw  in  one  ward  one  man  vomiting,  another 
calling  for  a  bedpan,  and  a  third  for  ice  water,  all  at  once,  with  but  one  man  to 
attend  to  all  three  demands.  Moreover,  though  the  general  commanding  the  First 
Brigade,  Second  Division,  occasionally  sends  over  his  prisoners  to  police  the 
grounds,  the  regular  force  on  the  grounds  is  so  overworked  as  to  necessarily  leave 
much  undone.  Not  one  experienced  steward  has  ever  been  sent  here,  and  but 
two  or  three  experienced  privates  who  could  be  promoted,  hence  the  great  diffi- 
culty of  organization. 

It  is  impossible  to  detail  inexperienced  privates  as  nurses  for  typhoid  fever,  as 
the  slightest  carelessness  on  the  part  of  the  nurses  permits  the  breaking  of  the 
ulcers  and  death  of  the  patient.  The  Surgeon-General  informs  me  that  he  has 
made  arrangements  for  more  nurses.  They  can  not  come  too  soon.  The  tents  of 
the  nurses  (O)  are  in  the  rear  of  the  camp.  They  were  in  good  order  and  the 
ground  about  them  well  policed.  The  men  can  not  be  drilled,  as  all  were  too 
busy  nursing.  Less  than  twenty  pouches  so  far  have  been  issued  to  them.  I 
respectfully  recommend  their  immediate  equipment. 

Sinks.  -There  are  four  sinks  (P) ,  containing  four  tubs  each.  The  center  two  are 
used  for  the  excreta  from  the  hospital,  the  two  on  the  wings  by  the  nurses.  All 
were  well  policed  and  strewn  with  chloride  of  lime. 

Kitchens  and  commissary  stores. — 

KITCHENS  AND  COMMISSARY  STORES. 

The  main  kitchen  (T)  is  a  room  some  20  feet  square  and  15  feet  high  in  a 
building  along  the  spur  track,  to  which  supplies  can  be  directly  delivered.  The 
premises  were  clean  and  neat.  Cooking  is  done  here  by  five  cooks  for  all  the 
nurses  and  all  patients  allowed  full  diet,  approximately  for  twenty-two  men 
altogether.  Supper  then  cooking  was  fried  potatoes  and  onions,  cold  roast  beef, 
coffee,  bread,  and  tomatoes.  The  quality  in  each  case  was  good.  The  cooking 
outfit  consists  of  three  Hunt  ovens,  and  seems  sufficient.  At  present  only  pine 
wood  is  furnished,  the  smoke  and  flame  of  which  seriously  impedes  the  cooking. 
I  respectfully  recommend  hard  wood. 

Rubbish  in  the  rear  of  the  kitchen  is  removed  once  daily.  It  should  be  removed 
twice  daily.  The  waste  water  drains  into  an  open  cesspool  filled  to  overflowing. 
This  should  be  at  once  connected  by  a  box  drain  with  the  main  drain  of  the  camp; 
I  am  informed  it  is  in  course  of  construction. 

Adjoining  the  main  kitchen  is  a  small  apartment  10  feet  square  (S)  used  as  the 
diet  kitchen.  To  the  left  is  a  large  ice  box  (Q)  sunk  into  the  ground  and  screened. 
In  the  diet  kitchen  two  cooks  are  employed.  Their  outfit  consists  of  one  blue- 
flame  kerosene  stove  with  three  burners.  On  this  single  stove,  in  addition  -to  con- 
stant calls  for  hot  water  for  poultices,  must  be  cooked  all  the  food  for  at  least  250 
men  not  on  full  diet.  A  more  ridiculous  travesty  of  equipment  it  would  be  hard 
to  find.  The  cooks  seemed  intelligent.  Their  premises  were  neat.  The  chicken 
broth  just  cooked  by  them  was  excellent. 

I  respectfully  recommend  the  immediate  construction  of  a  larger  kitchen,  to  be 
fitted  out  with  the  army  range. 

7833— VOL.  1 27 


418         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Commissary  stores,  delicacies,  etc.,  are  stored  in  a  room  (R)  adjoining  the  diet 
kitchen.  A  large  ice  chest  contained  calves'-foot  jelly  and  pure  sweet  milk  in 
large  cans.  About  60  gallons  are  supplied  daily  by  the  Red  Cross  Society.  The 
supply  is  about  half  what  is  required,  but  the  lack  of  grazing  lands  makes  milk 
very  hard  to  obtain.  Condensed  milk  is  used  in  the  hotels.  In  this  storehouse  I 
found  beef  extract,  clam  bouillon,  rolled  oats,  arrowroot,  malted  milk,  eggs, 
sugar,  rice,  barley,  etc.,  in  ample  sufficiency.  These  were  all  supplied  by  the  Red 
Cross  Society.  The  system  of  having  rations  issued  and  sold  and  proper  food 
bought  with  the  proceeds  broke  down  at  an  early  stage  of  the  proceedings  as  a 
result  of  a  controversy  with  Armour  &  Co.  I  respectfully  recommend  the 
extension  to  all  hospitals  of  the  new  system  recently  inaugurated  by  the  Surgeon- 
General,  of  allowing  60  cents  a  day  for  food  for  each  patient,  unless  it  is  thought 
desirable  to  have  a  part  of  the  Army  of  the  United  States  fed  by  public  charity. 

Material. — There  are  150  gas  pipe  cots  with  wire  mattresses.  Only  50  mat- 
tresses have  been  furnished  for  these,  though  150  were  requisitioned  for.  There 
are  also  250  ordinary  wooden  cots  with  canvas  covers.  About  150  mattresses 
have  been  sent  by  the  Surgeon-General  from  various  sources,  which  are  used  on 
the  canvas  cots,  which  are  not  supposed  to  have  them.  Water  beds  and  mattreses 
for  serious  cases  have  been  furnished  on  requisition,  and  several  are  in  use,  the 
patients  using  them  speaking  contentedly  of  their  comfort.  Thanks  to  the  Red 
Cross  Society,  there  is  a  sufficiency  of  bedlinen,  pots,  and  bedpans.  These  sup- 
plies now  exist  in  reserve  also  in  the  medical  supply  depot.  It  is  a  plain  state- 
ment of  facts  to  say,  however,  that  almost  all  of  these  supplies  now  in  use  were 
furnished  by  the  Red  Cross  Society,  and  that  the  sick  of  this  command  would 
have  had  to  have  gone  without  them  for  two  months  had  it  not  been  for  this 
organization. 

In  sufficient  appropriations  year  after  year  for  the  Army  by  Congress,  leaving 
the  War  Department  without  proper  reserve  supply  of  material  for  instant  issue 
at  the  outbreak  of  a  war,  were  never  more  glaringly  displayed  than  in  the  delay 
to  furnish  the  supplies  for  the  sick.  The  responsibility  for  the  condition  of  the  sick 
soldiers,  as  for  the  lack  of  proper  equipment,  lies  across  the  shoulders  of  the  Amer- 
ican people  who  have  welcomed  the  sham  " economy"  of  cheap  politicians,  and 
now  that  the  stress  of  war  has  come  blame  the  War  Department  because  it  can 
not  immediately  issue  equipment  and  supplies  which  it  has  had  no  money  to  man- 
ufacture and  accumulate  for  just  such  sudden  needs. 

In  conclusion  I  desire  to  state  that  the  greatest  need  of  all  to-day  is  for  more 
experienced  nurses,  which  have  been  sent  for,  as  noted  above.  The  surgeon  in 
charge  is  indefatigable,  and  his  assistants  able  and  industrious.  In  spite  of  the 
many  things  yet  to  be  corrected,  the  chief  surgeon,  seconded  by  the  surgeon  in 
charge  of  the  hospital,  deserves  praise  for  his  heroic  struggle  to  maintain  proper 
conditions,  in  which  he  has  so  nearly  succeeded  in  spite  of  the  utter  lack  of  men 
trained  in  military  organization  and  the  complete  breakdown,  at  the  outset,  of 
the  supply  department,  since  largely  remedied.  The  hospital  is  generally  clean; 
there  are  no  foul  odors,  the  plague  of  flies  is  mitigated  by  nets  and  fans,  and  not 
one  patient,  in  spite  of  the  overworked  condition  of  the  nurses,  complained  of 
lack  of  care.  I  have  heard  this  hospital  praised  by  Mr.  George  Kennan  and  Miss 
Clara  Barton,  of  the  Red  Cross  Society.  That  the  patients  have — as  they  do 
have — plenty  of  nourishing  food,  bedlinen,  and  pajamas,  credit  is  chiefly  due  to 
that  society  and  to  private  charity.  Care  of  the  sick  in  the  field  is  the  most  per- 
plexing of  problems  and  the  most  open  to  unintelligent  comment.  The  lack  of 
a  large,  permanent,  trained  hospital  corps  and  of  a  large  reserve  of  medical  sup- 
plies is  responsible  for  every  shortcoming  noted.  That  they  did  not  exist  is  the 
fault  of  a  cowardly  Congress  and  a  careless  people. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Curtis  Guild.  Jr. . 
Lieutenant-Colonel,  Inspector-General. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS. 


419 


Hdqrs.  Second  Division  Hospital,  Seventh  Army  Corps, 

Camp  Cuba  Libre,  Fla.,  August  19,  1898. 
Report  as  per  inspector-general's  request.     Number  of  nurses  on  duty  to-day, 
82;  hospital  corps,  40;  reserve  ambulance  corps,  61,  each  relief.     Number  of  regu- 
lar detachment  on  duty  at  time  of  inspection,  41;  detail  from  ambulance  corps, 
20;  total,  61. 

List  of  deaths,  May  28  to  August  19,  1898. 


Name. 

Date. 

Com- 
pany. 

Regiment. 

Diagnosis. 

Chaplin,  William  E 

Spott-swood,  Joseph  C . . 
Simmons,  Edward  K. .. 

1898. 
June  18 
July  21 
July  22 
July  14 
July     4 
July     1 
July  12 
July    3 
July  13 
July  14 
July  17 
July  19 
July  25 
July  21 
July  24 
July  23 
Aug.    2 
Aug.    8 
Aug.    5 
Aug.  13 
Aug.    8 
Aug.  13 
Aug.  16 
Aug.  18 
Aug.  16 
Aug.  11 
Aug.  15 
Aug.  13 
Aug.  17 
Aug.  19 
Aug.  18 
Aug.  16 
Ang.  18 

F 
K 
(a) 
F 
F 
I 
F 
C 
K 
C 
C 
H 
D 
K 
E 
C 
C 
F 
G 
E 
H 
L 
K 
A 
A 
L 
L 
M 
L 
G 
G 
A 
B 

Typhoid  fever. 
Do. 

do 

Do. 

Jackson,  George  A 

Riley,  Frank  J 

Do. 

do 

Do. 

Gilliam,  Robert  T 

Cerebrospinal  meningitis. 
Typhoid  lever. 
Do 

do 

Do 

Fardy,  William 

Kaylor,  Charles  A 

Black,  William  T 

do 

Do. 

do 

Do. 

Do. 

Cawin,  Robert  F 

Do. 

Abel,  Frederick 

Do. 

Owensby,  Amberson . . . 
McGraw,  Joseph  E 

First  North  Carolina 

Do. 
Do. 

Do 

do 

Do. 

Hart,  Benjamin 

do 

Do. 

do 

Do. 

Green,  Carlos  F 

Do. 

Katzenberg,  John  J 

Do. 

Do 

McNeil,  William 

Do. 

do 

Do. 

Telling,  George 

do 

Do. 

Do. 

First  North  Carolina 

Appendicitis. 
Typhoid  fever. 

Do. 

Do. 

Cooper,  Arthur 

Milward,  Claude 

Second  Illinois 

do 

Do. 

Voung,  Robert  B 

Do. 

a  Hospital  corps. 
RECAPITULATION. 

June  1 

July •. 15 

August  19 17 

Total 33 

Deaths  from  diseases,  etc.,  by  organizations. 


Organization. 

Typhoid. 

Malaria. 

Measles. 

Mumps.' 

Surgical, 
etc. 

50th  Iowa 

41 
43 
82 
18 
21 
26 
10 
8 
18 

6 

1 

3 

9 
2 
2 
2 
1 
1 
2 
1 

2 

6 

1 
2 

2 

7 

15 

9th  Illinois 

6 

1 

4 
2 
3 

2 

1 

1 

Total 

276 

26 

16 

9 

25 

Total,  352. 

Remark:  Fifty  patients  sent  to  Pablo  at  2  p.  m.  on  the  19th  instant. 


420        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Memorandum  statement  of  hospital  fund,  August  19,1898. 

Cash  on  hand  August  1 $80.35 

Due  from  Armour  &  Co.,  for  savings  on  fresh  meat 433.29 

513.64 
Expended  during  current  month 71. 45 

Cash  nominally  on  hand  for  food,  delicacies,  kitchen  ware,  etc 442. 19 

Cash  actually  on  hand 8.80 


Headquarters  Camp  George  H.  Thomas, 

Office  of  Inspector-General, 
Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.,  August  20, 1898. 
Adjutant-General,  Camp  Thomas,  Ga. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  inspection  made  of 
the  infantry,  cavalry,  artillery,  and  signal  corps  of  this  command,  by  officers  of 
the  Regular  Army,  especially  detailed  for  that  purpose,  under  provision  of  Gen- 
eral Orders  No.  23,  current  series,  headquarters  Camp  George  H.  Thomas: 

This  inspection  was  preceded  by  a  review  of  the  entire  command  under  the 
personal  supervision  of  the  major-general  commanding,  August  9,  1898. 

On  the  morning  of  August  10  the  eight  officers  who  were  especially  designated 
to  assist  me  in  making  this  inspection  reported  for  this  duty  and  were  assigned, 
one  to  a  regiment,  thus  enabling  the  completing  of  the  inspecting  of  a  division 
each  day.    These  inspections  were  continued  from  day  to  day  until  concluded. 

From  the  several  reports  of  the  inspectors  submitted  to  this  office,  and  from 
information  gained  of  my  own  personal  observation  by  visiting  each  organiza- 
tion, as  well  as  division  hospitals  and  division  and  brigade  headquarters,  the 
following  summary,  showing  the  conditions  and  efficiency  of  the  troops  of  the 
command,  is  deduced: 

Their, proficiency  in  drills — company,  battalion,  and  regimental — is  generally 
good;  brigade  and  division  only  fair.  In  other  military  exercises,  with  few  excep- 
tions, they  are  wanting. 

I  find  the  equipment  of  the  different  organizations  in  fairly  good  condition  and 
fit  for  field  service. 

The  military  bearing  of  troops,  under  arms,  is  good  and  very  commendable, 
considering  the  short  time  they  have  been  in  the  service.  The  deportment  of 
officers  and  men  is  good,  with  rare  exceptions. 

Arms  and  field  equipments  are,  in  the  main,  good.  The  uniforms  can  only  be 
rated  fair.  Provision  should  at  once  be  made,  should  these  troops  be  retained  in 
service,  to  provide  new  uniforms  for  every  soldier. 

Only  in  a  few  instances  is  proper  attention  paid  to  stable  duties.  Troops  are 
generally  well  equipped  for  field  service,  and  wherever  there  has  been  found  any 
deficiency  requisitions  have  been  made  and  approved. 

Police  of  tents  and  grounds  is  very  good,  but  to  that  of  the  kitchen  and  men's 
sinks  proper  attention  has  not  been  paid.  Camps  that  were  not  properly  located 
were  ordered  to  be  changed,  and  have  been  changed,  so  that  now  all  camps  are 
located  on  the  best  grounds  available  for  that  purpose  within  the  park  limits  and 
are  properly  drained.  Where  camps  were  not  found  properly  policed  and  cared 
for  it  is  directly  attributable  to  ignorance  and  the  lack  of  intelligent  zeal  or  over- 
indulgence to  the  men  on  the  part  of  the  officers. 

The  worst  policed  camp  is  that  of  the  Third  United  States  Volunteer  Cavalry, 
and  the  least  care  is  given  to  the  animals  of  this  regiment  of  any  organization  in 
the  camp.  The  food  of  the  men  is  well  prepared  and  of  the  greatest  abundance 
and  of  the  best  quality 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  421 

Regimental  and  company  books  and  records  are  generally  not  complete  nor  prop- 
erly kept.  The  same  can  be  said  of  brigade  headquarters.  Of  division  head- 
quarters, I  find  those  of  the  Second  Division,  Third  Corps,  incomplete. 

Division  hospitals. — I  did  not  find  any  of  them  in  proper  condition  of  police,  and 
absolutely  inadequate,  the  patients  lacking  attention  in  the  way  of  care;  and  I  can 
not  but  assert  that  in  my  opinion  the  means  available  are  not  utilized  to  their 
fullest  extent  for  the  ordinary  care  of  the  sick.  As  an  illustration,  I  will  recite 
here  the  details  of  the  report  of  the  surgeon  of  the  First  Division,  Third  Corps 
hospital,  showing  in  detail  the  duties  performed,  and  the  personnel  of  the  same: 

There  was  one  commissioned  medical  officer  reported  as  commander,  one  com- 
missioned medical  officer  as  executive  officer  and  attending  surgeon,  one  acting 
assistant  surgeon,  attending  surgeon,  three  medical  officers  sick. 

I  found  in  the  ambulance  corps  of  this  hospital  five  medical  officers,  including 
one  major  who  had  no  duties  at  all  in  connection  with  the  sick  in  hospital. 

In  the  hospital  the  total  enlisted  force  on  duty  in  various  capacities  was  110, 
twenty-four  of  whom  were  sick.  This  does  not  include  the  men  on  duty  with 
the  ambulance  train.    There  were  271  patients  in  the  hospital. 

It  will  be  seen  that  of  the  twelve  medical  officers  attached  to  this  hospital  only 
three  were  in  attendance  upon  the  sick,  under  which  conditions  I  can  not  but 
believe  that  the  services  of  the  medical  officers  on  duty  with  the  ambulance  com- 
pany could  more  properly  be  utilized  in  the  wards,  caring  for  the  sick  men. 

Many  of  the  ward  tents  were  without  flooring,  the  ground  damp,  wet,  and 
musty.  The  capacity  of  this  hospital  is  138,  and  in  its  present  overcrowded  con- 
dition I  find  eight  men  in  each  tent,  which  was,  at  least,  four  too  many. 

There  was  little  difference  between  this  hospital  and  that  of  others  in  the  camp. 
I  have  already  made  verbal  reports  on  this  subject. 

Within  the  past  month  every  camp  occupied  by  troops  has  been  moved  from 
the  timber  to  open  and  fairly  wholesome  grounds.  Frequent  and  careful  inspec- 
tions have  been  made  of  the  conditions  of  the  camps,  and  attention  of  officers 
called  to  the  imperative  necessity  of  a  more  close  observation  of  the  rules  that 
should  and  must  govern  to  insure  the  proper  sanitary  conditions  of  their  camps. 
This  has  resulted  in  a  most  marked  improvement  in  every  particular.  But  the 
time  has  passed  when  the  foulness  of  this  park  can  be  overcome  so  as  to  eliminate 
the  inevitable  dangers  attending  the  holding  or  camping  of  troops  here,  for  any 
length  of  time,  for  the  next  twenty-five  years. 

August  17  the  entire  command  was  again  reviewed,  and  by  contrast  a  most 
marked  improvement  is  observed  in  the  general  appearance  of  the  troops,  and 
nothing  but  praise  and  commendation  can  be  said  of  the  force  composing  the 
same. 

Before  closing  this  report,  I  can  not  refrain  from  again  referring  to  the  Medical 
Department.  With  nothing  but  the  highest  regard  for  the  professional  ability  of 
the  corps,  I  am  convinced  that  too  much  attention  is  given  to  matters  outside  of 
the  sick  wards,  such  as  the  ambulance  companies,  parades,  etc.,  especially  in 
times  like  these,  when  our  sick  reports  are  so  unusually  large  and  the  constant 
complaints  of  the  Medical  Department  is  lack  of  help.  Through  ignorance  and 
indifference  and  other  causes  our  hospitals  have  been  filled  to  overflowing;  in 
many  cases  reported  the  sick  have  not  received  proper  care.  This  being  the  con- 
dition, every  available  medical  officer  and  enlisted  attendant  should  be  on  duty, 
in  direct  contact  with  the  wards,  and,  for  the  time  being,  hang  their  swords  on 
the  wall,  forget  all  the  pomp  and  circumstance  attendant  to  parades  and  exer- 
cises of  troops  under  arms;  or,  in  other  words,  attend  to  the  sick  and  ailing,  that 
not  a  single  man  shall  suffer  for  lack  of  the  slightest  attention. 

The  reports  of  each  officer  who  performed  these  duties  have  been  submitted  to 
your  office. 


422         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  delay  in  submitting  this  report  has  been  caused  by  the  great  amount  of 
work  required  of  this  office  during  the  past  few  days. 
Very  respectfully, 

Frank  D.  Baldwin, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  and  Inspector-General  of  Volunteers. 

[First  indorsement.] 

Headquarters  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga., 

August  31y  1898. 
Respectfully  referred  to  Inspector-General  of  the  Army. 

Many  details  have  received  attention  as  the  inspection  proceeded,  but  as  all 
this  command  is  now  ordered  to  new  stations  it  may  be  too  late  for  the  usual 
remedial  action  upon  this  general  report,  though  it  and  those  from  the  regiments, 
etc.,  probably  contain  information  directly  related  to  and  supplementing  the 
data  secured  during  a  similar  inspection  of  the  command  last  May,  and  this  may 
be  aided  by  Major  Parker. 

Perhaps  the  most  noticeable  features  are  how  much  the  military  instruction 
and  efficiency  have  improved  and  how  greatly  the  sickness  has  increased,  though 
with  comparatively  small  percentage  of  deaths. 

J.  C.  Breckinridge, 

Major-General, 


Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga.,  August  19, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General,  Camp  Thomas. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  conditions  now  prevalent  here  appear 
to  call  for  the  immediate  abandonment  of  this  camp. 

Since  July  25  the  sick  report  here  has  increased  from  week  to  week,  as  follows: 

Jnly25. 2,226 

August  1 2,975 

August  8 3,631 

August  15 4,426 

August  18 4,894 

This  last  figure  does  not  include  over  1,300  men  furloughed  for  sickness  since 
July  25  and  291  discharged.  The  strength  of  the  command  is  now  about  43,000. 
An  inspection  of  these  figures  will  show  that  the  number  of  sick  men  in  this 
camp  increases  each  week  by  one-fourth.  At  this  rate  of  progression  the  sick  will 
soon  reach  a  number  which  with  present  facilities  it  will  be  impracticable  to 
handle.    The  causes  of  this  undue  rate  of  sickness,  in  my  opinion,  are  as  follows: 

This  park,  I  think  it  can  be  shown,  is  not  fitted  to  be  a  camping  place  for 
troops.  First,  the  park  is  mainly  a  forest,  with  occasional  openings  only.  These 
openings  afford  a  very  limited  space  for  the  exercises  of  the  troops,  grand  maneu- 
vers being  almost  out  of  the  question.  To  preserve  these  open  spaces  for  drills, 
etc. ,  seemed  to  necessitate  that  the  troops  should  camp  in  the  woods.  Such  camps 
are  not  healthy.  Being  very  largely  in  the  shade,  the  tents  and  the  ground 
around  them  remain  damp;  the  salutary  action  of  sunlight  on  germ  organisms  is 
.  shut  off;  the  free  movement  of  air,  which  would  otherwise  assist  in  the  drying 
process,  is  prevented.  The  disadvantages  of  camping  in  the  woods  are  especially 
apparent  during  the  rainy  season,  but  I  think  it  may  be  said  in  general  that  it 
has  been  found  that  such  camps  are  objectionable,  and  that  the  rule  has  been  in 
the  Regular  Army  always,  if  possible,  to  camp  in  ground  exposed  to  the  sun. 
This  rule  was  adhered  to  by  the  regular  troops  when  they  were  concentrated  here 
this  spring,  but  when  the  volunteers  came  here  the  necessity  of  preserving  drill 
grounds,  the  number  of  the  troops,  and  also  the  fact  that  the  open  spaces  had 
already  been  largely  used  for  camps  for  regulars,  prevented  the  example  of  tl  9 
regulars  from  being  followed. 


INSPECTION    REPORTS.  423 

Again,  the  soil  is  not  adapted  to  camping.  It  is,  as  a  rule,  hard,  tenacious  clay, 
Such  soil  does  not  absorb.  Slops,  dirty  water,  grease,  saliva,  urine,  vomit,  etc., 
which  it  is  impossible  to  keep  from  the  ground  in  a  closely  packed  camp,  are  not 
carried  into  the  lower  strata  by  subsequent  rains,  but  are  confined  to  the  thin 
layer  of  mold,  1  or  2  inches  thick,  which  lies  on  the  surface.  This  surface  layer, 
in  consequence,  in  a  short  time  becomes  thoroughly  infected,  breeding  maggots, 
stench,  and  disease.  Further,  in  heavy  rains  the  area  of  the  infected  ground  is 
enlarged.  Especially  is  this  the  case  with  the  ground  in  the  neighborhood  of  the 
various  dumps,  or  places  in  the  neighborhood  of  camps  where  refuse  is  thrown, 
which  must  become  over  a  large  area  soaked  with  a  solution  of  manure,  garbage, 
and  rotting  refuse  of  all  kinds.  Owing  to  the  great  number  of  camps  and  of 
dumps,  which  are  usually  placed  100  yards  or  more  from  the  camps,  a  very  large 
area  of  the  park  is  now  impregnated  from  this  cause  alone,  and  much  of  it  is 
rendered  noisome  from  the  foul  odors  resulting.  The  clay  soil  of  the  park  is 
underlaid  with  magnesium  limestone.  Magnesium  limestone  and  clay  are 
regarded  by  competent  authorities  as  one  of  the  worst  combinations  possible  for 
a  camping  ground.  (See  Bach's  Manual  of  Field  Engineering,  par.  458.)  It  is  a 
characteristic  of  magnesium  limestone  that  in  it  are  always  found  sink  holes, 
where  the  infected  fluids  from  the  ground  flow  and  are  stored,  exposed  to  the  air 
like  open  cesspools,  breeding  typhoid  fever  and  other  diseases.  Further,  the 
magnesia  affects  the  water  injuriously. 

Water.— It  was  a  peculiar  feature  of  this  camp  that  all  troops  on  arriving  here 
were  at  once  affected  with  a  continuous  and  more  or  less  severe  diarrhea.  Prac- 
tically none  escaped,  whether  officers  or  men,  veterans  or  recruits.  This  intestinal 
derangement  kept  up  for  two  or  three  weeks,  sometimes  longer,  and  there  can  be 
no  doubt  that  in  many  cases  by  weakening  and  deranging  the  system  it  prepared 
the  way  for  more  serious  ailments.  There  can  also  be  no  question  that  this 
diarrhea  is  due  to  the  water,  though  what  the  constituent  is  that  produces  this 
effect  is  a  matter  of  controversy.  In  the  last  two  or  three  months  typhoid  fever 
has  made  its  appearance  here  and  the  number  of  cases  is  now  large  and  constantly 
increasing.  It  is  believed  that  this  disease  is  also  largely  propagated  by  infected 
water.  The  water  here  is  derived  from  three  sources:  From  wells,  a  limited 
supply;  from  springs,  a  limited  supply,  and  from  the  Chickamauga  River.  The 
wells  are  of  recent  construction;  most  of  them  have  been  bored  by  the  park 
authorities  since  the  troops  have  arrived  here.  They  are  sunk,  as  a  rule,  over  100 
feet  in  order  to  reach  a  water-bearing  strata.  The  water  furnished  by  them  is 
cool,  and  therefore  much  relished  by  the  soldiers;  but  it  is  so  strongly  charged 
with  lime  and  magnesia  as  to  give,  in  some  cases,  a  very  perceptible  briny  taste. 
It  is  not  unlikely  that  surface  water  is  able  to  percolate  down  to  the  bottom  of  the 
wells  by  passing  outside  of  the  casing.  For  this  reason,  and  on  account  of  the 
strong  solution  of  mineral  matter,  it  is  not  believed  that  the  water  is  good  for  the 
men.  The  quantity  of  this  water  which  can  be  obtained  is  limited,  since  the  wells 
give  out  by  much  pumping.  The  springs  which  afford  any  great  volume  of  water 
are  situated  outside  of  the  park.  Blue  Spring,  from  which  most  of  the  drinking 
water  is  obtained,  being  4  miles  from  some  of  the  camps.  The  water  is  hauled 
in  barrels,  carried  on  the  regimental  wagons.  The  supply  of  wagons  and  barrels 
being  short,  the  amount  of  water  which  can  thus  be  obtained  is  necessarily  lim- 
ited. Under  favorable  circumstances  80  barrels,  or  about  3,000  gallons,  per  day 
can  be  hauled  to  a  regiment,  but  often  only  half  this  quantity  is  obtained.  This 
is  the  principal  drinking  water  used  by  the  men.  While  charged  with  lime  and 
magnesia,  it  is  believed  to  be  free  from  infection.  The  main  source  of  supply  of 
water  is  Chickamauga  River.  This  is  a  narrow,  rather  sluggish  typical  western 
winding  creek,  with  steep  clayey  banks,  sometimes  with  marshy  borders,  some- 
times with  banks  overgrown  with  vines  and  trees.  Much  rotting  driftwood  is  to 
be  seen  in  the  creek.  It  rises  about  20  miles  above  the  camp.  Just  above  the 
camp  is  Crawfish  Spring,  a  large  spring,  from  which  the  creek  receives  a  consider- 


424        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

able  supply  of  good  water.  Nevertheless,  at  the  intake  of  the  pipe  line  the  water 
is  generally  muddy,  and  especially  so  in  freshets,  thus  indicating  a  large  propor- 
tion of  surface  water.  This  creek  has  not  a  first-class  reputation  for  healthfulness. 
The  appearance  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  vicinity,  seldom  robust,  almost  uniformly 
thin  and  sallow,  would  seem  to  indicate  that,  on  account  of  the  water  and  other 
reasons,  this  is  not  a  healthy  locality.  Typhoid  fever  is  of  common  occurrence 
here.  A  case  of  typhoid  fever  was  found  at  the  house  of  a  Mr.  Bradley,  near 
Alexander  bridge,  as  early  as  June  1.  It  is  probable  that  others  existed  along  the 
stream  when  the  volunteers  moved  in  here.  The  water  of  the  creek  is  pumped  in 
6-inch  mains  over  a  hill  and  thence  flows  by  gravity  to  hydrants  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  camps.  Although  the  soldiers  dislike  it,  this  water,  on  account  of  the  short 
supply  of  spring  and  well  water,  is  much  used  for  both  cooking  and  drinking. 
For  drinking  it  is  boiled.  It  should  be  noted,  however,  that  it  is  impossible  to 
prevent  some  soldiers  from  obtaining  and  drinking  unboiled  water.  Even  this 
water  is  not  piped  directly  to  the  camps,  but  in  many  has  to  be  obtained  by  haul- 
ing it  from  a  considerable  distance.  As  a  consequence  there  is  rarely  enough  for 
general  washing,  and  in  some  regiments  men  have  been  known  not  to  wash  for 
an  entire  week. 

Sufficient  has  been  said  of  the  character  of  Chickamauga  Park,  its  soil  and  its 
water,  to  indicate  that  it  has  certain  drawbacks  which  prevent  it  from  being  an 
ideal  camping  place  for  troops.  These  disadvantages  have  been  increased  by 
certain  facts  in  connection  with  its  occupancy. 

When  the  volunteer  troops  arrived  here  in  May  they  were  inexperienced  in  the 
details  of  camping.  Moreover,  they  were  poorly  supplied  with  materials  and  tools 
of  all  kinds.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  in  this  climate  that  latrines  be  dug  deep 
and  boxed  and  roofed  in.  Many  regiments  had  no  picks  or  even  shovels;  they  had 
no  lumber,  and  in  consequence  of  these  obstacles  insufficient  latrines  were  dug; 
the  men  relieved  nature  all  through  the  woods,  and  the  ground  around  the  camp 
quickly  became  contaminated.  The  rains  quickly  filled  the  shallow  latrines,  and 
their  contents  ran  over  the  surface  of  the  ground.  This  made  it  necessary  to  dig 
new  latrines,  which  in  turn  had  to  be  abandoned.  I  know  of  one  camp  which  has 
over  200  old  latrines  on  its  outskirts.  The  holes  for  garbage  near  kitchens  became 
filled  with  water  in  the  same  manner.  All  these  places,  shallow  trenches  with  a 
thin  covering  of  soil,  are  now  emitting  poisonous  gases  from  the  decomposing 
material  beneath.  The  camps  have  been  changed  to  new  sites  only  to  extend 
foulness  and  infection.  The  whole  park  reeks  with  it.  It  is  estimated  that  8,000 
tons  of  excrement,  garbage,  manure,  and  sweepings  now  infect  it.  The  troops 
now  have  better  methods  of  treating  their  offal  and  garbage — the  latrines  are 
properly  closed,  the  garbage  in  some  instances  is  burned,  the  manure  and  refuse 
burned  if  possible.  The  troops  are  now  camping  in  the  open  drill  fields,  where 
they  get  plenty  of  sun  and  air.  Every  precaution  is  being  taken.  But  it  is  too 
late.  The  mischief  has  been  done.  This  park  as  a  camping  place  is  incurably 
infected.  Every  breeze  carries  a  stench.  The  sick  report  mounts  day  by  day. 
A  general  lassitude  is  apparent  in  men  and  officers.  The  months  in  which  typhoid 
fever  and  malaria  are  most  common  are  at  hand.  The  cases  of  typhoid  fever  have 
reached  500,  and  the  whole  situation  presages  a  general  epidemic. 

Under  the  circumstances  detailed  above,  no  remedy  exists  except  a  general 
departure  of  the  troops  from  this  place. 

Very  respectfully,  James  Parker, 

Major,  Twelfth  New  York  Volunteers, 

Inspector  of  Sanitation,  etc. 

A  true  copy. 

G.  R.  Cecil, 

Assistant  Adjutant-General. 


STATEMENT  OF  FACTS  REGARDING  RECENT  CHANGES  IN  THE 

INSPECTION  SYSTEM  OF  THE  ARMY,  AND  THE  ASSIGNMENT 

OF  INSPECTORS-GENERAL  DURING  THE  PRESENT  WAR. 


425 


War  Department,  Washington,  November  29,  1898. 
Gen.  Grenville  M.  Dodge, 

President  Commission  Appointed  by  the  President  to  Investigate 
the  Conduct  of  the  War  Department  in  the  War  with  Spain, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir  :  Agreeably  to  your  verbal  request,  the  following  statement  of  facts  regard- 
ing recent  changes  in  the  inspection  system  of  the  Army,  and  the  assignment  of 
inspectors-general  during  the  present  war,  is  respectfully  submitted : 

On  March  30,  1895,  my  predecessor  issued  an  order  (G.  O.,  No.  18,  series  1895) 
organizing  the  country  into  inspection  districts.  This  was  done  in  a  time  of  pro- 
found peace,  and,  as  I  am  informed,  largely  for  economical  reasons.  These  dis- 
tricts did  not  coincide  with  the  lines  of  the  territorial  departments ;  and  neither 
were  the  inspectors  under  the  control  of  the  commanders  of  such  departments, 
but  reported  directly  to  the  senior  Inspector-General  at  Washington. 

From  the  very  beginning  of  this  system,  I  am  informed,  complaints  against  it 
were  made  by  the  department  commanders,  one  of  whom  embodied  in  his  annual 
report  of  last  year  disapproval  of  the  system,  and  to  which  the  Major-General 
Commanding  the  Army  called  the  Secretary  of  War's  special  attention. 

On  March  23,  1898,  it  became  evident  that  this  system  was  not  applicable  to  the 
conditions  of  war,  when  the  general  order  of  March  30,  1895,  was  repealed  and 
the  general  order  (No.  81,  of  June  27,  1898)  now  in  force  was  substituted  (copies 
of  both  orders  herewith) . 

On  April  25, 1898,  General  Breckinridge  asked  to  be  appointed  major-general  of 
volunteers,  and  on  May  4  was  so  appointed,  but  continued  on  staff  duty  until 
July  27.  From  June  14  to  July  20  he  was  with  General  Shafter's  expedition  to 
Santiago,  and  was  present  in  the  engagements  before  that  city.  Copy  of  his  report  - 
of  observations  already  furnished  your  commission. 

On  August  2  he  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  troops  at  Camp  Thomas, 
Ga.,  and  on  September  12  to  the  command  of  the  First  Army  Corps,  at  Lexing- 
ton, Ky. 

The  General  Order  of  June  27,  prescribing  rules  for  the  guidance  of  inspectors- 
general,  was  drawn  by  Inspector-General  Sanger,  and  under  date  of  June  7  was 
approved  by  Inspector-General  Breckinridge,  in  an  indorsement  written  at  Tampa. 
The  only  change  made  in  the  original  draft  related  to  forwarding  of  inspection 
reports.  In  accordance  with  long-established  regulations,  it  was  provided  for  the 
transmission  of  these  reports  through  the  office  of  the  Adjutant-General.  It  is 
proper  here  to  note  that  there  is  not,  at  this  time,  in  this  office  or  in  that  of  the 
Adjutant-General,  a  single  inspection  report,  every  one  having  been  promptly 
referred  to  the  Inspector-General. 

It  will  be  noticed  that  General  Breckinridge  continued  to  serve  in  the  Inspector- 
General's  Department,  with  the  rank  of  major-general  of  volunteers,  for  several 
months  after  the  outbreak  of  the  war ;  in  fact,  nearly  up  to  the  time  when  hostili- 
ties ceased. 

It  is  also  of  record  that  General  Breckinridge,  as  early  as  April  30,  recom- 
mended every  officer  in  the  Inspector-General's  Department  for  commissions  as 
general  officers  in  the  Volunteer  Army.  Four  of  these  officers  were  commissioned 
as  such.  The  senior  colonel,  George  A.  Burton,  then  remaining  for  duty  with  the 
regular  establishment,  was  ordered  to  Washington  for  duty  and  put  in  charge  of 

the  office. 

427 


428         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Of  the  nine  inspectors  of  volunteers  with  the  rank  of  lieutenant-colonel,  six  were 
appointed  from  the  Regular  Army  on  their  efficiency  record;  three  from  the 
National  Guard,  one  of  whom  had  distinguished  service  as  an  officer  during  the 
war  of  the  rebellion. 

Of  the  twenty-three  majors  in  the  Inspector  General's  Department  appointed  to 
the  volunteer  service  sixteen  were  from  captains  and  lieutenants  of  the  Regular 
Army,  appointed  purely  upon  their  record  for  efficiency  and  established  ability. 
The  seven  from  civil  life,  with  one  exception,  had  had  large  experience  with  the 
National  Guard  of  their  several  States. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War, 


General  Orders,  )  Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

[■  Adjutant-General's  Office, 

No.  18.  )  Washington,  March  SO,  1895. 

By  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  the  following  is  published  for  the  infor- 
mation and  guidance  of  all  concerned  : 

Department  commanders  will  inspect  the  troops  under  their  command  at  least 
once  each  year,  and  for  this  purpose  they  will  be  accompanied  by  one  officer  of 
the  personal  or  department  staff  serving  at  their  respective  headquarters.  They 
will  assure  themselves  by  personal  examination  and  observation  that  all  offi- 
cers and  men  under  their  control  are  efficient  in  the  performance  of  duty;  that 
the  troops  are  thoroughly  drilled  and  instructed  in  their  field  duties  and  tactical 
exercises;  that  supplies  are  properly  distributed;  that  proper  care  is  exercised  in 
the  purchase  and  preservation  of  public  property;  and  that  strict  economy  is 
exercised  in  all  public  expenditures.  In  their  annual  reports  department  com- 
manders will  summarize  the  results  of  these  inspections. 

Inspection  districts  are  hereby  established,  to  be  designated  as  follows: 

The  North  Atlantic,  the  South  Atlantic,  the  Middle,  the  Northern,  the  Southern, 
and  the  Pacific.  The  limits  of  the  several  districts  will  be  designated  in  special 
instructions  to  be  given  hereafter. 

Col.  Robert  P.  Hughes,  inspector-general,  is  assigned  to  the  North  Atlantic 
district  and  will  take  station  in  New  York  City. 

Col.  George  H.  Burton,  inspector-general,  is  assigned  to  the  Pacific  district  and 
will  take  station  in  San  Francisco,  Cal. 

Lieut.  Col.  Henry  W.  Lawton,  inspector-general,  is  assigned  to  the  Southern 
district  and  will  take  station  in  Santa  Fe,  N.  Mex. 

Lieut.  Col.  Peter  D.  Vroom,  inspector-general,  is  assigned  to  the  Middle  district 
and  will  take  station  in  Chicago,  111. 

Maj.  Joseph  P.  Sanger  and  Maj.  E.  A.  Garlington,  inspectors- general,  are 
assigned  to  the  South  Atlantic  district  and  will  take  station  in  Washington,  D.  C; 
they  will  also  act  as  assistants  to  the  Inspector-General  of  the  Army. 

Maj.  Francis  Moore,  Fifth  Cavalry,  is  assigned  to  the  Northern  district  as  act- 
ing inspector-general  and  will  take  station  in  Denver,  Colo. 

With  the  exception  of  Colonel  Burton,  these  officers  will  be  relieved  from  their 
present  duties  in  season  to  join  their  new  stations  on  the  30th  of  April,  1895. 

Colonel  Burton  will  be  relieved  from  his  present  duties  on  April  30,  1895,  and 
will  join  his  new  station  not  later  than  May  31, 1895. 

The  travel  enjoined  is  necessary  for  the  public  service. 

The  Quartermaster's  Department  will  provide  the  necessary  office  rooms,  furni- 
ture, and  stationery. 

Inspectors-general  and  acting  inspectors-general  will  exercise  a  comprehensive 


ARMY    INSPECTION    SYSTEM.  429 

and  general  observation  within  their  respective  districts  over  all  that  pertains  to 
the  efficiency  of  the  Army,  the  condition  and  state  of  supplies  of  all  kinds,  of  arms 
and  equipments,  of  the  expenditure  of  public  property  and  moneys,  and  the  con- 
dition of  accounts  of  all  disbursing  officers  of  every  branch  of  the  service,  of  the 
conduct,  discipline,  and  efficiency  of  officers  and  troops,  and  report  with  strict 
impartiality  in  regard  to  all  irregularities  that  may  be  discovered.  From  time  to 
time  they  will  make  such  suggestions  as  may  appear  to  them  practicable  for  the 
cure  of  any  defect  that  may  come  under  their  observation. 

All  military  posts  and  important  detachments  therefrom,  all  depots  of  supplies, 
and  all  arsenals,  armories,  and  other  ordnance  establishments  will  be  inspected 
annually. 

The  inspection  of  accounts  of  disbursing  officers  will  be  directed  from  time  to 
time  in  instructions  from  the  War  Department. 

Unless  otherwise  specially  ordered,  national  cemeteries  and  ungarrisoned  posts 
will  be  inspected  once  in  two  years,  and  this  only  when  the  visits  can  be  made 
without  materially  increasing  the  work  and  travel  of  district  inspectors-general. 

This  order  will  take  effect  on  April  30,  1895. 
'  By  command  of  Lieutenant-General  Schofield: 

Geo.  D.  Ruggles, 

Adjutant-General. 


General  Orders,  )  Headquarters  op  the  Army, 

>•  Adjutant-General's  Office, 

No*  81*  )  Washington,  June  27, 1898. 

By  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  "War,  the  following  instructions  relating  to  the 
inspection  service  of  the  armies  in  the  field  are  published  for  the  information  and 
guidance  of  all  concerned : 

1.  Inspecting  officers,  selected  when  practicable  from  the  inspectors-general  of 
the  Regular  or  Volunteer  Army,  are  assigned  by  the  War  Department  to  the  head- 
quarters of  geographical  departments  and  to  the  headquarters  of  armies  and 
army  corps  in  the  field,  and  by  the  commanding  generals  thereof  to  divisions. 

In  the  absence  of  such  assignment,  and  to  fill  temporary  vacancies,  commanding 
generals  of  armies,  army  corps,  divisions,  and  geographical  departments  may 
detail  officers  from  their  commands  for  such  duty,  reporting  their  action  to  the 
Adjutant-General  of  the  Army  for  the  information  of  the  War  Department,  sub- 
sequently to  be  transmitted  to  the  Inspector-General  of  the  Army  for  record. 

2.  In  order  to  discharge  his  duties  efficiently,  an  inspector  should  make  himself 
familiar  with  everything  relating  to  the  different  branches  of  service  within  the 
scope  of  his  investigations.  Industrious  attention  must  therefore  be  given  by  him 
to  the  study  of  the  regulations  and  laws  for  the  government  of  the  army,  the 
systems  of  instruction,  and  the  general  principles  of  the  military  profession.  The 
sphere  of  inquiry  of  an  inspector  includes  every  branch  of  military  affairs,  except 
when  specially  limited  in  orders  or  by  the  Army  Regulations. 

3.  Upon  arriving  at  his  station  an  inspector-general,  or  acting  inspector-general 
will  report  to  the  commanding  general  in  person  and  by  letter  to  the  Adjutant- 
General  of  the  Army,  and  thereafter  will  report  to  him  monthly  the  inspections 
and  investigations  made  by  him ;  to  this  end  he  will  keep  a  record  of  the  various 
services  performed  and  the  dates  thereof.  The  attention  of  inspectors  is  especially 
called  to  Articles  LV1I,  LVIII,  and  LXXII,  Army  Regulations. 

4.  An  inspector-general  or  acting  inspector-general  will  make  known  his  orders 
or  instructions  to  commanding  or  other  officers  whose  troops  and  affairs  he  is 
directed  to  inspect,  and  these  officers  will  see  that  every  facility  and  assistance, 
including  clerical  aid  and  the  use  of  an  orderly,  are  provided  if  requested.    If 


430         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

ordered  to  investigate  accusations  prejudicial  to  the  character  of  an  officer,  he  will 
make  known  their  nature  to  the  officer  and  give  him  an  opportunity  to  make  his 
own  statement  in  writing,  which  he  will  append  to  his  report.  Harmony  as  well 
as  justice  to  the  individual  and  the  public  require  that  such  reports  be  maintained 
inviolably  confidential  and  that  they  should  not  of  themselves  be  made  the  basis 
of  official  proceedings.  In  the  investigation  of  misconduct  or  attempt  to  defraud 
the  Government  on  the  part  of  any  officer  or  agent  of  the  United  States,  the 
inspector  is  authorized  to  administer  oaths  to  witnesses.  Inspection  reports  of 
troops,  of  disbursements,  money  accounts,  and  unserviceable  property  will  be 
rendered  on  the  prescribed  forms  and  will  be  submitted  to  the  officer  ordering  the 
inspection. 

5.  An  inspector-general,  or  acting  inspector-general,  will  not  give  orders  unless 
specially  authorized  to  do  so,  and  then  only  in  the  name  of  the  superior  giving 
such  authority.  He  will  report  with  strict  impartiality  all  irregularities  coming 
under  his  notice,  as  well  as  the  remedies  applied  to  correct  them,  and  will 
refrain  from  informal  conversation  or  comment  upon  subjects  of  inspection  or 
investigation.  When  in  the  course  of  an  inspection  an  inspector  obtains  confi- 
dential information  respecting  matters  affecting  the  public  service,  he  will  com- 
municate such  information  in  an  oral  or  written  special  report. 

6.  All  nonconfidential  inspection  reports  will  be  forwarded,  through  regular 
channels,  to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army,  for  transmittal  to  the  Inspector- 
General  of  the  Army.  When  irregularities,  deficiencies,  or  misconduct  are 
reported,  the  several  commanders  will  state,  in  forwarding  the  reports,  what 
remedies  have  been  or  will  be  applied  to  correct  them. 

7.  Inspectors  will  make  written  memoranda  on  the  spot  of  every  defect,  irregu- 
larity, or  neglect  observed  during  their  inspections ;  also  any  particular  excellence 
which  may  strike  their  attention. 

INSPECTION  OF  TROOPS. 

8.  Inspections  of  troops  will  be  conducted  as  prescribed  in  the  authorized  drfl 
regulations,  and  when  the  command  consists  of  more  than  one  company,  will  be 
preceded  by  a  review  when  practicable. 

All  officers  and  enlisted  men,  except  the  guard,  the  sick,  and  one  cook  per  com- 
pany, will  be  present  at  inspection  under  arms. 

The  inspector  will  ascertain  and  report  whether  there  be  any  officers  or  enlisted 
men  in  excess  of  the  prescribed  organizations ;  absentees  will  be  accounted  for 
and  the  precise  status  of  all  officers  stated ;  he  will  critically  observe  and  report 
upon  the  military  bearing  and  appearance  of  the  troops  and  their  discipline; 
whether  regularly  mustered  and  paid  and  the  date  of  last  payment;  whether 
parades,  guard  mounting,  and  roll  calls  are  in  proper  form ;  whether  company, 
battalion,  and  regimental  inspections  are  frequently  and  regularly  made,  and  by 
whom ;  the  condition  of  the  arms,  accouterments,  field  equipments,  and  uniforms ; 
the  gun  carriages,  implements,  equipments  of  batteries ;  of  riding  equipments  and 
harness,  and  whether  well  fitted;  of  horses,  whether  well  treated,  shod,  and  cared 
for,  and  free  from  disease;  whether  troops  are  fully  equipped  for  field  service,  and 
blanket  bags  uniformly  and  properly  packed;  the  police  of  tents,  grounds,  kitch- 
ens, and  sinks;  whether  camps  are  well  located,  properly  drained,  and  thoroughly 
policed;  the  condition  of  the  water  supply;  the  composition  and  instruction  of  camp 
guards,  and  number  of  prisoners;  whether  the  troops  are  proficient  in  the  differ- 
ent drills,  advance  guard,  and  outpost,  in  target  practice,  signaling,  pitching  shel- 
ter tents,  first  aid  to  the  injured,  and  whether  every  officer  and  enlisted  man  has  a 
first  aid  packet;  whether  the  required  books,  records,  and  reports  are  kept  and  ren- 
dered, and  company  and  all  public  funds  legitimately  expended  and  accounted  for; 
whether  the  transportation,  including  ambulances,  stretchers,  and  travois,  the 
quartermaster's,  commissary's,  medical,  and  ordnance  supplies  are  sufficient  and 


ARMY    INSPECTION    SYSTEM.  431 

in  good  condition;  the  police  and  capacity  of  the  hospital;  number  of  sick  and 
wounded,  and  whether  they  receive  proper  attention;  the  prevalence  of  epidemic 
or  other  diseases;  whether  all  officers  are  zealous  and  intelligent,  reporting  any 
who  are  addicted  to  intemperance  and  gambling,  or  who  frequent  low  company, 
or  are  incapacitated  in  any  way  for  active  service. 

9.  In  the  inspection  of  heavy  artillery  the  inspector  will  report  whether  the  bat- 
teries are  assigned  to  guns  ;  whether  the  guns,  carriages,  appliances,  ammunition, 
platforms,  magazines,  parapets,  etc.,  are  preserved  in  good  order  ;  whether  maga- 
zines are  frequently  aired  and  the  means  prescribed  for  locating  objects  and  the 
control  of  the  fire  are  in  good  working  order. 

10.  In  the  inspection  of  cavalry  the  inspector  will  classify  cavalry  horses  thus — 

(a)  Those  to  be  condemned  as  unfit  for  any  use  whatever  in  any  branch  of  the 
service.     These  will  be  disposed  of  according  to  Army  Regulations. 

(b)  Those  unfit  for  cavalry  service,  but  fit  for  team  or  draft  horses.  These  will 
be  turned  into  the  Quartermaster's  Department. 

(c)  Those  unfit  for  service,  but  susceptible  of  recuperation  by  timely  treatment. 

(d)  Serviceable  horses. 

The  number  of  each  class  will  be  given  in  every  report  of  inspection. 

11.  Bearing  in  mind  the  specialties  of  each  arm,  the  inspector  will  test  the 
infantry  and  cavalry  in  making  an  attack,  over  a  distance  of  at  least  1,000  to 
1,500  yards,  against  an  enemy,  either  indicated  or  represented;  in  the  proper  dis- 
position of  advance  and  rear  guards,  on  the  march,  at  a  halt,  and  when  attacked; 
in  the  formation  of  an  outpost  according  to  the  cordon  or  group  system,  or  both. 

In  the  inspection  of  field  batteries  they  should  be  required  to  advance  rapidly, 
and  take  up  a  position  to  attack  or  defend  some  point;  the  inspector  will  note 
whether  the  batteries  are  properly  subdivided  for  marching  and  action,  and 
whether  the  reserve,  train,  etc. ,  are  judiciously  located.  Similarly  in  the  inspec- 
tion of  the  heavy  artillery,  the  entire  garrison  should  be  disposed  for  battle,  a 
squadron  of  the  enemy  will  be  assumed,  the  leading  ship  being  represented  by 
some  vessel  approaching  or  leaving  the  harbor;  skill  in  aiming,  the  efficiency  of 
fire  control,  supply  of  ammunition,  and  all  the  appliances  of  the  defense  will  be 
tested,  the  object  of  this  and  the  other  inspections  of  troops  being  to  determine 
the  degree  of  their  preparation  for  active  service. 

These  exercises  being  of  paramount  importance,  will  have  precedence  over  the 
drills  when  time  is  pressing. 

In  the  inspection  of  permanent  posts  and  garrisons  the  scope  of  the  inspection 
and  report  will  conform  to  the  requirements  of  prescribed  memoranda  and  the 
Army  Regulations  covering  that  subject. 

INSPECTION  OF  ADMINISTRATION,  DISBURSEMENTS,  AND  ACCOUNTS. 

±2.  In  making  these  inspections  the  inspector  will  inquire  as  to  the  necessity, 
economy,  and  propriety  of  all  disbursements,  their  strict  conformity  to  the  law 
ax^propriating  the  money,  and  whether  the  disbursing  officers  comply  with  the  law 
and  regulations  in  keeping  the  public  funds,  their  accounts,  and  making  their 
disbursements  and  deposits.  The  disbursing  officer  will  prepare  a  statement  of 
his  accounts  on  Form  3,  Inspector-General's  Department,  together  with  a  list  of 
outstanding  checks,  Form  3a.  The  inspector  will  verify  the  statement  from  the 
cashbook,  Treasury  receipts,  vouchers,  etc. ,  and  compare  the  vouchers  with  the 
check  stubs  and  depository  statements,  and  will  count  the  cash  on  hand.  It  will 
be  observed  whether  or  not  disbursing  officers  are  familiar  with  their  duties,  and 
are  prompt,  accurate,  and  courteous  in  conducting  their  business;  whether  issues 
and  payments  are  made  strictly  in  compliance  with  law,  and  whether  any  unau- 
thorized funds  are  kept.  Persons  employed  and  things  hired  will  be  seen  as  far 
as  practicable,  and  the  necessity  for  their  employment  and  hire  established. 


432         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

INSPECTION   OF   PROPERTY   FOR  CONDEMNATION. 

13.  This  duty  will  be  performed  by  inspectors-general  or  acting  inspectors- 
general,  assisted  when  necessary  by  such  officers  as  may  be  specially  detailed  for 
the  purpose.  The  attention  of  inspectors  is  directed  to  paragraphs  878-889,  Army 
Regulations,  which  will  govern  in  making  these  inspections.  Whenever  a  want 
of  proper  care  in  the  preservation  of  Government  property  comes  to  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  inspector,  he  will  report  the  fact.  All  reports  of  inspection  of  prop- 
erty will  be  submitted  by  the  inspector  through  his  immediate  commander  to  the 
officer  empowered  to  order  final  disposition  of  the  property. 

Inspectors  will  state  in  their  reports  of  damaged  or  inferior  quartermaster, 
commissary,  or  medical  stores,  the  source  from  which  they  were  obtained,  and, 
when  practicable,  the  names  of  the  officers  or  inspectors  who  furnished  and 
passed  the  articles  so  reported. 

The  necessary  blank  forms,  which  have  the  force  and  effect  of  Army  Regula- 
tions, will  be  furnished  by  the  Inspector-General  of  the  Army. 

By  command  of  Major-General  Miles: 

H.  C.  Corbin, 

Adjutant-General. 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMENTS  FROM  THE  QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL,  U.  S.  A. 


7833— VOL  1 28  433 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMENTS  FROM  THE  QUARTERMASTER- 
GENERAL. 


War  Department, 
Quartermaster-General's  Office, 
Washington,  October  14, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  your  communication  of  the  27th  ultimo;  I  have  the 
honor  to  submit  the  following  report  for  the  information  of  the  commission 
appointed  by  the  President  to  investigate  the  conduct  of  the  War  Department  in 
the  war  with  Spain. 

The  unnumbered  queries  propounded  by  the  commission  will  first  be  answered: 

Question.  The  amount  and  kind  of  camp  and  garrison  equipage  and  other  sup- 
plies that  were  on  hand  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  the  amount  subsequently 
purchased,  when  and  where  purchased,  when  and  where  delivered  to  your 
Department,  and  when  and  where  actually  issued  to  the  troops? 

Answer.  The  amount  of  the  principal  articles  of  clothing,  camp  and  garrison 
equipage,  and  clothing  and  equipage  materials  that  were  on  hand  at  the  general 
depots  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  on  the  1st  of  April  last,  is  shown  in 
the  accompanying  statement  marked  "A,"  but  in  order  that  the  Commission  may 
have  a  complete  statement  of  the  status  of  the  clothing  and  equipage  supplies  on 
said  date,  a  column  has  been  added  (though  not  called  for)  showing  the  articles 
that  were  due  on  contracts  then  in  existence,  thus  making  the  statement  of  the 
resources  of  the  Department  at  that  particular  time  complete. 

The  accompanying  statement  "  B  "  shows  in  detail  the  principal  articles  of  cloth- 
ng  and  equipage  manufactured  by  this  Department  at  the  manufacturing  depots 
from  April  30  to  August  15,  inclusive,  and  statement  "C"  the  quantities  that 
were  purchased  or  contracted  for  during  the  same  period.  The  depots  or  places 
at  which  the  articles  were  manufactured  or  purchased  are  also  set  forth. 

The  issue  of  clothing  and  equipage  supplies,  as  ordered  by  this  office,  is  speci- 
fied in  the  accompanying  statement  marked  "  D."  It  shows  in  detail  the  quanti- 
ties of  clothing  and  equipage  shipped  from  the  supply  depots  to  the  several  camps, 
from  May  1  to  August  15,  and  the  total  quantities  supplied  for  distribution  to 
troops.  The  exact  time  at  which  the  supplies  placed  at  the  camps  were  issued  to 
troops  is  not  of  record  here;  nor  is  it  believed  to  be  possible  to  obtain  the  infor- 
mation within  any  reasonable  period.  It  may  be  said  in  general  that  they  were 
issued  daily,  or  from  time  to  time,  during  the  existence  of  the  particular  camp. 

The  answers  made  under  questions  3  and  6  cover  the  data  as  far  as  now  com- 
plete in  this  office,  buifif  the  commission  desires  the  statement  to  be  continued 
to  a  later  date  this  office  will  cheerfully  comply,  although  it  will  require  con- 
siderable time  to  collect  the  information. 

The  accompanying  statement,  marked  "  Exhibit  E,"  shows  the  number  of  pub- 
lic animals,  wagons,  ambulances,  harness,  field  desks,  field  ranges,  bread  ovens, 
and  paulins  on  hand  April  1,  1898,  the  number  subsequently  purchased,  and  the 
number  issued.  The  other  items  of  quartermaster  supplies  consist  of  such  a  great 
variety  of  articles  that  it  is  not  considered  practicable  to  list  them  within  any 
reasonable  time. 

Question.  Which  of  the  volunteers  were  armed  and  equipped  in  the  various 
State  camps,  and  which  in  the  general  camps? 

Answer.  To  what  extent  the  volunteers  were  supplied  with  clothing  and  equi- 
page in  the  various  State  camps  can  not  be  obtained  from  the  record  of  this  office. 
In  only  a  very  few  instances  were  they  fully  equipped.     They  were  illy  supplied, 

435 


436         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

with  underwear,  shoes,  and  tentage.  Many  were  sent  to  camps  without  any  uni- 
forms whatsoever.  Every  effort  was  made  to  relieve  such  cases  by  telegraphing 
authority  to  purchase,  at  point  of  muster,  such  articles  as  shirts,  drawers,  stock- 
ings, shoes,  and  tents  procurable. 

Question.  Full  particulars  relative  to  the  transportation  of  troops  by  sea,  giving 
an  account  of  the  provisions  made  for  the  accommodation  and  care  of  the  sick  and 
wounded? 

Answer.  Full  particulars  relative  to  the  transportation  of  troops  by  sea  are 
given  in  the  answers  to  the  numbered  questions. 

For  the  care  and  transportation  of  sick  and  wounded,  the  Quartermaster's 
Department  purchased  from  the  Maine  Steamship  Company  of  Portland,  Me. , 
the  large  steamship  John  Englis.  The  interior  of  this  ship  was  remodeled  under 
the  immediate  supervision  of  an  officer  of  the  Medical  Department.  An  electric 
plant  for  lighting  and  purifying  the  air,  condensing  apparatus,  sterilizing  and 
laundry  plants  were  installed,  and  two  fine  steam  launches  were  provided.  This 
ship  is  now  named  Relief. 

Also  the  steamship  Missouri,  owned  by  the  Atlantic  Transport  Line,  was  simi- 
larly fitted  up  by  this  Department  under  the  immediate  supervision  of  an  officer 
of  the  Medical  Department,  and  every  appliance  put  upon  her  for  the  care  and 
comfort  of  sick  and  wounded. 

Both  of  these  ships  are  under  the  control  of  the  Medical  Department  of  the 
Army,  an  officer  of  that  department  being  assigned  to  duty  on  each  vessel. 

The  transport  ships  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  were  not  fitted  up  for 
hospitals,  except  the  steamship  Olivette,  upon  which  there  was  installed  condens 
ing  apparatus  and  other  arrangements  for  the  care  of  sick  and  wounded  after  her 
return  to  New  York  from  Cuba,  and  an  officer  of  the  Medical  Department 
assigned  to  have  charge  of  those  being  transported  upon  her.     - 

Several  other  transport  ships,  after  their  return  from  Cuba,  were  fitted  up  for 
the  more  comfortable  transportation  of  the  convalescents  and  returned  to  Santiago 
for  another  load. 

Question.  As  to  the  proper  tentage,  beds,  linen,  medicines,  food,  and  all  other 
necessary  equipment  and  supplies  for  the  use  of  the  Hospital  Corps  of  the  Army; 
if  there  was  any  lack  of  these  things  at  any  time,  state  the  reasons  therefor. 

Answer.  As  to  proper  tentage  for  use  of  the  Hospital  Corps,  the  demands  have 
at  all  times  been  promptly  met.  The  records  of  this  office  show  no  instance 
where  calls  for  hospital  tents,  approved  by  the  Surgeon-General,  were  not  imme- 
diately ordered  by  telegraph.  A  total  of  4,332  hospital  tents  were  supplied,  being 
ample  accommodations  for  25,992  sick;  473  ambulances  were  issued  and  any  nec- 
essary cooking  apparatus  called  for. 

The  supply  of  the  other  articles  mentioned  does  not  pertain  to  the  Quartermas- 
ter's Department. 

The  answers  to  the  numbered  questions  are  as  follows:  • 

Question  1.  Upon  the  declaration  of  war,  was  the  organization  and  were  the 
regulations  of  the  Department  of  such  a  character  as  to  admit  of  the  prompt 
equipment  and  movement  of  troops? 

Answer.  The  organization  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  at  the  time  speci- 
fied admitted  of  the  prompt  equipment  and  movement  of  troops,  not  only  of  the 
Army  as  then  constituted,  but  of  one  at  least  double  its  size,  under  a  condition  of 
peace,  but  not  of  an  army  ten  times  its  size  under  conditions  of  war  carried  on  in 
a  foreign  country. 

The  prevailing  regulations  of  the  Department  were  framed  under  statutes  and 
orders  for  a  peace  establishment,  and  in  some  respects  the  statutes  were  not 
elastic  enough  to  meet  the  rapid  equipment  of  a  quarter  of  a  million  of  men. 

Question  2.  How  many  officers  belonged  to  the  Department  when  war  was 
declared,  and  how  many  (with  their  rank)  have  been  appointed  in  the  volunteer 
service  since  that  time? 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 


437 


Answer.  When  war  with  Spain  was  declared,  April  22, 1898,  there  were  57  officers 
belonging  to  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  as  follows:  1  brigadier-general,  4 
colonels,  8  lieutenant-colonels,  14  majors,  and  30  captains — 57  officers  in  all. 

Volunteer  officers  have  been  appointed  in  the  Quartermaster's  Department  since 
the  declaration  of  war  as  follows  (acts  approved  April  22  and  July  7, 1898) :  2  coL- 
onels,  9  lieutenant-colonels,  25  majors,  and  85  captains— 121  volunteer  quarter- 
masters. 

Of  the  above  121  volunteer  officers,  60  were  appointed  in  May,  1898,  28  in  June, 
26  in  July,  and  7  in  August.  Of  these  appointees  23  qualified  in  May,  49  in  June, 
31  in  July,  14  in  August,  and  4  in  September. 

Twenty-two  of  the  regular  officers  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  received 
commissions  in  the  volunteer  service  of  this  Department,  and  one  received  a 
volunteer  commission  in  the  Judge- Advocate-General's  Department.  Deducting 
these  23  officers  from  the  total  number  of  both  regular  and  volunteer  quarter- 
masters, left  available  155  officers  for  service  in  the  Quartermaster's  Department 
during  hostilities. 

Question  3.  For  an  army  of  what  size  was  the  Department  prepared  to  fully 
supply  all  necessary  clothing,  camp  and  garrison  equippage  on  April  1,  1898? 

Answer.  The  Department  on  the  1st  of  April  last  was  prepared  to  supply  the 
existing  Army,  and  from  8,000  to  10,000  men  in  addition  for  three  months.  This  is 
predicated  on  a  compliance  of  post  commanders  with  orders  which  contemplated 
that  at  least  three  months'  supply  should  always  be  on  hand  at  each  post  for  the 
requirements  of  its  garrison. 

Question  4.  Was  the  clothing  on  hand  and  ready  for  issue  to  troops,  and  that 
previously  issued,  of  a  character  suitable  for  use  in  a  tropical  climate? 

Answer.  The  clothing  on  hand  and  ready  for  issue  to  troops  on  the  1st  of  April 
last,  and  that  previously  issued,  was  not  of  a  character  specially  suited  to  tropical 
climates,  being  intended  for  use  of  troops  stationed  at  places  under  the  jurisdiction 
of  our  Government,  at  none  of  which  a  tropical  climate  prevailed. 

Question  5.  What  amount  of  tentage  was  available,  and  were  the  troops  sent 
from  garrison  life  to  the  field  at  once  furnished  with  necessary  tentage  and  other 
quartermaster  supplies  necessary  for  use  in  camp  life? 

Answer.  The  number  of  tents  available  April  1,  1898,  was  as  follows: 


Tents. 


In  hands 

At 

of  troops. 

depots. 

513 

218 

1,127 

325 

2,262 

487 

4,996 

1,761 

28, 029 

9,863 

Total. 


Hospital . . . 
Conical  wall 

Wall 

Common  ... 
Shelter 


731 

1,452 

2,749 

6,757 

37, 892 


The  regulation  allowance  of  tentage  for  troops  of  the  Regular  Army  was  on 
hand  at  the  garrisons  where  the  troops  were  stationed,  and  was  carried  by  them 
into  the  field.  To  a  great  extent  they  also  carried  with  them  the  other  quarter- 
master supplies  necessary  for  use  in  camp  life;  any  additional  articles  needed 
were  quickly  furnished.  They  likewise  took  with  them  about  all  the  wagon 
transportation  at  the  posts  where  stationed.  This  was  limited  to  post  require- 
ments, and,  although  answering  for  such  purpose,  was  insufficient  to  meet  needs 
in  the  field. 

Question  6.  What  steps  were  taken  for  fully  supplying  an  army  of  250,000  men 
with  suitable  clothing,  camp  and  garrison  equipage,  and  what  amount  of  mate- 
rial of  each  kind  had  been  obtained  and  what  amount  issued  up  to  August  31, 
1898? 

Answer.  Prior  to  the  declaration  of  war  the  work  of  manufacture  of  clothing 
and  tentage  was  performed  at  our  depots  on  a  scale  commensurate  with  t"he  needs 
of  the  Army;  a  reasonable  reserve  stock  being  kept  on  hand.     In  March  last 


438         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

when  complications  with  Spain  seemed  possible,  this  office  instructed  officers  at 
manufacturing  depots  to  push  manufactures  in  certain  lines,  and  authorized  addi- 
tional material  for  tentage  and  clothing  to  be  purchased,  not,  however,  or  an 
extensive  scale,  as  the  situation  then  did  not  warrant  such  action.  On  the  26th 
day  of  March  the  officers  of  the  quartermaster's  depots  at  Philadelphia,  New  York, 
St.  Louis,  and  Chicago  were  instructed  to  ascertain  and  report  what  number, 
kind,  and  sizes  of  new  tents  complete  were  on  hand  and  could  be  purchased,  and 
how  rapidly  tents  could  be  made  by  principal  manufacturers,  if  required;  this  in 
order  that  knowledge  of  the  market  might  be  had  in  case  of  a  hasty  need  of 
tents.  Purchases  were  made  during  the  early  part  of  April  to  strengthen  the 
stock,  and  about  the  middle  of  that  month  the  depot  quartermaster  at  Philadel- 
phia was  instructed  to  communicate  with  all  manufacturers  and  contractors  for 
blankets,  blouse  and  shirting  flannels,  kersey,  shoes,  leggings,  and  other  neces- 
saries, and  ascertain  and  report  at  what  prices  and  in  what  quantities  and  by 
what  time  they  can  furnish  them  to  the  Department. 

On  April  20  the  same  officer  was  instructed  to  advertise  under  five  days'  notice 
for  a  large  quantity  of  materials,  consisting  of  kersey,  blouse  flannel,  blouse-lin- 
ing flannel,  etc.;  also  to  invite  proposals  under  ten  days'  notice  for  blankets, 
shirting  flannel,  forage  caps,  drawers,  leggings,  ponchos,  shoes,  summer  under- 
shirts, pickaxes,  shovels,  and  other  articles;  also  for  the  manufacture  from  mate- 
rial on  hand  of  a  large  number  of  blouses,  flannel  shirts,  and  trousers. 

On  the  25th  of  April  he  was  also  authorized  to  invite  proposals  under  ten  days' 
notice  for  a  very  large  quantity  of  all  classes  of  material,  clothing,  and  tentage, 
approximating  in  value  $3,039,998.87. 

Purchases  were  also  arranged  for  during  the  months  of  April  and  May  at  New 
York,  Chicago,  St.  Louis,  Boston,  and  Baltimore,  aggregating  over  $3,000,000. 

It  will  be  seen  by  reference  to  Exhibit  D,  accompanying  this  report,  that  among 
the  items  sent  out  for  issue  between  May  1  and  August  15  were  the  following: 
Blankets,  546,338;  blouses,  390,775;  trousers,  523,203;  campaign  hats,  476,705;  can- 
vas field  uniforms,  153,167;  shoes,  782,303;  leggings,  588,800;  dark-blue  flannel 
shirts,  622,211;  undershirts,  1,257,002;  drawers,  1,210,682;  axes,  38,963;  trumpets, 
4,888;  camp  kettles,  34,344;  mess  pans,  58,662;  various  kinds  of  tents,  exclusive  of 
shelter  tents,  64,980;  shelter  tent,  halves,  372,379. 

Recourse  was  had  to  every  expedient  to  obtain  supplies,  but  great  difficulties 
had  to  be  overcome.  There  was  practically  no  standard  tent  duck  in  the  market 
of  the  United  States,  and  the  production  of  tents  was  entirely  governed  by  the 
ability  of  the  mills  to  turn  out  the  proper  material.  That  tents  of  proper  quality 
could  not  be  immediately  supplied  is  apparent.  To  meet  pressing  and  immediate 
demands  of  the  troops  first  mustered  in,  the  Department  purchased  all  tentage  to 
be  obtained  in  the  various  cities  of  the  country  which  seemed  of  fair  quality. 
The  life  of  many  of  these  tents  was  short. 

The  same  difficulty  of  production  was  met  with  in  many  other  articles  supplied 
by  this  Department;  particularly  was  it  the  case  with  sky-blue  kersey  trousers, 
where  the  wool  had  to  be  dyed  out  of  which  to  manufacture  the  cloth  from  which 
to  make  the  garments.  Owing  to  the  inability  to  get  sky-blue  kersey,  the  Depart- 
ment was  obliged  to  have  made  some  dark-blue  trousers.  These  trousers  being 
lighter  weight,  were  not  equal  in  quality  to  those  previously  issued  to  regular 
troops,  and  were  not  desired  by  the  troops  on  account  of  difference  in  color. 

This  was  noticeably  the  case  at  Camp  Thomas,  where  the  quartermaster  com- 
plained of  inability  to  get  sufficient  trousers,  although  there  was  on  hand  at  the 
camp  a  considerable  supply  of  dark-blue  trousers. 

To  those  unfamiliar  with  it  the  labor  connected  with  the  securing  and  distrib- 
uting this  vast  amount  of  supplies  is  not  appreciated.  Take  the  item  of  shoes; 
it  represents  a  daily  delivery,  were  it  evenly  distributed,  from  April  22  to  August 
12,  Sundays  included,  of  about  4,000  pairs  per  day,  and  of  all  articles  of  clothing 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENEKAL.  439 

and  equipage  a  daily  delivery  of  over  56,000  articles.  During  all  this  rush  the 
Department  was  obliged  to  be  most  vigilant  to  prevent  articles  of  inferior  quality 
being  imposed  upon  the  Government.  To  this  end  a  large  corps  of  inspectors 
had  to  be  employed,  and  they  in  turn  watched. 

In  the  distribution  of  these  supplies  there  was  certainly  no  "red  tape"  as  far 
as  the  Quartermaster-General's  Office  is  concerned.  Without  waiting  for  requi- 
sitions or  requests  of  any  sort,  supplies  in  kind  and  quantity  judged  by  this  office 
likely  to  be  required  were  shipped  in  bulk  to  the  various  points  of  concentration, 
and  the  depot  quartermasters  there  urged  from  time  to  time  to  inform  the 
Quartermaster-General  as  the  supply  of  any  particular  article  ran  low. 

Question  7.  How  many  public  animals  and  how  many  wagons  with  harness 
were  available  April  1,  1898? 

Answer.  There  were  8,722  public  animals  (consisting  of  6,701  horses  and  2,021 
mules),  1,188  wagons,  and  4,963  sets  of  harness  available  in  the  Quartermaster's 
Department  on  April  1,  1898.     (See  Exhibit  A.) 

Question  8.  What  steps  were  taken  for  obtaining  additional  animals,  wagons, 
and  harness;  how  were  they  obtained,  and  what  number  has  been  purchased  and 
issued  by  August  31, 1898? 

Answer.  Horses  for  cavalry  were  generally  purchased  in  the  States  from  which 
the  regiment  came,  so  far  as  practicable  and  economical,  by  boards  of  regular  offi- 
cers appointed  for  the  purpose,  and  these  boards  visited  different  points,  not 
involving  too  much  travel,  where  sufficient  numbers  of  animals  were  offered  for 
inspection.  The  mules  and  part  of  the  horses  were  purchased  by  experienced  and 
qualified  officers  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  who,  after  a  call  for  figures, 
either  by  letter,  wire,  or  verbally,  made  purchase  accordingly. 

In  the  case  of  wagons  and  harness,  this  office,  before  the  declaration  of  war, 
called  upon  all  prominent  wagon  and  harness  manufacturers  of  the  country  for 
information  as  to  how  rapidly  and  at  what  prices  they  could  supply  wagons  and 
harness  suited  to  army  use,  if  suddenly  called  upon  in  emergency,  and  to  what 
extent  their  factories  could  be  relied  upon  to  supply  the  needs  of  the  Army. 
Numerous  replies  to  these  inquiries  were  received,  and  all  that  offered  promise  of 
assistance  in  quantities  and  time  to  meet  threatening  demands  were  made  the 
basis  for  action  when  the  actual  demand  for  these  supplies  came.  These  inquiries 
covered  not  only  the  ability  to  manufacture  wagons  and  harness,  but  also  secured 
information  as  to  stock  of  ready-made  wagons  and  harness  on  hand  which  could 
be  made  available  in  emergency.  This  enabled  the  Department  to  procure 
rapidly  when  called  upon  the  means  of  transportation  to  actually  equip  the  Army 
for  field  service  by  placing  large  numbers  of  wagons  and  wagon  parts  and  quan- 
tities of  harness  at  convenient  points  for  issue  as  required.  Such  subdepots  of 
supply  were  established  at  Tampa.  Chickamauga,  and  other  points  of  probable 
convenience. 

Subsequently  the  wagons  and  harness  were  purchased,  after  a  call  for  figures, 
on  short  notice  either  by  letter  or  by  wire,  from  leading  dealers,  the  purchase  in 
all  cases  being  from  the  lowest  bidder  for  the  most  suitable  article. 

Thirty-six  thousand  eight  hundred  public  animals  (consisting  of  16,618  horses 
and  20,182  mules)  were  purchased,  and  36,033  animals  (consisting  of  16,483  horses 
and  19,550  mules)  issued  by  August  31,  1898;  5,179  wagons  of  various  kinds  were 
purchased,  and  4,891  issued  by  August  31,  1898;  28,012  sets  of  single  harness  were 
purchased,  and  26,634  sets  were  issued  by  August  31,  1898.    (See  Exhibit  E.) 

Question  9.  What  arrangements  had,  been  made  previous  to  April  1, 1898,  for  the 
rapid  movement  of  troops  by  land  and  by  water? 

LAND. 

'  Answer.  No  arrangements  were  made  for  movement  of  troops  by  land  previous 
to  April  1 ,  as  none  seemed  necessary. 


440         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

On  May  8,  in  anticipation  of  the  movements  of  the  volunteer  forces  of  the 
country  to  field  duty,  the  Quartermaster-General  prepared  lists  of  those  to  be 
shipped  from  each  locality  and  sent  them  to  the  officers  of  the  Quartermaster's 
Department,  who  would  be  charged  with  the  transportation.  The  following  is  a 
copy  of  the  letter  as  sent  out: 

Chief  Quartermaster,  Department  of  the  Lakes, 

Chicago,  III. 

Sir:  The  War  Department  has  informed  the  Quartermaster-General  that  as 
soon  as  mustered  in  and  equipped  at  the  several  points  of  rendezvous  in  the  States 
referred  to  the  volunteer  forces  of  the  United  States  mentioned  on  the  inclosed 
statement  will  be  sent  to  the  national  camps  and  points  of  defense  and,  reserve 
as  indicated  thereon. 

You  will  examine  this  list  with  a  view  of  determining  the  arrangements  required 
for  the  transportation  of  the  troops  from  the  States  embraced  in  the  Department 
of  the  Lakes  to  points  of  destination  when  their  movement  is  ordered. 

After  familiarizing  yourself  with  the  necessary  detail  of  this  subject  you  will 
consult  the  railroads  interested  in  the  transportation  of  these  troops  and  deter- 
mine, as  far  as  practicable,  such  preliminaries  as  can  be  settled  in  advance  of  the 
movement. 

The  exact  number  of  troops  to  come  with  each  organization  is  not  known  to 
this  office,  but  will  be  communicated  to  you  as  soon  as  the  information  is  obtained. 

is  thought,  however,  that  the  necessary  routes  of  travel  can  be  definitely  fixed, 
and  such  competition  invited  as  will  secure  the  most  advantageous  rates  for  each 
movement,  so  that  when  instructions  are  communicated  to  you  to  have  the  troops 
go  forward  there  will  be  nothing  to  delay  their  prompt  shipment. 

It  is  suggested,  to  avoid  crowding  where  troops  are  to  go  out  overnight,  a  double 
seat  be  given  each  man. 

The  subject  is  therefore  committed  to  your  discretion,  with  the  request  that 
you  will  take  all  the  preliminary  steps  deemed  by  you  advisable,  and  keep  the 
Quartermaster-General  informed  of  the  more  important  features  of  the  matter. 
Respectfully, 

M.  I.  Ludington, 
Quartermaster-General,  United  States  Army. 

The  above  letter  was  sent  to  the  following-named  officers: 

Chief  quartermaster,  Department  of  the  Gulf. 

Chief  quartermaster,  Department  of  Dakota. 

Chief  quartermaster,  Department  of  the  Missouri. 

Chief  quartermaster,  Department  of  the  Colorado. 

Chief  quartermaster,  Department  of  the  Columbia. 

Chief  quartercnaster,  Department  of  California. 

Depot  quartermaster,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Depot  quartermaster,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Depot  quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

May  11, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General  United  States  Army. 

General:  I  have  respectfully  to  inform  you  that  instructions  have  been  given 
to  the  proper  officers  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  to  immediately  make,  as 
far  as  possible,  all  preliminary  preparations  and  arrangements  for  the  transpor- 
tation of  the  volunteer  forces  from  the  several  points  in  the  States  where  they  are 
mustered  and  equipped  for  service  to  Washington,  Chickamauga,  New  Orleans, 
Mobile,  or  Tampa,  as  the  case  may  be,  and  to  decide  upon  rates,  and  see  that 
roads  interested  furnish  the  necessary  equipment  upon  short  notice. 

These  instructions  have  been  circulated  in  advance  so  that  no  delay  that  can  be 
avoided  may  occur  in  forwarding  any  of  these  troops  to  the  field. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  441 

If  the  Adjutant-General  will  give  this  office  immediate  notice  when  advised 
that  any  troops  are  ready  to  be  transported  to  the  field,  with  the  name  of  the 
proper  officer  to  address  relative  to  their  transportation,  the  Quartermaster- 
G-eneral  will  at  once  notify  such  officer  by  wire  the  address  of  the  proper  officer 
of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  to  whom  to  apply  for  transportation,  and  at 
the  same  time  the  quartermaster  will  be  instructed  by  wire  to  supply  the  required 
transportation  with  the  least  possible  delay. 

If  this  proposed  line  of  action  is  strictly  carried  out,  it  is  thought  that  the  vol- 
unteer troops  will  be  placed  in  the  field  at  the  least  possible  cost  to  the  United 
States  and  with  the  least  practicable  delay  to  the  military  service. 
Respectfully, 

M.   I.   LUDINGTON, 

Quartermaster-General,  United  States  Army. 

WATER. 

The  needs  of  the  Department  for  transport  vessels  was  thoroughly  canvassed 
prior  to  April  1, 1898,  and  as  the  necessity  for  provision  to  be  made  for  the  trans- 
portation of  troops  and  supplies  by  sea  became  apparent,  measures  were  taken  to 
ascertain  the  best  method  for  providing  for  such  transportation. 

On  March  24,  1898,  the  Quartermaster-General  addressed  a  letter  to  Lieut.  Col. 
A.  S.  Kimball,  depot  quartermaster,  New  York  City,  directing  him  to  ascertain 
and  report  to  this  office  all  available  ships  of  the  coast-line  trade  which  could  be 
secured  by  charter,  showing  their  capacity,  etc.  In  reply,  under  date  of  March 
29,  1898,  Colonel  Kimball  reported,  inclosing  an  abstract  of  the  vessels  which  he 
had  been  able  to  ascertain  could  be  secured  from  the  various  coast-line  steamship 
companies  in  New  York,  and  stating  that  a  member  of  the  Naval  Board  on  Auxil- 
iary Cruisers  had  stated  that  the  Navy  had  absolute  option  on  all  boats  of  the 
most  prominent  steamship  companies.  (Copy  of  correspondence  referred  to  is 
herewith,  marked  Exhibit  F.) 

When  it  became  known  that  the  Department  required  vessels  for  army  trans- 
port service,  tenders  of  vessels  for  charter  and  purchase  were  received  from  all 
the  prominent  steamship  companies,  and  inspections  of  the  vessels  were  made  by 
officers  of  the  Department  and  reported  to  this  office  with  a  view  to  the  selection 
of  those  best  suited  for  the  service. 

Question  10.  What  arrangements  were  made  and  how  many  troops  were  actually 
moved  by  railroad  and  by  vessel  between  April  1  and  August  31,  1898? 

Answer.  For  statement  as  to  "arrangements  made "  for  proper  transportation, 
see  answer  to  question  9  and  copies  of  papers  therewith. 

RAILROAD. 

There  were  transported  between  April  1  and  August  31,  according  to  informa- 
tion collected  by  this  office,  13,476  officers  and  321,173  enlisted  men,  a  total  of 
334,649  persons. 

VESSEL. 

The  records  of  this  office  show  that  between  April  1  and  August  31,  1898,  44 
steamships  were  chartered  and  14  steamships  were  purchased  for  service  on  the 
Atlantic  and  Gulf  waters,  and  that  17  steamships  were  chartered  and  2  steam- 
ships were  purchased  for  service  on  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  all  were  fitted  up  for 
the  transportation  of  troops,  animals,  and  supplies. 

The  total  tonnage  of  the  ships  on  the  Atlantic  coast  was  166,987  tons,  and  they 
were  fitted  up  for  the  accommodation  of  40,732  officers  and  men. 

The  total  tonnage  of  the  ships  on  the  Pacific  coast  was  61,287  tons,  and  they 
were  fitted  up  to  accommodate  18,120  officers  and  men. 


442         INVESTIGATION    OP    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  records  show  that  there  were  transported  by  the  Atlantic  fleet  of  trans- 
ports between  April  1  and  August  31,  1898: 

Men. 

To  Cuba - 26,695 

To  Porto  Rico.. - 17,087 

From  Cuba  to  Montauk  Point, N.  Y., and  of  sick  and  convalescent  to  vari- 
ous coast  cities 19, 676 

From  San  Francisco  to  Manila 15,741 

Total  troops  moved  by  vessej  to  August  31,1898.. 79,199 

Question  11.  Were  full  and  complete  arrangements  made  for  supplying  the 
troops  operating  in  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  and  the  Philippines  with  suitable  clothing 
and  with  camp  and  garrison  equipage  and  quartermaster  stores  for  armies  oper- 
ating in  the  field? 

Answer.  In  entering  upon  this  subject  the  question  arises  as  to  what  may  be 
considered  "suitable  clothing"  for  these  countries.  Opinions  upon  this  matter 
differ.  By  some,  light  woolens  are  advocated;  others  advocate  cotton;  while  in 
the  Philippines,  the  most  tropical  of  the  three,  opinions  are  equally  divided.  The 
question,  even  to  this  date,  has  not  been  fully  settled.  After  issuing  uniforms  on 
hand  at  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  all  blouses  were  made  without  lining;  and  the 
material  for  trousers  was  reduced  from  22  to  16  ounces  per  yard,  as  light  as  is 
consistent  with  good  service.  An  abundant  supply  of  light  cotton  underwear 
was  furnished  to  all  the  Army  and  there  was  an  abundant  supply  of  it  at  Tampa 
prior  to  the  sailing  of  General  Shafter's  army.  As  showing  the  difference  of 
opinion  existing  about  clothing,  I  quote  the  following  telegraphic  correspondence: 

War  Department, 
Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  June  12,  1898. 
Colonel  Lee,  Battlefield,  Oa.: 

It  is  observed  that  you  and  General  Brooke  frequently  mention  canton-flannel 
drawers  as  wanted,  and  we  send  such.  Is  it  to  be  understood  that  canton-flannel 
is  preferred  to  summer  drawers? 

Patten,  Quartermaster. 


Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.,  June  14,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Replying  your  dispatch  12th  instant.  There  seems  to  be  preference  in  propor- 
tion of  about  three  to  one  for  canton-flannel  drawers  on  account  of  their  being 
stronger,  and  after  the  nap  is  worn  off  they  are  almost  as  thin  and  cool  as  the 
summer  drawers. 

Lee,  Chief  Quartermaster. 


Most  of  the  troops  taking  part  in  the  Santiago  campaign  were  regulars,  and  as 
they  were  fully  and  completely  equipped  when  war  was  declared,  they  naturally 
went  to  the  front  with  little  consideration  as  to  whether  or  not  their  uniforms 
were  especially  suited  to  service  in  the  tropes;  they  had  worn  the  same  in  their 
campaigns  in  Texas  and  Arizona.  I  think  this  applies  to  the  officers  as  well  as 
the  men. 

More  than  5,000  suits  of  canvas  clothing  were  issued  to  the  Fifth  Army  Corps 
at  Tampa  before  it  sailed,  and  the  Rough  Riders  were  equipped  with  canvas 
clothing  before  they  went  to  Tampa. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  443 

Under  the  conditions  to  which  the  troops  were  exposed  in  the  trenches,  it  is  not 
improbable  that  those  clad  in  canvas  suffered  more  from  sickness  than  those  who 
endured  the  heavier  woolen  clothing.  A  general  officer  said  to  me,  "  The  blue 
flannel  shirt  was  the  best  friend  the  soldier  had  in  Cuba." 

The  conditions  as  to  the  Philippines  were  quite  different.  The  climate  in  Cuba 
and  Porto  Rico  is  mild  as  compared  with  the  climate  in  the  Philippines.  The 
Department  was  informed  as  to  this,  and,  furthermore,  there  was  time  allowed 
to  fully  equip  each  expedition  before  it  sailed  from  San  Francisco.  This  was 
done  by  providing  each  man,  in  addition  to  the  regular  uniform,  with  an  ample 
supply  of  the  following  articles:  Nankeen  underclothing,  light  cotton  socks,  white 
drill  suits,  and  gingham  shirts. 

All  troops  going  to  Porto  Rico  were  furnished  with  canvas  suits,  and  sufficient 
were  sent  to  Cuba  to  equip  all  troops  there.  With  reenforcements  sent  on  the 
steamer  St.  Paul  on  July  6,  there  were  shipped,  to  replenish  equipment  of  Gen- 
eral Shafter's  army,  the  following  articles:  5,000  blankets,  5,000  blouses,  25,000 
summer  drawers,  25,000  campaign  hats,  10,000  ponchos,  5,000  dark-blue  shirts, 
24,500  shoes,  40,000  stockings,  5,000  foot  trousers,  25,000  cotton  undershirts,  14,000 
canvas  uniforms,  1,000  axes,  1,500  helves,  250  pickaxes,  300  helves,  1,000  long- 
handled  shovels,  350  short-handled  shovels,  500  spades. 

It  has  since  been  learned  that  owing  to  difficulties  in  landing  at  Siboney,  the 
stores  were  not  unloaded  there,  but  they  were  unloaded  at  Santiago  on  July  23, 
and  issue  commenced  on  Monday,  July  25. 

Full  arrangements  were  also  made  for  the  supply  of  the  troops  in  Cuba  and  Porto 
Rico  with  quartermaster's  supplies  of  all  kinds.  A  large  quartermaster's  depot 
at  Tampa  was  supplied  with  stores  to  meet  all  wants,  but  the  difficulty  of  pro- 
viding sufficient  water  transportation  to  Cuba,  and  of  landing  the  animals,  wag- 
ons, and  other  stores  at  Santiago,  resulted  in  much  of  this  material  being  left  at 
Tampa  and  never  being  used  by  the  army  in  Cuba. 

Upon  learning  that  Shafter's  army  was  to  be  sent  from  Santiago  to  Montauk 
Point,  and  that  they  were  instructed  to  leave  all  tentage  behind,  immediate  steps 
were  taken  to  place  at  Montauk  Point  new  tentage  for  30,000  men,  including  the 
sick,  and  also  20,000  uniforms,  suits  of  underclothing,  hats,  blankets,  shoes,  etc. 
The  records  of  this  office  show  that  the  tentage  and  all  the  clothing  was  actually 
delivered  at  Montauk  Point  before  a  soldier  had  arrived  there.  That  there  was 
sufficient  is  demonstrated  by  the  fact  that  I  am  now  shipping  from  there  thou- 
sands of  each  of  these  garments  which  were  in  excess  of  requirements. 

Question  12.  How  many  and  what  vessels  were  purchased  or  chartered  for 
transportation  of  troops?  What  was  the  capacity  of  each  vessel?  Was  it  properly 
arranged  for  the  comfort  of  the  troops  so  far  as  possible?  Was  there  a  full  supply 
of  water  for  use  of  troops  arranged  in  every  case,  and  was  each  and  every  vessel 
carefully  inspected  by  an  officer  or  agent  of  the  Department  and  pronounced 
satisfactory  before  troops  were  permitted  to  embark? 

Answer.  The  number  of  vessels  chartered  and  purchased  which  were  fitted  up 
for  the  transportation  of  troops  is  as  follows: 

For  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  waters. 

Steamships. 

Chartered . _ _ _ ...     44 

Purchased _   14 

For  the  Pacific  Ocean. 

Chartered... _. 17 

Purchased 2 

Total 77 


444 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


In  addition  to  the  above  there  was  purchased  for  use  of  the  Medical  Department 
the  steamship  John  Englis,  which  was  fitted  up  as  a  hospital  ship  and  renamed 
lUlivf. 

The  capacity  of  each  of  the  vessels  chartered  and  purchased  for  the  transporta- 
tion of  troops  is  as  follows: 

List  of  steamships  chartered  and  purchased  by  the  Quartermaster's  Department 
for  the  transportation  of  troops  from  April  1  to  close  of  hostilities  with  Spain, 
shoioing  name  of  vessel,  tonnage,  carrying  capacity  of  troops  and  animals,  and 
date  of  charter  or  purchase. 

ATLANTIC  FLEET. 


Name  of  steamship. 


Chartered. 

Olivette 

Alamo 

Allegheny 

Berkshire 

Comal 

D.H.Miller 

Gussie 

Whitney 

Florida 

City  of  Washington 

Concho 

Leona 

Orizaba 

Rio  Grande 

San  Marcos -^ 

Santiago 

Saratoga 

Seneca  

Seguranca 

Vigilancia 

Yucatan 

Cherokee 

Iroquois 

Matteawan 

Aran  sas 

Breakwater 

Morgan 

Miami 

Stillwater 

Manteo 

Comanche 

Knickerbocker 

Louisiana 

City  of  Macon 

Gate  City 

Clinton 

Hudson 

Catania 

Lampasas 

Nueces 

Arkadia 

La  Grande  Duchesse 

Wanderer 

Uto 

Purchased  vessels 

Panama,  No.  1 

Port  Victor,  No.  2 

Rita,  No.  3 

Mohawk,  No.  20 

Mobile,  No.  21 

Massachusetts,  No.  22 

Manitoba,  No.  23 

Minnewaska.  No.  24 

Mississippi,  No.  25 

Michigan,  No.  26 

Roumanian,  No.  27 

Obdam,No.30 

Berlin,  No.  31 

Chester,  No.  32 


Carrying  capacity. 

Date  of  char- 

Officers. 

Men. 

Animals. 

ter. 

1,611 

25 

600 

40 

Apr.     3, 1898 

2,943 

35 

700 

10 

Apr.  29, 1898 

2,014 

25 

300 

200 

Do. 

2,014 

25 

25C 

200 

Do. 

2,934 

40 

400 

400 

Do. 

2,296 

25 

450 

300 

Do. 

998 

20 

100 

300 

Apr.  30,1898 

1,337 

20 

250 

250 

Do. 

1,786 

25 

500 

175 

May     2, 1898 

2,648 

30 

740 

250 

May  10.1898 

»,  704 

35 

700 

10 

Do. 

3,329 

45 

700 

10 

May   10,1898 

3,497 

30 

640 

125 

Do. 

2,566 

50 

500 

10 

Do. 

2,837 

45 

800 

350 

Do. 

2,359 

40 

600 

250 

Do. 

2,820 

40 

800 

250 

Do. 

2,729 

27 

600 

250 

Do. 

4,115 

35 

600 

500 

Do. 

4,115 

45 

800 

Do. 

3,525 

45 

1,000 

250 

Do. 

2,557 

40 

950 

May  11,1898 
Do. 

2,944 

40 

700 

3,300 

35 

720 

368 

Do. 

1,156 

10 

200 

200 

May  12,1898 

1,065 

25 

500 

Do. 

994 

20 

250 

230 

Do. 

3,050 
1,019 

27 

900 

May  13,1898 
May  16,1898 

8 

60 

168 

583 

10 

250 

100 

May  28,1898 

3,202 

50 

500 

50 

June    3,1898 

1,642 

45 

900 

Do. 

2,849 

30 

325 

300 

Do. 

2,098 

25 

600 

June   6, 1898 

1,997 

25 
20 

600 
200 

Do. 

1,187 

200 

June    8, 1898 

1,800 

35 
40 

600 
800 

June    9, 1898 

3,700 

June  13, 1898 

2,237 

35 

200 

400 

Do. 

3,367 

25 

800 

300 

Do. 

2,317 

15 

250 

300 

Do. 

5,018 

100 

1,400 

170 

July     5, 1898 

531 

10 

100 

300 

Do. 

899 

600 

July  20,1898 
June  21, 1898 

2,085 

10 

400 

2,792 

25 

400 

July    8, 1898 

2,194 

15 

700 

July    9,1898 
Jul*v  14,1898 

5,658 

80 

1,000 

i.  666 

5,780 

80 

1,000 

1,000 

Do. 

5,673 

80 

1,000 

1,000 

Do. 

5,673 

80 

1,000 

1,000 

July  20, 1898 

5,796 

100 

1,200 

1,000 

July  26, 1898 

3.732 

40 

800 

800 

July  14,1898 

3,722 

40 

800 

800 

Do. 

4,126 

45 

1,100 

50 

July  12,1898 

:i,  656 

50 

1,300 

100 

June  27, 1898 

5,641 
4,770 

75 

2,000 

July  i:U898 
July  27,1898 

1,500 

30 

REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 


445 


List  of  steamships  chartered  and  purchased,  etc. — Continued. 

PACIFIC  FLEET. 


Name  of  steamship. 


Chartered. 

City  of  Sidney 

Australia 

China 

Colon 

Zealandia 

Ohio 

Morgan  City 

Indiana 

Senator  

City  of  Para 

Valencia 

Newport 

City  of  Puebla 

Peru 

City  of  Rio  de  Janeiro 

Pennsylvania. 

St.  Paul 

Purchased. 

Scandia 

Arizona 


Tonnage. 


3,000 
2,755 
5,000 
2,700 
2,489 
8,  488 
2,300 
3.158 
2,409 
3,532 
1,198 
3.000 
2,623 
3,500 
3,548 
3,166 
2,440 


4,253 
5,  000 


Carrying  capacity. 
Officers.       Men.       Animals. 


673 
732 
1,200 
572 
666 
916 
677 
950 
957 
979 
606 
520 
844 
904 


1,500 
1,700 


Date  of  char- 
ter. 


May  10,1898 

Do. 
May  27,1898 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
June    7, 1898 
June    8,1898 

Do. 
June  11, 1898 
June  19, 1898 
June  20, 1898 
June  23, 1898 
June  25, 1898 
Julv    7, 1898 

Do. 
July  19,1898 


July    5, 
July  16, 


The  capacity  of  the  chartered  ships  of  the  Pacific  fleet,  as  shown  in  the  fore- 
going statement,  is  taken  from  the  reports  made  to  this  office  of  the  actual  num- 
ber of  officers  and  men  which  were  transported  on  them. 

Of  the  Atlantic  fleet  the  statement  shows  the  number  of  officers  and  men  the 
chartered  ships  were  reported  to  be  fitted  up  to  carry.  It  was,  however,  found 
upon  loading  the  ships  that  the  health  and  comfort  of  the  men  would  not  permit 
the  full  number  to  be  put  on  board;  hence  in  the  transportation  of  General 
Shafter's  army  from  Port  Tampa  to  Cuba,  on  the  fleet  of  transport  vessels  which  had 
been  fitted  up  to  carry  20,000  or  more  troops  only  about  16,000  were  put  on  board 
the  vessels.  This  was  necessary  because  the  voyage  was  for  six  days  instead  of 
forty-eight  hours,  for  which  the  ships  had  been  fitted. 

Congress  being  averse  to  granting  American  registry  to  foreign  ships,  the  only 
vessels  available  for  charter  for  transportation  of  troops  were  the  merchant  ves- 
sels engaged  in  the  coast-line  trade  on  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  coasts.  These  were 
mostly  small  ships  constructed  for  carrying  freight  and  not  designed  for  the 
transportation  of  large  bodies  of  men. 

The  first  call  upon  the  Department  for  transport  ships  was  for  the  transporta- 
tion of  5,000  men.  This  was  subsequently  changed,  and  call  was  made  for  a  fleet 
of  vessels  for  the  transportation  of  an  army  of  about  25,000  to  be  landed  at  Mariel, 
or  at  some  point  near  Havana. 

As  soon  as  the  movements  were  determined  upon  owners  of  vessels  were  called 
upon  to  supply  as  many  ships  as  they  could  spare  without  crippling  too  severely 
their  commercial  interests.  In  many  instances  it  was  a  hardship  for  these  com- 
panies to  spare  the  vessels  that  the  Department  required.  Owing  to  the  troops 
being  ready  for  embarkation  and  the  demand  upon  the  Department  for  transpor- 
tation being  urgent,  these  vessels  had  to  be  hurriedly  chartered  and  fitted  up. 

The  Department  did  not  feel  warranted  to  demand  these  vessels  from  the  steam- 
ship companies  before  they  were  absolutely  needed,  or  justified  in  chartering  them 
and  maintaining  them  at  a  large  expense  in  advance  of  their  need. 

As  fast  as  chartered,  the  vessels  were  fitted  up  under  the  supervision  of  experi 
enced  officers  of  the  Department  and  hired  experts,  working  day  and  night,  and 
every  arrangement  for  the  health  and  comfort  of  the'  men  was  considered  and 
provided  for  so  far  as  possible  in  the  short  time  allowed  for  the  work.     In  some 


44()         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    Willi    SPAIN. 

cases  the  materials  were  loaded  on  the  vessels  and  mechanics  placed  on  board,  who 
did  the  work  of  fitting  np  while  the  vessel  was  en  route  to  Port  Tampa,  the  point 
at  which  the  troops  were  concentrated  for  the  invasion  of  Cuba.  In  these  ships 
bunks  were  built  for  sleeping  accommodations  for  the  enlisted  men,  and  wind 
scoops  and  wind  sails  provided  for  furnishing  air  through  the  hatches  and  ports. 

The  ships  of  the  Atlantic  fleet  being  small,  to  accommodate  the  number  of 
troops  to  be  transported  it  was  necessary  to  build  bunks  three  tiers  high.  Addi- 
tional water-closets  and  washing  facilities  were  also  provided  upon  the  vessels. 
No  arrangements  were  made  for  cooking  except  to  supply  the  men  with  hot  coffee, 
it  being  understood  that  the  troops  would  carry  travel  rations. 

After  the  embarkation  of  the  troops  of  General  Shafter's  army  information 
was  received  in  this  office  that  the  bunks  were  not  satisfactory  and  that  the  ven- 
tilation of  the  vessels  was  insufficient  for  the  health  and  comfort  of  the  men.  Al 
vessels  were  subsequently  provided  with  hammocks,  frames  being  fitted  in  them 
with  hooks  for  swinging  the  hammocks,  so  that  they  could  be  taken  down  during 
the  day  and  space  given  to  the  men  to  move  about..  Electric  plants  for  lighting 
and  running  ventilating  fans  were  procured,  but  for  want  of  time  some  of  the 
plants  were  not  installed  upon  the  vessels. 

The  vessels  chartered  for  the  transportation  of  the  army  to  Manila  were  of  a 
superior  class  to  the  fleet  on  the  Atlantic.  They  were  vessels  engaged  in  trade 
with  the  far  East  and  South  America.  As  the  movement  to  Manila  involved  a 
voyage  of  over  7,000  miles,  great  care  was  taken  in  the  fitting  up  of  the  ships,  to 
provide  the  troops  with  comfort,  cleanliness,  protection  to  health,  and  the  proper 
means  for  cooking  during  the  long  voyage.  Increased  galley  facilities,  lavatories, 
and  water-closets  were  constructed  in  all  these  vessels.  But  the  Atlantic  coast 
vessels  were  supposed  to  have  troops  upon  them  for  only  forty-eight  hours  at  most, 
and  there  was  not  time  to  supply  them  with  more  than  comfortable  sleeping 
accommodations  under  cover,  leaving  the  decks  free  for  them  to  move  about  dur- 
ing the  day. 

The  ships  chartered  and  fitted  up  for  the  transport  service  were  found  to  be 
unsuitable  for  carrying  animals,  and  Congress  being  unwilling  to  give  American 
registry  to  foreign  ships,  the  only  ones  suitable  for  such  service,  the  Government 
was  compelled  to  purchase  a  number  of  vessels,  designated  as  cattle  ships,  of 
large  carrying  capacity,  with  bilge  keels,  to  prevent  rolling.  Most  of  the  ships 
purchased  were  of  this  character.  These  were  temporarily  fitted  up  to  meet  the 
immediate  needs  of  the  service,  but  it  is  the  intention  of  the  Department  to  have 
each  one  of  them  transformed  from  freight  carriers  to  model  troop  ships,  some 
being  fitted  for  troops  only,  others  for  troops  and  animals,  and  others  for  freight 
and  refrigerator  ships.  Two  of  these  vessels  are  now  being  thus  refitted,  and 
others  will  follow  as  they  can  be  spared  from  the  service  for  that  purpose. 

Exhibit  G,  herewith,  is  sample  copies  of  instructions  given  by  this  office  in  ref- 
erence to  the  fitting  up  of  transport  ships,  the  correspondence  on  which  subject  is 
very  voluminous.  Also,  accompanying  is  a  report  of  the  depot  quartermaster  at 
New  York  City,  where  a  great  number  of  these  vessels  were  fitted  up,  which  gives 
information  as  to  the  nature  of  the  instructions  given  on  this  subject,  and  is 
accompanied  by  photographs  illustrating  the  manner  in  which  ships  were  fitted 
up  for  transportation  t  f  the  troops. 

The  water  capacity  of  every  vessel  was  largely  increased  by  the  supply  of  addi- 
tional tanks,  casks,  and  barrels.  Attention  is  invited  to  the  accompanying  cor- 
respondence on  the  subject  of  procuring  additional  tanks  for  use  on  the  vessels, 
marked  "  Exhibit  H."  Some  of  the  vessels  were  also  provided  with  condensing 
apparatus,  and  in  addition  four  vessels  were  employed  as  water-boats,  with  a 
capacity  of  480  000  gallons.  Two  of  the  water-boats  accompanied  General  Shafter's 
fleet  to  Cuba 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  447 

Before  any  vessel  was  chartered  it  was  carefully  and  thoroughly  inspected  by  an 
officer  of  the  Department  to  ascertain  its  seaworthiness,  its  capacity,  and  its  gen- 
eral fitness  for  the  transportation  of  troops.  When  available,  the  services  of  an 
officer  of  the  Navy  was  called  upon  to  assist  in  this  inspection.  Upon  this  pre- 
liminary inspection,  report  of  which  was  submitted  to  this  office,  if  favorable,  the 
vessel  was  chartered.  The  work  of  fitting  it  up  and  inspecting  was  then  done 
under  the  supervision  of  an  experienced  officer  of  the  Department,  and  when  com- 
pleted was  turned  over  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the  troops  which  were  to  be 
transported  on  the  ship,  whose  duty  it  was  to  designate  the  troops  to  be  embarked, 
and  to  cause  an  inspection  to  be  made  by  his  surgeon  and  staff  officer  to  satisfy 
himself  as  to  the  suitability  of  the  vessel  for  the  service  required. 

Question  13.  What  arrangements  were  made  for  the  disembarkation  of  troops 
when  there  was  a  possibility  of  it  being  done  outside  of  a  harbor? 

Answer.  In  order  to  facilitate  the  landing  of  troops  on  the  Cuban  coast,  the  pon- 
toon trains  from  Willets  Point  and  West  Point  were  assembled  and  shipped  on  the 
transport  Alamo.  They  were  intended  to  be  used  in  coves  or  still  water,  running 
out  from  shore  so  that  light-draft  boats  could  lay  alongside  and  disembark  troops. 
Efforts  were  made  to  secure  steam  lighters  to  accompany  the  expedition.  The 
officers  at  various  ports  on  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  coasts  were  asked  to  inquire  and 
report  on  the  number  and  class  of  such  lighters  as  they  could  secure.  Each  of  the 
officers  replied  that  there  were  no  light-draft  steam  vessels  suitable  for  the  pur- 
pose obtainable  in  the  ports  along  the  Atlantic  coast.  The  steam  lighters  were 
all  deep-draft  vessels. 

In  Galveston  three  steam  lighters  were  found— the  Bessie,  Laura,  and  Cumber- 
land— and  these  were  chartered  and  sent  to  Port  Tampa  to  accompany  the  expe- 
dition, and  also  one  ocean  tug  from  Mobile. 

Three  ordinary  deck  barges  were  also  under  construction  at  Port  Tampa,  Fla., 
by  General  Ludlow:  two  of  these  were  finished  when  the  expedition  sailed  and 
were  taken  along,  but  one  of  them  was  lost  on  the  way  over  and  was  afterwards 
picked  up  and  returned  to  Key  West. 

The  steam  lighter  Bessie  broke  down  before  she  arrived  at  Port  Tampa,  and  put 
in  at  Pensacola  for  repairs,  which  repairs  were  not  completed  before  the  expedi- 
tion left. 

The  captain  of  the  ocean  tug  Captain  Sam  did  not  carry  out  his  instructions  to 
catch  up  with  the  fleet  at  point  designated,  and  was  left  behind  and  reported  at 
Key  West.  Several  attempts  were  made  to  have  him  continue  his  voyage,  but  in 
each  case  he  reported  back,  stating  that  he  was  not  able  to  keep  up  with  the  con- 
voy and  was  unable  to  go  alone  with  his  tug  to  Santiago. 

After  arrival  on  the  south  coast  of  Cuba,  General  Shaf ter  telegraphed  that  two 
or  three  steam  lighters  were  necessary,  and  this  office  took  immediate  measures  to 
supply  his  need  for  lighterage.  Two  decked  barges  were  dispatched  in  tow  of 
U.  S.  tug  Fern  from  Key  West,  and  two  were  sent  from  New  Orleans  in  tow  of 
the  ocean  tug  Underwriter,  and  three  from  Mobile  in  tow  of  the  ocean  tug  Nim- 
rod.  The  Fern  arrived  in  Cuba  with  her  barges,  both  of  which  were  wrecked  the 
day  after  arrival,  and  all  the  barges  from  New  Orleans  and  Mobile  were  lost  at 
sea,  and  only  the  tug  from  New  Orleans  reached  Santiago. 

(Copies  of  some  of  the  correspondence  had  by  this  office  on  the  subject  of  pro- 
curing light-draft  vessels  for  landing  troops  and  supplies  is  herewith,  marked 
Exhibit"  I. ") 

It  is  proper  to  remark  that  no  definite  request  for  the  supply  of  means  for  dis- 
embarking troops  was  received  in  this  office  until  after  the  arrival  of  General 
Shatter's  army  in  Cuba;  and  the  efforts  made  by  this  office  to  secure  light-drat 
vessels,  as  shown  by  the  correspondence,  was  in  anticipation  of  any  call  that  might 
be  made  upon  the  Department, 


448         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  unsuccessful  efforts  to  get  decked  barges  to  Santiago  led  the  Department  to 
enter  into  a  contract  with  D.  Van  Aken  &  Co.,  of  New  York  City,  to  fit  out  an 
expedition  to  proceed  to  Santiago  with  a  large  force  of  mechanics  of  various  kinds 
and  laborers,  with  machinery  and  materials,  such  as  pile  drivers,  dock  building 
and  railroad-constructing  implements,  iron,  and  lumber,  for  building  docks,  light- 
ers, and  for  repairing  railroads  and  engines.  They  were  also  provided  with  sev- 
eral tugs  and  lighters.     The  expedition  has  been  usefully  employed  in  Porto  Rico. 

Upon  the  request  of  Lieut.  Col.  W.  M.  Black,  Corps  of  Engineers,  upon  the 
staff  of  the  Major-General  Commanding  the  Army,  efforts  were  made  to  secure 
light-draft  vessels  for  service  with  the  army  in  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico,  and  many 
vessels  were  inspected  on  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  coasts. 

The  steamer  Tarpon  was  chartered,  which,  with  the  chartered  lighter  Bessie 
and  snag  boat  Suuxmee,  owned  by  the  Engineer  Department,  were  dispatched  to 
Cuba  for  use  as  lighters. 

Question  14.  When  so-called  permanent  camps  were  located  for  a  large  force, 
what  arrangements  were  made  for  a  full  and  complete  supply  of  potable  water  for 
use  of  troops?  Were  tent  floors  furnished  in  any  cases  other  than  for  hospitals? 
If  so,  where  and  when? 

Answer.  At  Camp  Alger,  Va.,  forty  driven  wells  were  provided,  from  which  a 
good  supply  of  water  was  obtained.  Seven  hundred  water  barrels  and  214  army 
filters  were  also  provided. 

At  Camp  Shipp,  Anniston,  Ala.,  water  was  obtained  from  city  mains;  it  is  piped 
from  mountain  springs. 

At  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.,  springs  in  the  park,  sup- 
plemented by  a  number  of  fine  wells,  was  first  resorted  to,  but  proved  deficient. 
A  pumping  plant,  with  machinery,  standpipe,  pump  house,  pipe,  etc.,  was  pro- 
vided and  the  water  pumped  into  tanks  from  Chickamauga  River.  Drinking 
water  was  also  obtained  from  Crawford,  Blue,  and  Ellis  springs.  One  thousand 
one  hundred  and  fifty  water  barrels,  2,000  boilers  for  boiling  water,  and  1,200 
army  filters  were  provided. 

At  camp  at  Fernandina,  Fla.,  mains  and  branches  were  laid  and  connected 
with  the  water  supply  of  the  town,  which  is  from  an  8-inch  artesian  well,  720 
feet  deep,  with  a  flow  of  about  one  and  one-fourth  million  gallons  per  day.  One 
hundred  army  filters  were  also  supplied. 

At  Camp  Wheeler,  Huntsville,  Ala.,  water  was  obtained  from  the  city  supply 
by  means  of  pipes  laid  to  the  camp. 

At  Camp  Cuba  Libre,  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  water  is  provided  by  connection  with 
the  city  water  system  and  distributed  to  the  camps  by  means  of  mains  and  branches. 
The  Jacksonville  source  of  supply  is  three  6-inch  artesian  wells,  with  a  natural 
flow  of  three  and  one-half  million  gallons  per  day.  One  hundred  and  fifty  army 
filters  were  also  provided  this  camp. 

At  Camp  Hamilton,  Lexington,  Ky.,  water  was  provided  from  the  city  by  haul- 
ing from  the  city  to  the  camp,  and  later  by  means  of  pipe  connections  for  dis- 
tributing water  from  the  city  mains. 

At  the  camp  at  Miami,  Fla. ,  hydrants  and  wells  were  provided  throughout  the 
camp,  and  85  filters  furnished. 

At  the  camp  at  Mobile,  Ala.,  water  was  supplied  by  pipe  connections  with  the 
city  mains. 

At  Camp  Meade,  Middletown,  Pa.,  three  wells  were  sunk,  two  with  deep  pumps 
and  one  with  force  pump,  with  tanks  and  necessary  piping,  water  barrels  and 
buckets;  482  army  filters  were  also  furnished. 

At  Camp  Wikoff,  Montauk  Point,  N.  Y.,  a  number  of  wells  were  sunk,  three 
pumping  stations  put  in,  and  two  large  tanks  erected,  with  a  capacity  of  60,000 
gallons  each;  water  was  distributed  by  about  8  miles  of  pipe  laid  for  that  pur- 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  449 

pose.  A  filter  plant  was  provided  and  135  army  filters  supplied.  A  Navy  Depart- 
ment steamer  with  distilled  water  plant,  having  a  daily  capacity  of  60,000  gallons, 
was  also  provided,  but  was  not  used.  The  Club  House  water  plant  was  also  taken 
possession  of  in  connection  with  the  water  supply  at  this  camp. 

At  the  camp  at  New  Orleans,  La.,  water  was  supplied  by  the  Orleans  City 
Railroad  Company,  including  filters,  free. 

At  the  camp  at  Tampa,  Fla. ,  there  were  three  sources  of  water  supply.  A  well, 
pump,  tank,  and  piping  were  provided  for  the  camp  of  siege  artillery  and  that  at 
Palmetto  Beach.  All  other  camps  at  Tampa  were  supplied  from  the  city  water 
works,  piped  by  the  Government  to  the  various  camps.  The  camps  at  Port  Tampa 
and  Port  Tampa  City  were  provided  with  water  by  the  Plant  System  from  their 
pump  and  tank  at  Ybor  City,  the  Government  paying  for  the  hauling.  The  sup- 
ply of  water  at  all  these  camps  was  ample  and  of  good,  pure  quality. 

Distilling  plants  were  provided  at  Key  West  Barracks,  Fla.;  Fort  St.  Philip, 
La.;  and  the  Philippine  Islands,  for  the  use  of  troops. 

Tent  floors  were  furnished  (other  than  for  hospital  tents)  from  April  1  to  Sep- 
tember 30,  1898,  inclusive,  at  the  following  places: 

Fort  Adams,  R.  I. ;  Camp  Alger,  Va.;  Anniston,  Ala. ;  Augusta,  Ga. ;  Fort  Baker, 
Cal. ;  Camp  Black,  N.  Y. ;  Chickamauga#Park,  Ga. ;  Fort  Caswell  and  Fort  Macon, 
N.  C;  Fort  Clinch,  Fla.;  Clarks  Point,  Mass.;  Columbus  Barracks,  Ohio;  Dutch 
Island,  R.  I.;  Fort  Point,  Cal.;  Fort  Point,  Tex.;  Fort  Grant,  Ariz.;  Fort  Gris- 
wold,  Conn.;  Hilton  Head,  S.  C;  Fort  Hamilton,  N.  Y.;  Jackson  Barracks,  La.; 
Jefferson  Barracks,  Mo.;  Key  West,  Fla.;  Fort  Knox,  Me.;  Long  Island  Head, 
Mass.;  Fort  McHenry,  Md.;  Miami,  Fla.;  Fort  Mott,  N.  J.;  Camp  Meade,  Pa.; 
Fort  Morgan,  Ala  ;  Fort  Monroe,  Va.;  Fort  Pickens,  Fla.;  Fort  Preble,  Me.; 
Plum  Island,  N.  Y.;  Fort  Popham,  Me.;  Fort  Snelling,  Minn.;  Fort  Sheridan,  111.; 
Sheridan  Point,  Va.;  Sullivans  Island,  S.  C;  Fort  Slocum,  N.  Y.;  San  Diego  Bar- 
racks, Cal.;  Fort  St.  Philip,  La.;  Fort  Schuyler,  N.  Y.;  Santiago  de  Cuba;  Tybee 
Island,  Ga.;  Fort  Trumbull,  Conn.;  Fort  Wadsworth,  N.  Y.;  Washington  Bar- 
racks, D.  C;  Fort  Washington,  Md. ;  Willets  Point,  N.  Y.;  Winthrop,  Mass.; 
Camp  Wikoff . 

Tent  floors  were  also  ordered  for  troops  at  Camp  Wikoff,  N.  Y.,  and  for  all 
troops  at  Huntsville,  but  the  actual  cost  of  same  is  not  yet  on  record  in  this  office. 

Question  15.  When  troops  were  moved  by  rail  for  long  distances,  were  there  any 
arrangements  made  for  supply  of  water?  Were  there  any  unnecessary  delays  in 
the  movements  of  troops  from  the  camps  established  on  the  return  of  the  army 
from  Cuba? 

Answer.  The  form  of  proposal  requested  of  railroad  companies  in  bidding  for 
movement  of  troops  requires  that  the  company  furnishing  the  equipment  shall 
see  that  "all  passenger  cars  will  be  kept  well  supplied  with  ice  and  water,  and 
that  the  trains  will  be  run  with  the  greatest  speed  consistent  with  safety."  This 
is  insisted  on  in  movements  of  troops.  (See  sample  copy  of  form  of  proposal, 
marked  Exhibit  J. ) 

No  ' '  unnecessary  delays  "  have  come  to  the  attention  of  this  office  in  returning 
to  their  homes  soldiers  upon  arrival  from  Cuba. 

A  delay  of  five  and  one-half  hours  in  movement  of  First  Illinois  from  Montauk 
was  investigated  and  found  to  be  due  to  impossibility  of  the  Lehigh  Valley  Rail- 
road to  get  the  necessary  cars  at  Montauk  at  the  time  agreed  upon. 

A  delay  of  twelve  hours  occurred  in  the  movement  of  the  Eighth  Ohio  from 
Montauk,  which,  upon  investigation,  was  found  to  be  due  to  refusal  of  the  colonel 
commanding  to  permit  his  regiment  to  be  shipped  as  a  whole  to  Columbus,  as 
ordered  by  War  Department,  and  orders  to  ship  to  company  headquarters  in 
various  cities  and  towns  where  these  troops  were  mustered  had  to  be  awaited. 

In  this  case  no  fault  attached  to  the  Quartermaster's  Department.     A  quarter- 

7833— vol.  1 29 


450         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

master's  agent  was  put  aboard  the  train  in  order  to  save  time,  and  arranged  the 
necessary  details  of  shipment  to  the  several  destinations  of  the  companies  while 
the  train  was  under  way. 

The  District  of  Columbia  regiment  was  delayed  for  several  hours  awaiting 
arrival  of  cars,  but  the  regiment  was  fully  notified  in  advance  of  breaking  camp, 
so  that  no  serious  inconvenience  resulted,  and  the  regiment  left  Montauk  for  Wash- 
ington the  same  day,  but  in  the  afternoon  instead  of  in  the  morning,  as  at  first 
expected. 

These  delays  have  been  made  the  subject  of  a  special  investigation  by  the  Quar- 
termaster-General, as  will  be  seen  by  the  following  correspondence: 

Washington,  D.  C,  September  10, 1898. 
Colonel  Moore  (care  Major  Sawyer) ,  Montauk: 

Before  leaving  Montauk,  please  investigate  thoroughly  so  as  to  report  where 
responsibility  rests  for  the  delays  and  discomforts  which  the  newspapers  charge  in 
bitter  criticism  as  occurring  in  the  movement  of  the  Eighth  Ohio,  First  Illinois, 
and  District  of  Columbia  Volunteers  from  Montauk  to  their  destination.  These 
occurrences  are  most  unfortunate  under  the  state  of  the  public  mind  at  present, 
and  such  concert  of  action  must  be  had  between  the  New  York  and  Montauk  office 
and  the  railroad  company  as  will  avoid  any  repetition  in  the  future.  Confer  with 
Major  Sawyer. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


War  Department, 
Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  September  28,  1898. 
The  Quartermaster-General  of  the  Army. 

General:  In  accordance  with  telegraphic  instructions  of  the  10th  instant,  I 
have  the  honor  to  submit  herewith  a  report  of  Capt.  J.  N.  Patton,  assistant 
quartermaster,  United  States  Volunteers,  Montauk  Point,  L.  I.,  who  has  direct 
charge  of  rail  transportation  at  that  place.  This  officer  explains  the  delays  in  the 
transportation  of  the  First  Illinois  and  District  of  Columbia  Volunteers. 

The  delay  in  the  movement  of  the  Eighth  Ohio,  Colonel  Kimball  informed  me, 
was  due  to  the  fact  that  he  was  ordered  to  provide  transportation  to  Columbus, 
Ohio.  The  colonel  objected  to  his  entire  command  going  to  that  place,  declaring 
that  the  President,  when  he  visited  the  camp,  said  he  would  have  an  order  issued 
distributing  the  various  companies  to  towns  and  cities  where  they  were  enlisted 
or  entered  the  service.  The  orders  were  finally  received  by  Colonel  Kimball 
changing  destination  as  requested  by  the  regimental  commander. 

This  shows  that  there  has  been  no  delay  whatever  in  this  case,  for  the  reason 
that  the  cars  were  ready,  and  the  destination  of  the  regiment  could  have  readily 
been  changed  before  it  reached  New  York  City.     It  was,  therefore,  unquestion- 
ably the  fault  of  the  colonel  of  the  regiment  that  any  delay  occurred. 
Very  respectfully, 

James  M.  Moore, 
Assistant  Quartermaster-General,  United  States  Army. 


Montauk  Point,  Long  Island,  September  11, 1898. 
Col.  Jas.  M.  Moore, 

Assistant  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  A.,  Montauk  Point,  Long  Island. 

Sir:  In  reply  to  your  inquiries  regarding  shipment  and  delays  in  moving  the 

Eighth  Ohio,  First  Illinois,  and  First  District  of  Columbia  Volunteers,  I  have  the 

honor  to  state  as  follows:  The  arrangement  for  the  shipment  of  the  Eighth  Ohio 

was  made  by  Captain  Knight,  and  by  him  I  was  directed  to  issue  transportation 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  451 

for  971  men  and  38  officers,  September  6,  1898,  to  New  York  City.  Whatever  cor- 
respondence there  was  on  the  subject  was  between  Captain  Knight,  chief  quar- 
termaster, and  Colonel  Kimball.  Statement  upon  this  subject,  made  in  writing 
to  me  by  Captain  Knight's  chief  clerk,  as  follows  (Captain  Knight  having  gone  to 
Santiago) : 

Montauk  Point,  Long  Island,  N.  Y., 

September  11,  1898. 
On  or  about  September  5,  1898,  a  communication  was  received  from  the  head- 
quarters on  subject  of  movement  of  Eighth  Ohio.  Attached  to  this  communica- 
tion was  a  list  of  the  number  of  officers  and  men  in  each  company  and  a  list  of  their 
home  stations;  also  a  notation  designating  the  railroads  by  which  the  various 
companies  desired  to  travel.  Telegram  was  sent  at  once  to  the  depot  quarter- 
master, New  York,  requesting  that  arrangements  be  made  accordingly.  No 
reply  was  received  to  this  telegram.  Next  morning  a  train  was  provided  by  the 
Long  Island  Railroad  for  transportation  to  New  York  City,  but  as  it  appeared 
transportation  was  provided  from  New  York  City  to  Columbus,  Ohio,  for  the 
entire  command,  the  commanding  officer  of  the  regiment  declined  to  embark  his 
regiment  unless  the  destination  of  the  various  companies  was  changed  to  their 
home  station.  Telegram  to  this  effect  was  sent  the  depot  quartermaster,  New 
York,  about  10  that  morning,  to  which  no  reply  was  received  that  I  am  aware  of. 
Copies  of  both  telegrams  referred  to  are  on  record  in  office  of  chief  quartermaster 
here. 

W.  H.  Campbell. 

The  Third  Texas  moved  out  according  to  programme  and  without  incident, 
except  that  they  held  the  train  for  nearly  an  hour  waiting  for  part  of  their  bag- 
gage, which  they  finally  left  behind  with  six  of  their  men. 

The  First  District  of  Columbia  was  scheduled  to  go  at  2  p.  m.  Thursday.  The 
railroad  company  was  notified  the  day  previous  in  writing,  but  did  not  have  cars 
ready  for  the  regiment  to  go  aboard  till  7.30  p.  m.  of  that  date  (September  8),  a 
delay  of  five  and  a  half  hours,  caused  by  the  Long  Island  Railroad  Company. 
The  colonel  was,  however,  notified  by  the  adjutant-general  of  division  head- 
quarters that  the  train  would  not  be  ready  until  7  o'clock  p.  m.  Colonel  Moore 
saw  the  regiment  embark,  and  no  complaint  of  any  kind  was  made  by  its  colonel. 

The  First  Illinois  made  request  to  leave  here  Wednesday,  the  7th  instant,  and  I 
so  wired  the  depot  quartermaster,  New  York  City;  the  regiment  commenced 
preparations  to  move.  At  10  o'clock  a.  m.  Wednesday  I  received  telegram  from 
Colonel  Kimball,  saying  Lehigh  Valley  Railroad  could  not  furnish  cars  to  move 
First  Illinois  till  noon  Thursday,  September  8,  and  to  hold  shipment  till  Thursday 
morning  (copy  attached).  The  quartermaster  of  the  First  Illinois  was  in  my 
office  at  the  time  this  telegram  was  received.  I  showed  it  to  him  and  told  him  his 
regiment  would  have  to  stay  where  it  was  till  next  morning.  He  replied  that  he 
did  not  think  it  would  do  so,  as  they  were  ready  to  go  and  did  not  propose  to  be 
stopped  by  the  railroad  company.  I  advised  him  to  see  his  colonel  and  explain 
the  situation  to  him,  which  he  did.  Later  in  the  day  I  saw  him  again  in  Major 
Sawyer's  office,  when  they  still  insisted  they  were  going  to  move  and  the  Lehigh 
Valley  Railroad  must  get  ready  to  receive  them.  Major  Sawyer  then  notified  him 
that  the  Lehigh  Valley  Railroad  could  not  be  ready  till  the  time  named  in  Colonel 
Kimball's  message,  and  if  they  persisted  in  going  they  would  have  to  incur  the 
discomfort  of  the  necessary  delay  in  New  York;  that  this  department  would  not 
be  responsible  for  the  movement  till  Thursday  morning,  as  arranged.  The  regi- 
ment finally  left  Wednesday  evening.  All  this  marching  and  countermarching 
spoken  of  in  the  newspapers  is  untrue,  as  the  regiment  did  not  come  to  depot  here 
till  near  the  time  of  leaving  in  the  evening. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  N.  Patton, 
Captain  and  Assistant  Quartermaster,  United  States  Volunteers. 


452         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

[Copy  of  telegram.] 

New  York,  September  6,  1898. 
Quartermaster,  Camp  Wikoff,  Montauk  Point,  L.  I: 

Referring  to  previous  correspondence  concerning  movement  First  Illinois,  Lehigh 
Valley  Railroad,  which  has  contract,  states  absolutely  impossible  to  get  cars  ready 
for  movement  to-morrow,  but  can  have  full  equipment  by  Thursday.  Please  defer 
movement  accordingly.  Have  troops  leave  Thursday  morning  ;  arrive  Long  Island 
City  about  midday.    Advise  by  wire  in  advance  just  when  troops  will  arrive. 

Kimball. 
7.41  p.  m. 

Question  16.  What,  if  any,  complaints  in  writing  have  been  received  by  the 
Quartermaster-General  in  reference  to  the  prompt  compliance  with  proper  requisi- 
tions or  complaints  of  any  character  in  reference  to  the  operations  of  the  depart- 
ment in  connection  with  the  movement  of  troops,  the  issuing  of  proper  and  neces- 
sary supplies,  or  the  performance  of  any  duty  appertaining  to  the  Quartermaster's 
Department? 

Answer.  Numerous  complaints  have  reached  this  office  in  connection  with  water 
and  rail  transportation  and  the  furnishing  of  the  various  articles  of  quarter- 
master's supplies.  The  greater  part  of  these  complaints  were  made  in  the  early 
part  of  the  war,  and  related  to  the  nonreceipt  by  volunteer  troops  just  coming  into 
the  service  of  supply  of  clothing  and  tentage.  In  some  cases  there  was  foundation, 
resulting  from  the  immense  volume  of  work  of  packing  and  shipping  to  be  per- 
formed at  depots.  In  many  others  the  complaints  were  unreasonable,  as  no  con- 
sideration was  given  of  the  time  necessary  to  transport  the  supplies  to  them. 

The  most  important  complaints  have  been  carefully  inquired  into,  and  many 
of  such,  after  investigation,  were  found  to  be  groundless,  and  in  others  the  Quar- 
termaster's Department  was  found  to  be  in  nowise  responsible.  In  cases  where 
just  complaint  against  this  Department  was  found  to  exist,  instructions  were 
given  to  have  the  same  remedied  and  steps  taken  to  prevent  its  recurrence. 

A  number  of  these  complaints  is  submitted  with  this  report,  and  the  corre- 
spondence relating  thereto  will  be  found  in  Exhibit  K. 

Question  17.  What  funds  were  at  the  command  of  the  Department  April  1 ,  1898, 
and  what  additional  funds  were  available  by  August  31,  1898,  under  general  or 
special  legislation? 

Answer.  There  was  at  the  command  of  the  Department  April  1, 
1898,  available  for  war  expenditures  the  sum  of .  _ _ . .     $2, 657, 456. 87 

Allotments  to  Quartermaster's  Department  from  appropriation 
"National  defense" 1,500,000.00 

There  was  appropriated  by  the  act  of  March  15, 1898,  $6,555,000; 
by  deficiency  act  of  May  4,  1898,  $19,550,000;  by  deficiency  act 
of  July  7,  1898,  $103,200,000;  and  by  act  of  July  8,  1898,  $200,000; 
making  total  appropriated 129,505,000.00 

Total  available  by  August  31,  1898 133,662,456.87 

For  details  of  appropriations  to  which  the  funds  pertain,  etc.,  see  accompany- 
ing statements  marked  ''Exhibit  L,"  which  shows  that  the  sum  of  $2,374,464.97 
was  at  the  command  of  the  Department  on  April  1,  1898,  which  is  not  available 
for  war  expenditures. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

M.  I.  Ludington, 
Quartermaster-General,  United  States  Army. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 


453 


Exhibit  A. 

Statement  of  principal  articles  of  clothing  and  equipage  and  materials  on  hand 
April  1,  1898;  also  quantities  due  on  contract. 


Philadelphia. 

Jefferson  ville. 

St. 
Louis. 

On 

hand 

Mar.31, 

1898. 

San  Francisco. 

Total 

on 

hand 

Mar.31, 

1898. 

Total 

Articles. 

On 

hand 

Mar.31, 

1898. 

Due  on 
con- 
tract, 
or  to  be 
manu- 
fac- 
tured. 

On 

hand 

Mar.31, 

1898. 

To  be 
manu- 
fac- 
tured. 

On 

hand 

Mar.31, 

1898. 

Due  on 
con- 
tract, 
or  to  be 
manu- 
fac- 
tured. 

due  on 
con- 
tract, 
or  to  be 
manu- 
fac- 
tured. 

57,317 

3,229 

12,970 

2,210 

2,186 

7,116 

6,712 

9,684 

11,042 

2,306 

39,762 

4,885 

4,040 

140 

3,636 

22,262 
13,017 
5,233 

309,314 

107,136 

9,970 

10,401 
6,652 

103, 787 

57,370 

1,848 

1,717 

100 

3,235 

53 

160 

33 

892 

58 

364 

471 

13 

7 

673 

1,000 

907 

1,654 

5,563 

1,807 

242 

533 

1,598 

2,104 

5,902 

""25,~6ii 
2,144 
1,342 

20,000 
6,000 
100,000 
8,000 
3,239 
8,173 
4,300 

12,504 
7,500 

11,999 

6,061 
1,590 

11,636 
7,304 
7,998 

35,670 
3,344 

76,573 
7,390 
6,535 

10,560 
6,020 
1,879 
2,508 

11,367 

16,076 
20,803 
3,133 

90,492 
17,638 
3,796 

8,893 
6,865 

36,983 

23,412 

2,091 

2,548 

642 

945 

63,378 
22,403 
37,375 
19,316 
19,480 
44,307 

9,484 
91,160 
19, 796 

8,897 
55,063 
19,084 

7,535 

4,811 
34,376 

40,365 
38,014 
18,376 

305,523 

126, 773 

17,979 

20,251 
15,616 

131,406 

83,841 

4,334 

4,561 

1,216 

4,415 

60 

219 

105 

1,005 

65 

305 

628 

23 

35 

6,435 

6,849 

1,745 

19,963 

7,396 

1,870 

1,606 

3,517 

3,513 
3,376 

5,903 
5,500 

35,611 
3,144 
1,343 

53,353 
6,000 
100,000 
8,000 
3,329 
8,173 
4,300 

15,000 
7,504 

22,613 

17,393 

5,500 

190 
2,769 
1,456 
1,647 
2,083 

538 

4,903 

1,464 

56 

338 
4,759 
1,606 

163 

902 

2,037 

4,194 

357 

13,817 
1,999 
5,313 

958 
3,099 

1,637 

3,059 

395 

296 

474 

235 

7 

23 

13 

113 

3 
3 

""3,352 
""2,'500 

6U 

4,383 
453 

Canvas  fatigue  coats 

Canvas  fatigue  trousers  . . 
Drawers,  canton  flannel . . 

8,346 
7,649 
9,438 

"30,"666 

4,403 
3,430 

Shirts,  D.  B.  flannel 

Shoes: 

8,471 

10,000 

Leather 

34,113 

1,700 

24,113 

9,654 

1,700 

Stockings: 

Wool          

40,000 

40,000 

Trousers: 

Foot                 

10,773 
7,313 

39,400 

15,056 
7,665 

Undershirts: 

39,400 

Wool                 

479 

497 

Bugles,  light  artillery 

Colors  and  standards 

36 
59 

50 

50 

Fifes - 

Flags: 

4 

38 

157 

Post                        

Storm  and  recruiting. 

Guidons 

10 

10 

10 

Hand  litters 

28 

1,016 

4,478 

287 

4,944 

1,562 

63 

219 

918 

915 
1,109 

Hatchets 

Hatchet  helves 

3,639 

1,097 

1,371 

316 

545 

171 

235 
12,819 

Mosquito  bars 

Misquito  head  nets 

988 

157 
1,066 

Pickax  helves 

Shovels: 

Long-handled 

Short-handled 

163 

454         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Statement  of  principal  articles  of  clothing,  etc.— Continued. 


Philadelphia. 

Jeffersonville. 

St. 
Louis. 

On 

hand 

Mar.31, 

1898. 

San  FraTicisco. 

Total 

on 

hand 

Mar.31, 

1808. 

Total 

Articles. 

On 

hand 

Mar.31, 

1898. 

Due  on 
con- 
tract, 
or  to  be 
manu- 
fac- 
tured. 

On 

hand 

Mar.31, 

1898. 

To  be 
manu- 
fac- 
tured. 

On 

hand 

Mar.31, 

1898. 

Due  on 
con- 
tract, 
or  to  be 
manu- 
fac- 
tured. 

due  on 
con- 
tract, 
or  to  be 
manu- 
fac- 
tured. 

876 
179 

737 

240 

104 

6,757 

197 

53 

140,763 
45,144 
93.986 

102,280 
80,740 
57,953 
26,200 
52,337 

7,636 
123,462 

86,057 

ioo 

763 
278 
148 
6,519 
411 

35,500 
40,000 

723 

1 

7,057 
313 

391 

85 

76 

1,861 

246 

8 

975 

533 

4,264 

651 
29 

633 

9,307 

522 

Tents: 

1,761 
325 

218 

9,863 

487 

71 

210,562 
49,405 

187,229 

102,280 

763 

278 

38 

1,245 

44 

148 

Shelter halves 

6,519 

Wall 

411 

11 

64,477 

2,248 
75,956 

Blouse: 

Flannel yards.. 

Lining  flannel.. -do — 
Canton  flannel  ..do 

Duck: 

4,347 

1,480 
13,023 

35.500 

80,740!    40.00U 

57,953 
31,188 
55,137 

7,636 
129,963 
113,746 

4,988 
280 

2,520 

Kersey: 

*D.  B                       do 

S.  B do.... 

32,874 

368 
537 

6,133 
2,352 



32,874 

Shirting  flannel do 

24,800 

Exhibit  B. 


Articles  of  clothing  and  equipage  manufactured  at  depots  of  Quartermasters 
Department  from  April  30,  1898,  to  August  15,  1898. 


Depots. 

Articles. 

Phila- 
delphia. 

Jeffer- 
sonville. 

San 
Fran- 
cisco. 

St. 
Louis. 

Wash- 
ington. 

Total. 

42,885 
6,020 
5,924 

61,437 
4,852 

18,243 

62,288 

62,484 
9,952 

1,152 

24 

426 

197,502 

668 

64.777 
4,240 
3,328 

39,728 

8,881 

7 

11 

2,527 

295 

451 

1,849 

11,424 
663 

116,543 

10,267 

Can  vas  fatigue  trousers pairs . . 

Drawers,  canton  flannel do 

9,263 

103,692 

5,147 

18,694 

9,440 

73,577 

Trousers,  kersey: 

Foot .pairs.. 

10,651 
7,273 

84,559 

17,888 

Tents: 

3,771 

4,923 

24 

426 

197,502 

Wall 

668 

REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 


455 


Exhibit  C. 

Statement  showing  principal  articles  of  clothing  and  equipage  purchased  or  con- 
tracted for  from  May  1, 1898,  to  August  15,  1898. 


Philadelphia,  Pa. 

San  Francisco,  Cal. 

St.  Louis,  Mo. 

Articles. 

From 
Mayl, 

1898,  to 
June 

30, 1898. 

From 
Julyl, 
1898,  to 

Aug. 
15, 1898. 

Total. 

From 
Mayl, 

1898,  to 

June 

30, 1898. 

From 
Julyl, 
1898, to 

Aug. 
15, 1898. 

Total. 

From 
Mayl, 

1898,  to 

June 

30, 1898. 

From 
Julyl, 
1898,  to 

Aug. 
15,  1898 

TotaL 

Blankets 

Blouses,  lined 

316,000 

177,650 

393,650 

27,611 

12,233 

3,135 

7,000 

30,736 
19,232 

4,100 

4,100 

Boots. pairs.. 

1,035 

1,035 

Canvas  fatigue  coats 

34,033 
34,011 

7,579 
7,579 

31,601 
31,590 

Canvas  fatigue  trousers, 
pairs 

Caps,  forage 

330,000 

50,000 
360,000 

"ioo,"66o 

330,000 

50,000 
360,000 

Drawers: 

Canton  flannel. pairs.. 

Summer do 

Wool ...do 

60,658 

9,068 
13,879 

16,000 

69,726 
12,879 

46,000 

10,000 

396 

10,396 

Field   and   summer  uni- 
forms   suits. . 

30,000 

Gauntlets,  buckskin,  pairs 

63,377 

80,000 

340,950 
45,480 

30,600 

50,000 

180,000 

35,000 
55 

113,377 

80,000 

430,950 
45,480 

45,600 

55 

153,000 

Gloves,  Berlin pairs.. 

Hats: 

Campaign 

7,396 

5,014 

13,410 

10,000 

35,60C 

a5,600 

Canvas 

Helmets: 

Cork 

3,653 

3,652 

Untrimmed 

Leggings pairs.. 

153,000 

Overcoats 

4,000 
1,585 

37,319 
91,341 

""i,"l86 

137,659 
33,764 
5,000 

13,356 

16,000 
33,000 

51,093 

49,000 
31,178 
11,500 

7,000 

4,000 
1,585 

43,319 
113,341 

51,093 
1,186 

176,659 
44,942 
16,500 

19,256 

Ponchos  

315,800 
55,900 

105,000 
17,050 

330,800 
73,950 

Shirts: 

D.  B.  flannel 

6,367 

9,033 

15,400 

Gingham  and  muslin. . 

Shoes: 

Barrack pairs. . 

35,000 
353,333 

330,000 
100,000 
59,095 

"I9,"4i9 
150,000 

"ioo.'ooo 

135,000 
15,000 

100,000 

35,000 
373,653 

370,000 
100,000 
159,095 

125,000 
15,000 

420,000 

Calfskin do 

Stockings: 

Cotton do 

68 

5,436 

5,494 

Wool do 

Suspenders do 

Kersey,  foot do 

Kersey,  mounted,pairs 

330,000 

Undershirts: 

Cotton 

37,847 

35,999 

1,850 

3,350 

9,860 
13,879 
1,750 
3,400 

47,707 
38,878 
3,600 
5,750 

10,000 

10,000 

Woolen 

Axes 

13,500 

38,500 
3,000 

5,000 
13,300 

17,500 
41,700 
2,000 

7,730 
14,000 

5,000 
10,000 

13,730 
34,000 

Ax  helves 

Ax  slings 

Barrack  bags 

3,000 
7,000 

3,000 

7,000 

40,039 

Bedsacks  

15,000 

20,000 

35,000 

40,029 

Bedsheets 

Bedsteads 

1,000 

3,093 

335 

335 

10,000 

400 

3,000 

1,200 
100 

4,000 

3,293 
325 
325 

10,000 
400 

Books: 

Company.. sets.. 

Post do 

Regimental do 

Brushes,  scrubbing 

Bugles,  light  artillery 

Chairs,  barrack 

300 

300 

Color  belts  and  slings 

350 
80 

""""560 

50 
100 
250 

""5,"666 
20,600 

""5,"666 
3,000 

250 
1,701 
3,400 
2,000 

150 
300 
600 

15,000 
250 

15,400 

32,168 
2,000 

20,002 
4,000 

Drums 

1,631 
3,400 
1,500 

100 
300 
350 

15,000 
350 

10,400 

11,568 
3,000 

15,003 
1,000 

13 

12 

Drum  slings 

Fifes ., 

Flags: 

Garrison 

48 

48 

Post 

Storm  and  recruiting. 

Hammocks 

Hand  litters 

Hatchets 

979 
1,000 

'""i,"779 

1,700 
1,600 
300 
1,080 
1,000 
7,000 
40,000 
5,000 

3,679 

3,600 

300 

3,859 

1,000 

7,000 

40,000 

30,000 

7,000 
10,000 

5,000 
10,000 

13,000 
20,000 

Hatchet  helves 

Hatchet  slings 

Kettles,  camp 

7,500 

3,499 

9  999 

Mattresses... 

Mattress  covers 

Mosquito  bars 

35,000 
50,000 

"36,"  666 
1,775 

5,000 

25,000 

80,000 

1,775 

10,425 

""25,"666 

Mosquito  head-nets 

Music  pouches 

Pickaxes 

5,435 

1,450 

820 

3,370 

9,666 

9,000 

456 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Statement  showing  principal  articles  of  clothing,  etc.— Continued. 


Philadelphia,  Pa. 

San  Francisco,  Cal. 

St.  Louis,  Mo. 

Articles. 

From 
Mayl, 
1898. to 

June 
30, 1898. 

From 
Julyl, 
1898,  to 

Aug. 
15, 1898. 

Total. 

From 
Mayl, 
1898,  to 

June 
30, 1898. 

From 
Julyl, 
1898,  to 

Aug. 
15, 1898 

Total. 

From 
Mayl, 
1898, to 

June 
30, 1898. 

From 
July  1, 
1898,  to 

Aug. 
15. 1898, 

Total. 

4,886 

10.594 
3,000 

"~5,"666 

5,705 
1,000 

15,480 
3.000 

2,100 
9,600 
7,205 

2,500 

39 
1 

1,350 
25 

1.200 

900 

1,007 



200 

"""40 

41,100 

801 

1,200 

55C 

120 

200 

3 

1,20C 
265 

250 
10,00C 

400 

2,550 
25 

1,750 
1,020 
1,207 

:; 

1,400 

265 

290 

51,100 

1,201 

14,000 

14,000 

Pillows 

Shovels: 

2,100 
4,600 
1,500 
1,500 

39 
1 

4,000 
5,000 
7,000 

1,260 
1,800 
1,500 

5,260 
6,800 
8,500 

Short  handles 

Spades. 

Stencils sets.. 

Tents: 

Common 

2,715 
150 

""8,"i89 
799 

743 

50 

300 

3,458 
150 

Conical  wall 

Hospital 

50 

Shelter,  halves 

10,000 
197 

10,000 
197 

8,189 

Wall 

1,099 

Tent  overcoats 

Trumpets 

Whistles 

750 

3,810 
2,000 
15, 727 

8,472 
3,834 

"75,000 

150,666 

4,560 

2,000 

25,727 

29,917 
21,959 

3,010 
21,000 
461,001 

230,000 
330,000 
100,000 

122,853 

221,960 
525,000 
649,082 
225,000 
232,000 
675,620 

271,509 
62,500 

560,000 

5,500 

200,383 

500,600 
170,200 
41,620 

834,828 
419,250 

10,000 

21,445 

18,125 

3,010 

21,000 
386,001 

230,000 
180,000 
100,000 

122,853 

221,960 
525,000 

3,360 
1,300 

1.50C 

4,860 
1,300 

15,000 

15,000 

Buttons,  line: 

Large gross.. 

Small do 

Cloth: 

Facing yards.. 

433 

560 

993 

Italian do 

Drilling do — 

6,009 

2,000 

8,009 

Duck: 

12-ounce do 

10-ounce do 

8-ounce do 

For    canvas     fatigue 
clothing yards . . 

Flannel: 

Blouse do 

8,519 
737 

3,200 

"27,"650 

11,719 
737 

27,650 

Blouse  lining do  — 

Canton do 

449,082  200.000 

Cape  lining do 

225,000 
232,000 
671,620 

270,000 

"4,"666 

1,509 
62,500 

""5,566 

""i,"620 

272,000 

Overcoat do 

Shirting do 

Jeans: 

Corset do 

White do.... 

Kersey: 

Sky  blue do 

560,000 

1,098 

16,110 

17,208 

Dark  blue do 

Muslin,  unbleached,  do  — 

200,383 

500,600 
170,200 
40,000 

562,828 
419,250 

1,890 

2,500 

4,390 

Padding: 

Black do 

Canvas do 

i7,666 

17,000 

Serge do 

Shelter  tent  material, 
yards  

Silesia,  black yards.. 

4,022 

4,022 

New  York,  N.  Y. 

Chicago,  111. 

Boston,  Mass. 

Articles. 

From 
May  J, 
1898, to 

June 
30,1898. 

From 
Julyl, 
1898, to 

Aug. 
15,1898. 

Total. 

From 
May  1, 

1898,  to 

June 

30, 1898. 

From 
Julyl, 

1898,  to 

Aug. 

15, 1898. 

Total. 

From 
May  1, 

1898. to 

June 

30, 1898. 

From 
Julyl, 
1898, to 

Aug. 
15, 1898. 

Total. 

Blankets 

2,600 
92,992 
29, 110 

9,150 

5,000 

13,500 

36,000 
162,008 
205,890 

98,019 

"36i,"566 
125,000 

121,344 
102,473 
180,200 

38,600 
255,000 
235,000 

107,169 
5,000 
375,000 
125,  000 
150,600 
152,600 
361,84(0 

41,000 

17,950 

58,950 

Blouses,  unlined 

Drawers,  summer  pairs. . 
Field  and   summer   uni- 
forms  suits.. 

241,168 

13,000 

"2,745 

20,000 

254,168 

"2, 745 

60,800 

40,000 

75,000 

115,000 

Hats,  campaign 

Leggings pairs.. 

Overcoats 

Shirts,  D.  B.  flannel 

Shoes,  calfskin pairs. . 

Stockings,  cotton.,  .do 

Suspenders do 

49,857 
181,640 

55,200 

in:,.  \.\:>. 
152,  <K>0 
105,500 

8,000 

i>7.  720 
860,  000 
35,000 

58,200 
173, 161 

402,000 

140,500 

65,363 

22,157 

142,423 
45,100 

207,786 
67,257 

Trousers: 

Duck do 

4,150 
102,095 

110, 850 
141,405 
18,000 

1  If,.  000 

243,500 

18,000 

Kersey,  foot do 

Kersey,  mounted,pairs 

REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 


457 


Statement  showing  principal  articles  of  clothing,  etc. — Continued. 


New  York,  N.  Y.                Chicago,  111. 

Boston,  Mass. 

.Articles. 

From     From 
May  1,  Julyl, 
1898,  to  1898,  to 

June  i   Aug. 
30, 1898.  j  15,  1898. 

Total. 

From 
May  1, 

1898,  to 

June 

30, 1898. 

From 
July  1, 
1898,  to 

Aug. 
15,  1898. 

Total. 

From 
Mayl, 

1898,  to 

June 

30,  1898. 

From 
July  1, 
1898, to 

Aug, 
15,  1898. 

Total. 

Undershirts: 

110,949 

5,448 
1,800 
1,800 

2,100 
100 
225 

3,000 
37,000 

324,051 

1,500 
250 
250 

"70,"666 

435,000 
5,448 
1,800 
1,800 

8,600 
350 
475 

3,000 
107,000 

251,464 

22,000 

973,464 

40,000 

75,000 

115,000 

Books: 

Company sets .  - 

Regimental do 

Drum  slings 

2,000 

1,000 

3,606 

600 

600 

394 

16,000 

3,360 

3,720 

3,000 

2,700 

4,518 

300 

100 

848 

30,896 

1,014 

19,900 

12 

10,485 

750 

"21,566 

""i,~666 

10,502 

"2,262 

"25,164 
1,612 
5,100 

600 
1,350 
394 
37,500 
3,360 
3,720 
4,000 
2,700 

15,020 

300 

2.362 

'848 

60,000 

2,656 

25,000 

12 

10,485 

* 

Mosquito  head  nets 

Tents: 

5,185 

800 

5,985 

50 

1,500 

1,550 

1,500 
1,343 

266 

1,500 
1,543 

Wall            

Jeffersonville,  Ind. 

Baltimore,  Md. 

New  Orleans,  La. 

Articles. 

From 
Mayl, 

1898,  to 

June 

30, 1898. 

From 
Julyl, 

1898, to 

Aug. 

15, 1898. 

Total. 

From 
Mayl, 
1898,  to 

June 
30,1898. 

From 
Julyl, 
1898,  to 

Aug. 
15, 1898. 

Total. 

From 
Mayl, 

1898,  to 
June 
30, 1898. 

From 
Julyl, 
1898,  to 

Aug. 
15, 1898. 

Total. 

2,300 

2,300 

Shirts.  D.  B.  flannel 

379 
360 

379 

360 

Shoes,  calfskin pairs.. 

147 

39,600 
1,000 

636*666 

147 

Stockings,  cotton  ...do 

675,600 

1,000 

293 
343 

3,000 
3,000 

3,293 
3,343 

420 
2,261 

420 

2,261 

3,000 
3,000 

3,001 
3,000 
3,000 

3.000 
3,000 

3,007 
3,006 
3,000 

Shovels: 

6 
6 

Short  handles 

Spades 

Tents: 

5,375 

207 
173 

41,588 
516 

7,645 
1,402 

13,020 

1,609 

173 

41,588 

516 

500 
50 

500 

50 

Irregular 

Shelter,  halves 

Wall 

300 

300 

100 
1,045 

100 

Mess  pans 

1,045 

Buttons,  line: 

2,160 

2,520 
23,011 

20,000 

400,000 

100,000 
300,000 
69, 600 
93,600 
60,000 
18.000 

2,160 
2,520 
23,845 

20,000 

400,000 

100,000 
300,000 
69, 600 
93,600 
60,000 
18,000 

Small do 

Drilling yards. . 

834 

Duck: 

Bleached do 

For  canvas  fatigue 

Flannel: 

Lasting,  black do 

Muslin,  unbleached. do 

Silesia,  black do 

458 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Statement  shotting  principal  articles  of  clothing,  etc. — Continued. 


Washington, 

Detroit,  Mich. 

P. 

flag 

r 

1 

5  ® 

p 

5?  • 

11 

is 
F 

Totals. 

Articles. 

i—l  30 

Is 

II 

i* 

c 

1 

s 

k 

1 

s 

M 

r 

i 

From 
Mayl, 
1898,  to 

June 
30,1898. 

From 
July  1, 
1898,  to 

Aug. 
15, 1898. 

Grand 
total. 

Blankets 

10,000 

5,450 

2,436 

299,187 

12,232 

92,992 

1,025 

24,022 

24,011 
230,000 

50,000 
648,436 

347, 151 

7,000 
163,008 

546,338 

19,232 

255,000 

1,025 

Blouses: 

Unlined 

Boots pairs.. 

Canvas  fatigue  coats 

7,579 
7,579 

31,601 

31,590 
230,000 

50  000 

Canvas  fatigue  trousers, 

Caps,forage 

Drawers: 

Canton  flannel  .pairs. 

5,300 

408,554 
13,879 

114,019 

50,000 

1,056,990 
12,879 

153,169 

Wool  do 

Field  and  summer  uni- 
forms   suits.. 

39,150 

62,377 
80,000 

263,346 
45,480 

24,252 

Gauntlets,  buckskin, 
pairs 

112,377 

Gloves,  Berlin pairs.. 

80,000 

Hats: 

213,359 

476,705 
45,480 

Canvas 

Helmets: 

Cork 

25,000 

55 

381,500 

125,000 

105,000 

308,850 
22,000 

51,093 
243,640 

1,270,500 

21,178 

146.500 

115,000 
273,405 

33,000 

546,111 
12,879 
14,750 
21,520 

53,352 
55 

Untrimmed 

Legerings pairs.. 

307,300 

4,000 

220,385 

239,784 
91,241 

25,000 
538,663 

726.199 
129,764 
169,595 

4,150 
114,351 

588, 800 

129,000 

Ponchos 

3,000 

325,385 

Shirts: 

D.  B.  flannel 

548,634 

Gingham  and  muslin . 

113,241 

Shoes: 

Barrack pairs. . 

76,093 

Calfskin do 

6,000 

782,303 

Stockings: 

Cotton do 

Wool do 

1,996,699 
150,942 

316,095 

Trousers: 

Duck do 

119,150 

387,756 

Kersey,  mounted, 

33,000 

Cotton 

85 

85 

5,300 

766,545 
31,477 
34,313 
48,103 
3,000 

1,212,656 

Woolen.. 

44,356 

Axes 

50 
150 

"960 

50 
1,110 

38,963 

Ax  helves 

960 

69,623 

Ax  slings 

2,000 

Barrack  bags 

3,000 
27,000 

3,000 

Bedsacks 

1,500 

16,500 

40,029 

1,000 

4,193 

325 

550 

10,000 

400 

43,500 

40,029 

3,000 

2,700 
350 
250 

4,000 

Books: 

6,893 

Post do 

675 

Regimental do 

800 

Brushes,  scrubbing 

10,000 

400 

300 

250 

28 

92 

500 

98 

100 

250 

70,000 

1,000 

300 

250 

300 

38 

328 

200 
1,621 
6,400 
1,500 

100 

300 

&50 

53,000 

3,350 

228 

Drums 

1,713 

Drum  slings 

6,400 

Fifes 

2,000 

Flags: 

Garrison 

198 

Post 

300 

Storm  and  recruiting 
Hammocks 

600 

122,000 

Hand  litters 

3,250 

REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 


459 


Statement  showing  principal  articles  of  clothing,  etc. — Continued. 


Washington, 

Detroit,  Mich. 

Poo 

t-jrH 

a^ 

«w  P 
■^  ° 

03 +a 

P.     - 

.98 

OCO 

8 

i" 
is 

£p 

S3 
Pk 

02 

as    • 

a". 

.So 

00  GO 

Pc* 

Totals. 

Articles. 

o 

co    . 

££ 

>-<CC 

is 

u 

PR 

o 

Sod 

CO  as 

'!— 1 

i* 
P 

a 

o 

o 
-p 

O5O0 
CO  OS 
i-ICO 

f 

o 

•"T-l 

Is 

-p 

o 
H 

From 
May  1, 
1898,  to 

June 
30, 1898. 

From 
July  1, 
1898,  to 

15, 1898. 

Grand 
total. 

50 
150 

50 
150 

19,039 
23,318 

2,000 
25,765 

1,000 

11,700 

32,950 

200 

8,579 

4,000 

7,000 

40,000 

56,500 

1,775 

8,870 

14,794 

3,000 

4,811 
10,920 
10,405 

1,503 

24,190 

265 

5,473 

"W,m 
2,712 
5,100 
4,126 
29000 
18,672 

10,632 
6,354 

560 

30,729 
56,368 

3,300 
34,344 
5,000 

50 

50 

620 

7,000 
67,361 
147,500 

1,775 
38,155 
38,750 

3,035 

27,261 
91,000 

50 

50 

19,285 

23,956 

25 

7,306 
13,506 
12,257 

1,500 

18,887 

451 

447 

1,244 

135,773 

5,270 

19,900 

762 

Pilllows  .. 

Shovels: 

12,117 

24,426 

22,662 

3,003 

43,077 
716 

50 

..... 

50 

500 

Tents: 

250 

3,300 

3,550 

105 

9 

223 

5,920 
1,244 

174,877 

7,982 

25,000 

4,888 

2,500 

2,500 

Wall 

200 

316 

316 

2,000 
58,662 

33, 377 

100 



100 

39,990 

22,745 
18,125 

3,443 

21,000 

393,844 

Buttons,  line: 

34,479 

4,003 

31,000 

493, 855 

20,000 

Cloth: 

100,011 
20,000 

Duck: 

Bleached do 

230,000 
180,000 
100,000 

133,853 

330,479 
535,737 
449,083 
325,000 

232,000 
671, 620 

270,000 

230,000 
330,000 
100,000 

522,853 

333,679 

525,737 

1,008,511 

225,000 

232,000 
675,620 

150,000 

400,000 
3,200 

For  canvas   fatigue 

Flannel: 

Blouse do 

31,779 

559,429 

Overcoat  lining, 

Shirting -._.-.  yards . . 

4,000 

1,509 
62,500 

16,110 

5,500 

69,600 

96,100 

60,000 

"""i,"620 

872,000 

18,000 

Corset do 

271,509 

White do.... 

62,500 

Kersey : 

561,098 

577,208 
5,500 

Dark  blue do 

Lasting,  black do 

69,600 

Muslin,  unbleached, 

202,273 

500,600 
187,200 
40,000 

562,828 
423,272 

298,373 
560,600 

Padding: 

Canvas do 

187,200 

Serge do 

41,630 

Shelter- tent      material, 
yards 

834,838 
441,373 

460        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Exhibit  D. 

Part  1.— Statement  showing  the  issues  of  clothing  and  equipage  supplies  as  ordered 

by  the  Quartermaster-General's  Office  from  May  1,  1898,  to  August  15,  1898. 

Philadelphia,  Pa.  Jeffersonville,  Ind.  St.  Louis,  Mo. 


Articles. 


Mayl, 

1898,  to 

June 

30, 1898. 


July  1, 

1898,  to 
Aug. 

15, 1898. 


Total. 


Mayl, 
1898,  to 
June 

30, 1898. 


July  1, 

1898,  to 

Aug. 

15, 1898. 


Total. 


Mayl, 
1898,  to 
June 

30, 1898 


Ju     1, 

1898,  to 
Aug. 

15, 1898. 


Total. 


Blankets,  wool 

Blouses,  lined  and  unlined 

Caps,  forage 

Canvas  fatigue  coats 

Canvas  fatigue  trou- 
sers  pairs.  . 

Drawers: 

Canton  flannel. pairs. 

Summer do — 

Field  and  summer  uni- 
forms  

Gauntlets,  leather 

Gloves,  Berlin pairs . . 

Hats: 

Campaign 

Canvas 

Helmets,  cork 


148,765 
24,318 


5,409 
4,721 


13,134 
145,612 


Leggings pairs. 

Overalls 

Overcoats 

Ponchos    and    rubber 

blankets. 

Shirts,  flannel  and  ging- 
ham  

Sb»es: 

Barrack pairs . 

Leather do... 

Stable  frocks 

Stockings: 

Cotton pairs. 

Wool do... 

Suspenders do... 

Trousers: 

Campaign pairs . 

Foot ..do... 

Mounted do... 

Undershirts: 

Cotton 

Wool 

Axes 

Ax  helves 

Bedsacks 

Books,  all  kinds,  number . 
Colors  and  standards  . . 

Drums 

Fifes 

Flags,  all  kinds 

Guidons 

Hammocks 

Hand  litters 

Hatchets 

Hatchet  helves 

Kettles,  camp 

Mess  pans 

Mosquito  bars 

Mosquito  head  nets 

Pickaxes 

Pickax  helves 

Shovels: 

Long-handled 

Short-handled 

Spades 

Tents: 

Common 

Conical  wall 

Hospital 

Shelter  halves 

Wall 

Irregular  

Trumpets 

Duck: 

Tent,  all  kinds. yards. . 

Brown do... 

Flannel: 

Blouse do... 

Blouse  and  O.  C.  lg... 

Canton yards. 

Shirting do... 

Kersey,  dark-blue. .  .do. . . 


16,488 
78,712 

153,892 

46,753 

6,125 

104,673 
2,074 
2,713 

178,787 

84,540 

9,017 

173,504 

1,119 

305,227 

2,548 

56,017 


45,741 
10,803 

49,725 

4,852 

6,924 

3,477 

4, 

7,478 

8 

193 

437 

187 

59 

13,091 

51 

3,958 

5,952 

7,316 

3,753 

4, 

2,601 

3,868 

3, "' 


1,798 
2,873 

1, 

464 

230 

144,785 

1,064 


64,861 

24,965 

9,297 

1,039 

3,290 

4,937 
141,251 

1,969 
14,229 

508,414 

291,394 

448 

10,841 

73,333 

4,f" 

8,125 


78,616 

12,619 

97,896 

1,279 

122,614 
3,159 
13,694 

9,325 
59,653 
11,606 

57,213 

1,308 

5,286 

11,095 

14,697 

4,619 

60 

191 

82 

505 

57 

2,002 


213, 626 
283 
397 
448 


106,938 
6,160 
12,210 
14,572 


067 


5,738 
8,820 
3,485 
4,956 
13,602 
92 
4,790 
4,818 

11,647 

1. """ 
1, 

406 

23 

342 

34,962 

159 


15. 


519 

092 
lit) 

093 
51 
6!  Hi 
772 
8(11 
709 


17,693 


8,744 


2,366 
487 
572 


179, 
1 


223 


45,817 


27,570 


73,387 


3,793 
3,549 
41,936 


16 


22 


20,114 


3,299 


343 


2,730 


11,177 


868 

6 
6 

507 

88 


184 


2,753 
2,610 
8,130 


6,546 

6,159 

50,066 


10,007 
2,r  " 
2, 

8,557 

9,087 

19,400 

8,512 


878 

60,694 
13,417 

62,981 


843 
85,550 


1,721 


50,042 
200 


27,307 
58,100 


87,668 

10 


146, 
13, 


50, 


lit 


368 
381 

2.010 
687 

471 

1,813 
1,884 


142 


800 


729 
4,546 


14,426 


1,601 

8,147 


1,779 


468 


4S1 


215 


39 


6,020 

9,974 

3,149 

460 

2,020 

18,688 

15,052 

14,827 

172 

63,835 
11,320 


255 
255 


548 

r.'.is 


13,; 

6,365 

18,033 

336 

5,675 

8,464 


27 


10 


2,730 


32 


11,209 


1,748 
5,760 
3,574 
2,444 
43 


2:53 

7 

6 

507 


2 
'808 


3, 

6,316 

1,571 
3,357 
3,789 

5,633 
355 
2L2 

8,033 
983 

1,213 
346 


8,(568 


88, 832 
15,275 


15,615 


27,481 
19,740 


24,283 

115,813 
35,015 


1,178 


17,898 


4,264 


505 


591 


7,273 
3,351 

856 


2,415 
3,741 

11,732 

6,706 

1, 

2,079 

141 


2,182 
2,717 
1,166 
1,064 
284 
21 
1,007 
1,522 

737 
1,449 
1,241 

740 
3 
17 

5,200 


22 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 


461 


Statement  showing  the  issues  of  clothing  and  equipage  supplies,  etc. — Continued. 


San  Francisco,  Cal. 

New  York,  N.  Y. 

Chicago,  111. 

Articles. 

May  1, 

1898, to 

June 

30, 1898. 

Julyl, 

1898,  to 

Aug. 

15, 1898. 

Total. 

May  1, 

L898,  to 

June 

30, 1898. 

July  1, 
1898,  to 
Aug. 
15,1898. 

Total. 

May  1, 1 

1898, to 

June 

30,1898. 

Julyl, 

1898,  to 
Aug. 
15,1898. 

Total. 

25,099 

14,156 

1,301 

21,081 

21,028 

8,775 
11,720 

1,857 
15,780 

15,937 

15,248 
16,458 

586 

6,638 
11,564 
2,637 
11,194 
954 
2,162 

8,990 

27,230 

9,482 

19,644 

480 

47,430 
13,826 
18,392 

33,874 

25,876 

2,158 

36,861 

36,965 

15,248 
76,425 

24,570 

686 

21,652 

27,707 

14,337 

17,706 

1,194 

3,405 

22,822 

127,725 

23, 719 

43,573 

620 

173,479 
31,095 
24,122 

2,000 
92,650 

8,100 

57,582 

10,100 
150,232 

2,000 

14,562 

16,562 

Canvas  fatigue  coats 

Canvas    fatigue   trous- 
ers  pairs.. 

Drawers: 

Summer -do 

Field  and   summer    uni- 

59,967 

24,570 
80 
15,014 
16, 143 
11,700 
6,512 
159 
1,243 

13,832 

100,495 

14,237 

23,929 

140 

126,049 

17,269 

5,730 

7,000 
4,150 

73,300 
84,975 

80,300 
89,125 

15,400 

129,423 

144,823 

5,000 

5,000 

1,798 

1,798 

Leggings pairs.  - 

12,656 

86,859 

99,515 

31,206 

31,206 

Ponchos  and  rubber 

2,500 
25,519 

57,535 

2,500 
83,054 

Shirts,  flannel  and  ging- 

26,022 

26,022 

Shoes: 

Barrack pairs. . 

Leather ...do 

44,082 

28,026 

72,008 

39,023 

68,906 

107,929 

Stockings: 

Cotton pairs.  . 

80,275 

100,702 

180,975 

34,606 

214,984 

249,590 

Suspenders -do 

Trousers: 

8,402 

26,430 

34,832 

38,078 
74,421 
12,629 

136,616 

"  "i,~522 
3,522 
3,045 

38,078 
176,516 
12,629 

201,247 
5,448 
3,322 
5,322 
3,045 

14,468 

837 

32,537 
23,768 
2,310 

2,800 

9,400 
645 

17,652 
15,473 
1,413 
2,955 

23,868 
1,482 

50,189 
39,241 
3,723 
5,755 

102,095 

64,631 
5,448 
1,800 
1,800 

Undershirts: 

20,104 

156,811 

176,915 

Wool -. 

Books,  all  kinds,  number  . 

5 
12 

29 

9 

8 
220 

14 
20 
249 

Fifes 

Flags,  all  kinds 

32,810 

20,110 

52,920 

Hand  litters 

2 

1,402 
2,986 
1,357 
1,380 
18,445 
1,750 
580 
1,000 

722 
402 
506 

933 

56 

99 

16,635 

168 

50 

is 

176 

116 

25S 

1C 

1,134 

2 
2,835 
4,915 
2,839 
3,847 
18,912 
22,310 
1,759 
2,514 

1,091 

1,198 
1,729 

1,567 

65 

1,039 

41,694 

1,338 

257 

71 
194 

13,208 

8,994 

5, 60S 

884 

15,624 

562 

562 

1,433 
1,929 
1,482 
2,467 
467 
20,560 
1,179 
1,514 

369 

796 

1,223 

634 
9 

940 

25,059 

1,170 

207 

58 
18 

13,092 

8,994 

5,350 

874 

14,491 

600 
600 

500 
750 

1,100 
1,350 

Hatchet  helves. 

5,689 

1,296 

6,985 

Mosquito  head  nets 

"""3,360 
3,720 

""3,"666 

2,700 

4,346 

300 

100 

27,010 

810 

26,000 
538 
588 

1,000 
1,350 
1,000 

3,701 
8 

873 

28,189 

686 

179 

26.000 
3,898 
4,308 

1,000 
4,350 
3,700 

8,047 

302 

973 

55,199 

1,496 
179 

Shovels: 

Tents: 

Common 

Conical  wall 

1,355 

4,114 

5,469 

29 

1,300 

514 

422 

200 

1,041 

451 

1,500 

Wall. 

1,555 

Trumpets 

Duck: 

Brown yards.- 

Bleached do 

Flannel: 

Blouse  and  0.  C.  lg 

Canton yards.. 

Shirting do._ 

Kersey,  sky  blue 

462 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Statement  showing  the  issues  of  clothing  and  equipage  supplies,  etc.— Continued. 


Boston,  Mass. 

Baltimore,  Md.              New  Orleans,  La. 

Articles. 

Mayl, 

1898,  to 

June 

30, 1898. 

Julyl, 
1898,  to 
Aug. 
15, 1898. 

Total. 

Mayl. 
1898, to 

June 
30,1898. 

Julyl, 

1898, to 

Aug. 

15, 1898. 

Total. 

Mayl, 

1898, to 

June 

30. 1898 

Julyl, 

1 1898,  to 
1   Aug. 
15, 1898 

Total. 

8,340 

39,134 
60 

8,240 

104,487 
810 

2,801 

)      3,300 

Shirts,  flannel  and  ging- 

65,363 
750 

379 

360 

37£ 
36( 

Shoes.  leather pairs . . 



) 

3,  (XX 

14' 

)     63,84( 

LOW 

5 

'"""1,36] 

)          22( 
I 

147 

)     65,840 

9,533 

9,533 

)       1,000 

47$ 
LOU 

472 

1,045 

1,361 

Tents: 

1,978 

307 

40,950 

516 

69 

11,033 
857 
336 

13,  OK 
1,0ft 

41,37( 
51  ( 

61 

)          38( 
J 

)          500 

3 

Wall             ,            

5           65           3f 
) 

>          100 

Detroit,  Mich. 

St.  Paul,  Minn. 

Washington, 
D.  C. 

Total. 

83 

5* 

'l-H 

"3 

O 

o 

1 
o 
H 

-2  od 

.-1— * 

13 
o 
H 

Mayl, 

1898,  to 

June 

30,1898. 

Julyl, 

1898,  to 

Aug. 

15, 1898. 

Grand 
total. 

5,300 

35 

5,335 

193,071 

179,908 

4,140 

38,840 

38,385 

74,470 
336,491 

38,730 
17,397 
98,373 

189,519 

46,753 

33,845 

133,815 

5,395 

4,416 

197,139 

315,098 

38,306 

399,475 

4,730 

617,990 
31, 137 

73,687 

96,691 

133,318 

13,164 

30,359 

31,308 

30,138 
373,856 

86,944 
16,416 
65,199 

306,677 

448 

13,513 

303,855 

7,966 

10,967 

103,358 

338,574 

32,693 

316,961 

4,481 

556,883 
30,336 
59,373 

47,403 

145,889 

38,631 

390,557 

33,487 

9,834 

30,866 

14,838 

8,676 

60 

330 

103 

763 

389,763 

302,136 

17,304 

59,099 

Canvas  fatigue  trousers. 

59.693 

Drawers: 

104,598 

609,347 

Field   and    summer   uni- 

115,664 

33,713 

163,471 

Hats: 

496,196 

47,301 

87,357 

337,670 

13,361 

15,383 

Ponchos  and  rubber  blan- 

399,497 

Shirts,  flannel  and  ging- 

553,673 

Shoes: 

60,998 

3,000 

3,000 

516,436 

9,311 

Stockings: 

Cotton pairs-v 

Wool..              ...do 

6,000 

6,000 

1,174,873 

51,473 

133,059 

Trousers: 

47,403 

175,630 
18,005 

185,115 

34,404 

17,053 

17,034 

4,135 

8,371 

8 

198 

449 

336 

321,519 

46,636 

Undershirts: 

85 

85 

575,673 

Wool 

57,891 

50 
150 

'"960 

50 
1,110 

36,836 

37,900 

18,973 

16,947 

68 

428 

Fifes 

551 

Flags,  all  kinds 

989 

W 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  463 

Statement  showing  the  issues  of  clothing  and  equipage  supplies,  etc.— -Continued. 


Detroit,  Mich. 

St.  Paul,  Minn. 

Washington, 
D.  C. 

Total. 

Articles. 

o 

OS,— 1 

o 

sS 

CO     .. 

t— im 

1 

o 

-^od 

1*1 

o 

21 

00      , 
•-■lO 

t— i 

3 

o 

o 
IS 

o 

s'S 

"3 
o 
H 

May  1, 

1898,  to 

June 

30, 1898. 

July  1, 

1898,  to 

Aug. 

15, 1898. 

Grand 
total. 

59 
45,901 

51 
10,519 
14  391 
12,894 
26,675 
4,602 
23.161 
13.163 
15, 759 

4,607 
8,857 
11,143 

19,115 

1,128 
1,722 
247,087 
5,256 
1,282 
1,431 

60,694 

22,143 

18 

165,583 

94,269 
59,656 
18,972 

57 

22,112 

564 

9,822 

15,273 
6,008 
8,728 

33,592 

27,863 
6,915 
7,928 

14, 107 
4,239 
4,299 

25,561 

84 
2,610 
85,512 
2,480 

"i,iib 

85,550 

15,628 

176 

54,906 

77,840 

259 

28,009 

10 
1,134 

116 

68,013 
615 

50 
150 

50 
100 

50 
150 

50 
100 

20,341 
29,684 

18,902 
.35,403 
38,194 
51,024 

50 
50 

50 
50 

20,078 
23,687 

Pickax  helves 

Shovels: 

18, 714 

Short-handled 

13,196 
15,441 

44,676 
1,212 
4,332 

50 
856 

2,915 

50 
3,771 

Tents: 

2,050 

1,500 

3,550 



..... 



Shelter  halves 

332,599 

Wall . 

7,726 

1,282 
2,841 

Trumpets 

316 

316 

Duck: 

Tent,  all  kinds,  .yards. . 

146,244 

Brown do 

37, 771 

Bleached do 

194 

Flannel: 

Blouse  .- do 

219,489 
102,109 

Blouse  and  O.  C.  lg 

Canton yards. . 

59, 915 

Shirting do 

46,971 
10 

Kersey: 

Dark  blue do 

Sky  blue. do 

14,490 

15,624 

4f)4         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Part  2. — Statement  showing  the  issues  of  clothing  and  equipage  supplies  as  ordered 
by  the  Quartermaster-General's  Office  from  May  1  to  August  15,  1898. 


Articles. 

Chick- 

amau- 

ga. 

Dunn 

Lor- 

ing. 

Fer- 
nan- 
dina. 

Hunts- 
ville. 

Jack- 
son 
ville. 

Key 
West. 

Lex- 
ington. 

Manila 
expe- 
dition. 

Miami. 

41,000 
61,500 
2,500 
5,000 

5,000 

59,505 
75,500 

14,000 
25,500 

15,000 
27,100 

106 
1,397 

1,800 

3,000 

1,800 

Canvas  fatigue  coats 

Canvas  fatigue  trousers, 

4,706 
4,050 

Drawers: 

5,000 
54,000 

2,000 
47,911 
21,400 

15,000 

20,452 

11,224 

120 

9,800 

3,082 

5,400 

Gauntlets pairs.. 

6,800 

50,000 

— 

Hats: 

60,250 

27,948 



5,000 

36,050 
1,000 

742 

11,699 
5,210 

Leggings pairs. . 

75.375 

34,7ii 

5,000 

23,656 

1,080 

3,000 
53,000 

20.000 

3,000 
5,000 

18,800 
35,200 

9,200 

53,084 

11.549 
8,731 

1,800 

Shirts,  D.  B.  flannel  and 

116,940     49.900 

9.600 

Shoes: 

500 

109,912 

3,000 

135,000 
10,000 
21,000 

Calfskin 

36,788 

5,000 

34,180 

4,900 

Stockings: 

Cotton pairs 

78,000 

15,000 

60,400 

83,874 

3,600 

Suspenders do — 

Trousers: 

Duck do 

16.000 

1,513 

5,000 
31,000 

10,294 

23,000     10.000 

Kersey,  foot  — do 

Kersey,    mounted, 

pairs 

Undershirts: 

71,900 
11,500 
160,000 

34,827 

5,000 

2,500 

1,800 

5fi. 800 

15,000 

43,500 

21,009 

5,400 

Wool 

10,000      2,808 
3,653      3,526 
4,962       4.582 

390 
1,000 

1,1(10 
1,950 

512 

518 

736 

3,750 
100 
300 

1,530 
58 
16 
12 

534 

Drums  , 

Fifes 

190 
6,000 

Hammocks 

200 
3,650 
4,950 
2,500 
11,500 
2,500 

Hatchets 

3,410 
4,104 
2,790 
7,200 

390 
600 
390 

350 

700 

1,648 

1,404 

1,114 

506 
972 
120 
20,378 
18, 775 
310 
420 

240 
126 
126 
25 

156 
119 

209 
15,600 

87 

3,550 
4,000 

1,960 

4,450 

2,000 

822 

9,968 

432 

753 

73,900 

1,165 

84 

3,526 
3,720 

1,600 
876 

1,876 
300 

3,395 
235 
190 

28,000 

747 

195 

390 

390 

1,100 
1,950 

300 

100 
100 

50 
50 

Pickax  helves 

Shovels: 

Long  handles 

390 

1,200 
50 

2,851 

Tents: 

300 

359 

Conical  wall 

Hospital 

50 

60 

3,500 

75 

306 

10,940 

238 

35 

25 

16 

2,000 

Wall 

6 

160 

REPLY    OF    QUA RTERM ASTER-GENERAL. 


465 


Statement  showing  the  issues  of  clothing  and  equipage  supplies,  etc. — Continued. 


Articles. 

Mid- 
dle- 
town. 

Mobile. 

Mon- 
tauk 
Point. 

New 
Or- 
leans. 

Porto 
Rico. 

Santi- 
ago. 

Tam- 
pa. 

To 
posts 

and  or- 
gani 

zations 
in  the 
field. 

Total. 

530 

2,  (XX) 

7,000 
8,900 

30.000 
20,000 

3,000 
1,000 

13,000 

7,000 

18,000 

22,900 

500 

9,404 

9,754 

146,326 

120,029 

14,304 

39,989 

40,889 

31,093 

184,984 

33.140 

19,593 

103,671 

288,356 
13,501 
22,658 
95,491 
10,361 
6,383 

104,697 

184,513 

48,949 

185,842 

6,211 

516,998 
40,973 
71,752 

953 

110,292 

32,126 

78,963 

26,083 

11,355 

14,388 

8,237 

6,639 

220 

135 

110 

4,828 

215 

8,027 

11,924 

4,402 

1,879 

2,616 

22,249 

8,699 

9,609 

289, 762 

302,126 

17,304 
59,099 

59,693 

104,598 
609,347 
115,664 
33,713 
163,471 

496, 196 

Canvas  fatigue  trousers, 

Drawers : 

5,000 
9,500 

"46,666 

2,000 

2,000 

32,000 
23,800 

43,000 
16,000 

79,600 
10,100 
6,100 

500 

Hats: 

2,000 

8,000 

20,000 

1,000 

10,000 

12,000 

21,768 
32,700 

"21, 900 

47,201 
37,357 

337,670 
13,361 
15,383 

299,497 

553,672 
60,998 

Helmets,  cork 

3,000 
23,000 

Leggings pairs.. 

6,200 

8,500 

20,000 

18,200 

9,000 
20,000 

20,000 

2,000 
2,000 

9,000 
8,435 

1,000 
1,000 

12,000 
15,500 

45,000 
52,500 

Shirts,  D.  B.  flannel  and 

2,000 

7,500 

20,000 

3,000 

32,500 

66,083 

516,436 
9,211 

1,174,872 
51,473 
132,059 

47,403 
321,519 

46,626 

575,672 
57,891 
26,836 

Stockings : 

Cotton pairs.. 

2,000 

19,000 

40,000 

5,000 
500 
500 

60,000 

156,000 

1,000 

10,000 

Trousers : 

7,450 
5,000 

""7,"666 

1,000 
19,700 

2,500 

89,000 

"  "i,"966 
3,300 

Kersey,  foot do 

Kersey,  mounted, 

2,000 

9,500 

20,000 

1,000 
500 

2,000 

Undershirts: 

2,000 

14,500 

40,000 
3,000 
2,000 
4,000 

10,000 
1,440 

20,000 

27,500 
16,00u 
1,000 
1,500 

Wool 

100 
300 

900 
900 

400 
500 

37,900 

18,973 

16,947 

428 

Books,  all  kinds 

90 

2,964 
50 

100 

25 

42,185 

200 

400 

1,800 

1,800 

3,500 

8,500 

Fifes 

551 

Flags,  all  kinds 

1 

401 
15,000 

250 

989 

68,013 

Hand  litters 

615 

166 

100 
200 

500 

500 

900 

2,000 

2,666 

4,000 
3,000 
7,000 

400 
500 
300 
800 

20,341 

29,684 

18,902 

35,403 
38,194 

1,200 
10,000 

3,000 

51,024 

500 
500 

300 
450 

300 
400 

250 

300 

2,600 

1,000 
350 
500 

1,000 

1,248 
1,648 

20,078 

Pickax  helves 

200 

23,687 
2,600 

18, 714 

Shovels: 

200 
800 
500 
144 

620 
6 

28 

8,200 

255 

22 

300 

200 
2<X) 
400 

166 

500 

1,200 
950 
950 
175 

3,002 
155 

202 

45,828 

377 

365 

11,574 
5,294 
7,199 
1,225 

13,205 

254 

976 

138,631 

3,119 

811 

100 

13,196 

Spades 

15,441 

2,841 

Teats: 

225 

9,095 

11 

701 

~"i~m 

44,676 

1,212 

52 

""  i,"666 

225 

5,000 
50 

504 
202 

4,332 

Shelter  halves 

332,599 

Wall 

75 

7,726 

1,282 

7833— vol   1- 


-30 


4fi6        INVESTIGATION    OF   CONDUCT   OF    WAK    WITH    SPAIN. 

Exhibit  E. 
Public  animals,  icagons,  harness,  and  other  supplies  necessary  for  camp  life. 


5.  On  hand  and  available  April  1. 1898. 
5.  Purchased  since  April  1,  1898 

7.  Available  April  1, 1898 

8.  Purchased  by  August  31, 1898 


700 
4,934 


,730 


160 


200 


6,120 
10, 748 


500 
,551 


1,500 


615 


Total  available  April  1, 1898,  and  purchased 

by  August  31,  1898 

On  hand  at  depots  August  31, 1898 


16,888 

135 


8.  Number  issued  by  August  31, 1898. 


10.608 


,051 
,551 


1,500 


615 


1,500 


615 


7.  Available  April  1,1898 

8.  Purchased  by  August  31, 1898 . 


Total  available  April  1, 1898,  and  purchased 

by  August  31, 1898 

On  hand  at  depots  August  31,  1898 


8.  Number  issued  by  August  31, 1898. 


be  CO 

'3 

Bi 

Q-0 


81 
1,137 


1,218 


1, 137 


1,800 
17,515 


19,315 
2 


17,513 


ii 

a 

02 


221 
2,167 


2,388 
630 


1,537 


500 


•T.       . 


40 


40 


4,963 

28,012 


32,975 
6,341 


23,387 


401 


400 


*a 
a 


604 


1,196 

487      f 


7.  Available  April  1, 1898 

8.  Purchased  by  August  31, 1898. 


Total  available  April  1, 1898,  and  purchased 

by  August  31, 1898 

On  hand  at  depots  August  31, 1898 


8.  Number  issued  by  August  31, 1898. 


500 
109 


102 
HO 


3,605 


3,605 


3,605 


70 


a  ** 

1-1  o 

3  53 

a 

< 


500 


500 
56 


444 


v  » 
O  o 


60 


155 
45 


—   CO 

gl 

a£ 

a 

< 


401 


401 
1 


400 


CO 

p 

O 
co 


224 

2 


Respectfully  submitted. 


C.  P.  Miller, 
Colonel,  Quartermaster's  Department. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  467 

Exhibit  F. 
[Confidential.] 

Washington,  March  #4,  1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

Sir:  I  desire  that  you  will  at  once  quietly  consult  with  the  proper  representatives 
of  the  various  lines  of  steamers  doing  coast-line  trade  from  New  York  to  Key 
West,  Havana,  and  intermediate  points,  with  a  view  of  ascertaining  what  num- 
ber of  vessels,  their  capacity  in  passengers  and  tonnage,  they  could  supply  upon 
short  notice,  should  it  become  necessary,  in  an  emergency,  to  call  them  into  service, 
and  on  what  probable  rates,  either  per  day,  per  trip,  or  per  ton. 

This  information"  is  desired  in  order  that  the  Quartermaster-General  may  be 
prepared  should  any  quick  demand  be  made  of  him  for  any  such  service.  It  is 
desired  that  this  should  be  kept  as  an  official  secret  and  not  given  to  the  public. 

Among  the  lines  which  I  would  suggest  are  the  Mallory,  Merchants  and  Miners', 
Miami,  New  York  and  Cuba,  New  York  and  Texas,  Ocean  Steamship  Company  of 
Savannah,  Old  Dominion,  Plant  Steamship  Lines,  and  any  others  that  you  may 
deem  proper.    Only  vessels  sailing  under  our  flag  to  be  considered. 
Respectfully, 

M.    I.    LUDINGTON, 

Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army. 
Please  reply  as  early  as  possible. 


[Confidential.] 

War  Department, 
General  Depot  of  Quartermaster's  Department, 

Army  Building,  Whitehall  Street, 

New  York  City,  March  29, 1898. 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
General:  Referring  to  your  confidential  letter  of  the  24th  instant,  I  have  the 
honor  to  forward  herewith  an  abstract  of  vessels  in  the  coast-line  trade,  giving  as 
far  as  obtainable  at  this  time  the  information  asked  for  in  y6ur  communication. 

When  the  additional  information  promised  from  some  of  these  lines,  as  noted 
on  the  abstract,  is  received,  it  will  be  immediately  forwarded  to  you. 

I  would  say  for  the  information  of  the  Quartermaster-General  that  it  was  stated 
here  by  a  member  of  the  naval  board  on  auxiliary  cruisers  that  the  Navy  has 
absolute  option  on  the  boats  of  the  following-named  lines:  Morgan  Line;  New 
York  and  Cuba  Mail  (Ward  Line) ;  New  York  and  Texas  Steamship  Company 
(Mallory  Line) ;  Clyde  Line;  Old  Dominion  Steamship  Company  (on  some  vessels) ; 
Merchants  and  Miners'  Line  (Baltimore). 

No  report  has  been  obtained  from  the  Merchants  and  Miners'  Line,  as  the  head- 
quarters of  the  company  is  in  Baltimore,  and  there  is  no  officer  here  with  authorit 
to  act  in  a  matter  of  this  kind. 

The  New  York  and  Cuba  Line  has  made  no  report,  and  has  stated  that  the  infor- 
mation desired  would  be  communicated  to  you  by  a  representative  in  person  or 
by  letter. 

Very  respectfully,  A.  S.  Kimball, 

Deputy  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Army,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


46 S         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

(1)  Exhibit  G. 

May  2,  1898. 
Colonel  Humphrey, 

Quartermaster,  Tampa  Bay  Hotel,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

Your  telegram  yesterday  received.  Following  are  the  names  of  vessels  char- 
tered by  this  department  and  their  reported  carrying  capacity,  respectively: 
Florida,  one  thousand  men,  one  hundred  animals,  three  hundred  tons  freight;  Oli- 
vette, six  hundred  men.  forty  animals,  three  hundred  and  fifty  tons  freight;  D.  H. 
Miller,  nine  hundred  men,  two  hundred  animals,  one  thousand  tons  freight;  Berk- 
shire, nine  hundred  men,  two  hundred  animals,  one  thousand  tons  freight;  Alle- 
gheny, nine  hundred  men,  two  hundred  animals,  one  thousand  tons  freight;  Comal, 
one  thousand  men,  one  hundred  animals,  one  thousand  tons  freight;  Alamo,  one 
thousand  men,  one  hundred  animals,  one  thousand  tons  freight.  Three  other 
vessels,  named  Gussie,  Whitney,  and  Fanita,  have  been  chartered,  but  capacity 
not  yet  definitely  ascertained.  Gussie  and  Whitney  are  fitted  for  carrying  four 
hundred  animals  each,  provided  they  can  carry  water  sufficient;  otherwise  the 
animals  may  have  to  be  distributed  on  other  vessels  where  there  is  proper  venti- 
lation and  better  water  supply. 

The  carrying  capacity  mentioned  here  for  these  vessels  was  arranged  simply  to 
see  that  we  have  sufficient  capacity  for  five  thousand  men,  one  thousand  animals, 
and  three  thousand  tons  freight.  The  distribution  or  loading  of  the  ships  will  have 
to  be  arranged  according  to  their  facilities  for  carrying  men  and  animals.  Some  of 
the  vessels,  where  animals  have  to  be  put  between  decks,  may  not  have  enough 
ventilation;  hence  the  Whitney  and  Gussie  were  sent  because  they  had  good  ven- 
tilation and  were  fitted  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  stock. 

I  learn  that  the  water  at  Tampa,  after  being  stored  on  vessels,  is  liable  to  spoil, 
and  it  is  suggested  that  the  water  be  secured  from  tanks  up  the  railroad  that  is 
pumped  from  deep  wells.     Please  look  into  this  matter  and  inform  Major  Pope. 

The  Fanita  will  not  arrive  until  later  than  May  fourth,  and  she  is  not  intended, 
nor  is  the  Olivette,  for  General  Shatter's  expedition.  The  Olivette  is  for  special 
service,  and  the  Fanita  will  be  held  as  a  reserve  boat.  Alamo  is  loaded  with  pon- 
toon-train stores,  and  so  forth.  Will  stop  at  Key  West,  from  where  General 
Shaf ter  will  give  her  directions. 

Quartermaster-General. 


May  4,  1898. 
Maj.  J.  W.  Pope, 

Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Army,  Tampa,  Fla. 
Sir:  Referring  to  the  subject  of  vessels  chartered  by  this  Department  to  be 
wsed  as  transports  for  troops  and  supplies,  it  is  desired  to  secure  information  in 
relation  to  each  of  these  vessels  as  to  the  amount  of  men  and  animals,  with  cargo, 
they  will  carry  conveniently.  To  this  end,  by  direction  of  the  Quartermaster- 
General,  you  will  please  report  your  idea  of  the  extreme  carrying  capacity  of  each 
of  the  ships,  so  that  this  office  can  be  informed  of  the  number  of  ships  that  will 
be  necessary  to  move  a  given  number  of  men,  animals,  and  freight.  This  office 
had  few  ships  to  choose  from,  and  information  is  desired  whether  ample  room 
for  the  command  was  obtaiaed,  or  whether  more  men,  animals,  and  freight  could 
have  been  carried.  The  water  question  was  a  serious  one;  please  give  informa- 
tion on  that  point,  as  to  sufficiency. 

Respectfully,  Chas.  Bird, 

Major  and  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Army. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  469 

[Telegram.] 

Tampa  Bay  Hotel, 

Tampa,  Fla.,  May  9,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Referring  to  a  letter  of  May  4  to  Major  Pope,  requiring  him  to  report  the 
extreme  carrying  capacity  of  the  ships  chartered,  would  say  that  they  will  not  be 
loaded  to  carry  the  number  certified  by  the  agents  at  time  of  charter.  A  board 
examined  all  the  vessels  yesterday  and  its  report  I  will  send  you  later  in  the  day. 
Believe  the  water  question  for  ships  will  come  out  all  right.  Major  Pope  is 
making  additional  casks,  and  I  have  directed  that  all  the  water  taken  aboard 
should  be  distilled  water  or  the  pure  fresh  water  from  St.  Petersburg  across  the 
bay.  This  latter  is  what  is  used  by  the  Navy,  the  Plant  vessels,  etc.  The  Florida 
and  Olivette  have  condensing  apparatus  on  board.  General  Shaf  ter  desires  bunks 
three  tiers  high  placed  in  the  vessels.  By  this  means  more  men  can  be  carried 
comfortably  than  otherwise. 

10.42  a.  m.  Humphrey. 


Office  of  Chief  Quartermaster,  United  States  Forces, 

Tampa,  Fla.,  May  9,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

General:  Your  letter  of  May  4  to  Major  Pope,  requesting  information  in  rel?.- 
tion  to  each  of  the  vessels  chartered — as  to  the  number  of  men  and  animals,  with 
cargo,  they  will  carry  conveniently — was  referred  to  me  May  7,  and  yesterday  a 
board,  consisting  of  Colonel  Lawton,  Captain  Dorst,  and  Major  Jacobs,  examined 
the  vessels  with  reference  to  the  matter,  and  reports  as  follows: 

"  Florida  will  carry  two  troops  of  cavalry  and  L50  men  more;  Comal,  two  regi- 
ments of  infantry  and  three  batteries  of  artillery;  Alamo,  engineer  outfit  and  two 
regiments  of  infantry;  Allegheny,  six  batteries  of  artillery,  one  regiment  of  infantry, 
and  150  men  more;  Berkshire,  five  troops  of  cavalry  and  one  regiment  of  infantry; 
D.  H.  Miller,  one  regiment  of  infantry  and  300  mules  or  200  horses,  and  Whitney, 
three  troops  of  cavalry. 

SUMMARY. 

Men. 

Cavalry,  10  troops;  estimated  strength,  54  men  each 540 

Artillery,  8  batteries;  estimated  strength,  75  men  each 600 

Infantry,  7  regiments;  estimated  strength 3,500 

Engineer  battalion;  estimated  strength. . . 100 

Total  enlisted  strength. ._ _ 4,740 

Olivette,  for  headquarters,  complete,  and  Gussie,  with  Captain  Dorst. 
The  ships  have  very  limited  water-closet  accommodations,  and  no  facilities  at 
present  for  making  coffee  or  cooking  for  the  men. 

Additional  water-closets  and  bunks  three  tiers  high  are  now  being  put  in,  and 
facilities  for  making  coffee  and  cooking  are  being  added. 

On  the  advice  of  Captain  McKay,  I  directed  Major  Pope  to  furnish  an  additional 
100  water  casks,  same  pattern  as  directed  by  you. 

Additional  wind  sails  have  been  made  to  add  to  the  comfort  of  the  men,  and 
slings  are  being  manufactured  to  cast  the  animals  overboard  where  necessary. 

General  Shaf  ter  to-day  requested  the  Secretary  of  War  to  authorize  the  charter 
of  the  Mallory  Line  steamer  Marcus,  which   should  be  at  Key  West  to-day. 
Authority  was  granted,  and  I  have  telegraphed  the  vessel  to  come  up  here  for 
charter. 
I  believe  the  above  covers  the  information  you  desire. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  F.  Humphrey 
Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  Chief  Quartermaster. 


470         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

May  9,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball, 

Depot  Quartermaster,  Netv  York  City: 
Arrangements  are  being  made  to  charter  a  number  of  ships  from  the  Ward  Line 
and  also  from  the  Mallory  Line,  they  to  be  prepared  to  sail  as  soon  as  they  can  be 
coaled.  Names  of  vessels  and  instructions  as  to  destination  will  be  wired  you 
later.  You  will  see  that  each  of  the  ships  is  supplied  with  at  least  twenty  days' 
coal  in  bunkers.  If  an  additional  supply  of  coal  can  be  stowed  on  vessels,  to  be 
used  up  on  the  trip  down,  so  that  all  freight  space  will  be  clear,  you  will  do  so. 
You  will  also  arrange  to  send  a  sufficient  number  of  ship  carpenters  on  each  one 
of  these  vessels,  together  with  the  necessary  lumber  to  provide  bunks  three  tiers 
high,  for  the  use  of  the  men,  in  space  allotted  for  carrying  them,  and  also  for 
building  pens  and  nailing  cleats  on  the  floor  or  making  grating  if  cleats  are  not 
allowed  to  be  nailed  on  the  floors,  in  space  where  the  animals  are  to  be  carried. 
These  men  will  be  returned  from  Tampa  to  New  York  by  rail,  unless  one  of  the 
transports  should  be  returning  to  New  York  to  carry  them.  Care  should  be  taken 
to  have  a  reliable  man  put  in  charge  of  these  ship  carpenters  so  that  the  work  can 
be  done  while  the  ship  is  coaling  and  on  its  way  down. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


May  9,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball, 

Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City: 
As  per  telegram  this  date  regarding  charter  of  ships,  would  state  that  we  have 
chartered  to-day — Ward  Line:  Vigilancia,  Seguranca,  Yucatan,  Seneca,  Saratoga, 
Santiago,  City  of  Washington;  Mallory  Line:  Concho,  Rio  Grande,  Leona;  all  of 
which  are  now  in  New  York.  These  ships  to  be  coaled  as  heretofore  instructed, 
and  to  be  prepared  for  shipment  of  troops  by  erecting  temporary  bunks,  prepared 
for  shipment  of  horses,  and  dispatched  with  as  little  delay  as  possible,  each  vessel, 
unless  further  instructed,  to  touch  at  Key  West  for  instructions. 

Please  acknowledge  receipt  and  repeat  names  of  vessels,  that  I  may  know  that 
you  have  received  them  properly. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


[Telegram.] 

May  11,  1898. 
Colonel  Scully, 

1201  Prytania  Street,  New  Orleans.  La.: 
Notify  Mr.  Hutchinson  and  the  Mecheca  Line  that  Government  accepts  their 
offer  for  charter  of  the  Arkansas  and  Morgan  at  $400  per  day  each,  and  the 
Breakwater,  $340  per  day,  Stillwater,  $325  per  day,  minimum,  thirty  days,  com- 
panies assuming  marine  risk,  furnishing  and  feeding  crew  and  running  supplies, 
Government  assuming  war  risk  and  supplying  coal  and  water.  These  charters 
will  date  from  noon,  May  12.  You  are  authorized  to  at  once  fit  them  up  as  sug- 
gested in  your  telegram  of  this  date  for  carrying  a  regiment  of  cavalry  with 
their  transportation,  forage,  etc.  You  are  authorized  to  employ  carpenters 
and  furnish  lumber  for  bunks  and  pens  for  animals,  also  to  procure  as  many 
water  casks  or  tanks  as  you  think  necessary  to  furnish  an  ample  supply  of  water. 
The  water  question  is  one  of  great  importance  and  should  be  given  careful  atten- 
tion, so  that  there  can  be  no  possible  complaint  as  to  lack  of  water. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  471 

June  14,  1898. 
General  Miles,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

Your  telegram  expressing  concern  as  to  fitting  up  transports,  and  desiring  that 
they  should  be  supplied  with  condensers,  arrangements  for  forcing  fresh  air  to 
lower  deck,  and  with  ample  life-preservers,  and  hammocks  instead  of  wooden 
berths,  received.  If  vessels  after  being  chartered  in  New  York  are  allowed  suffi- 
cient time  to  fit  up  with  condensers  and  other  arrangements  as  suggested  by  you, 
it  is  thought  it  could  be  done,  but  it  takes  time,  even  if  work  is  pushed  night  and 
day.  Therefore,  if  vessels  are  delayed  it  is  to  be  understood  that  they  are  being 
delayed  in  order  that  they  may  be  properly  equipped  for  transports. 

Could  not  the  hammocks  in  the  hands  of  the  men  be  utilized  on  board  ship  ? 
Twelve  thousand  have  been  sent  to  Tampa  and  5,000  are  on  the  way. 
Major  Summerhayes,  who  is  fitting  up  ships  in  New  York,  reports  that  with 
hammocks  the  ships  will  not  be  able  to  carry  nearly  as  many  men  as  without 
them.  Do  you  think  it  would  be  possible  to  swing  these  hammocks  over  each 
other  two  or  three  tiers  high  ?  The  trouble  in  iron  ships  would  be  to  secure  the 
rails  to  which  to  attach  the  hammocks. 

Report  from  Colonel  Scully  that  the  Clearwater  is  not  at  present  available  for 
Government  service. 

Shall  the  four  ships  now  at  Fernandina  be  sent  elsewhere  to  fit  them  up  as  you 
say?  The  Louisiana  is  already  fitted  for  animals.  The  Gate  City  and  City  of 
Macon  have  had  nothing  done  to  them.  These  facts  were  reported  to  Colonel 
Humphrey  as  soon  as  vessels  were  chartered.  The  two  ships  at  Mobile  and  one  at 
New  Orleans  are  already  fitted.  If  you  desire  them  changed  please  give 
instructions. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


June  14,  1898. 
Colonel  Scully,  Quartermaster,  New  Orleans,  La.: 

General  Miles  wires  me  as  follows: 

"The  steamers  here  are  not  built  for  troopships,  but  for  carrying  freight,  and 
are  not  properly  ventilated.  Many  complaints  are  made  as  to  the  condition  of  the 
men.  I  believe  that  instead  of  putting  wooden  bunks  in  it  would  be  better  to  put 
framework  and  supply  the  men  with  hammocks,  which  would  be  much  cooler. 
The  men  would  be  able  to  hang  their  hammocks  at  night  and  put  them  away  in 
daytime.  In  some  of  the  ships  they  have  knocked  down  the  bunks  on  account  of 
the  heat  and  the  space  they  occupy.  Please  telegraph  your  quartermasters  to  see 
if  they  can  not  arrange  ships  for  hammocks  and  have  hammocks  provided.  Con- 
densers should  be  on  every  steamer,  and  also  fans  for  forcing  fresh  air  between 
lower  decks." 

Report  if  his  instructions  regarding  hammocks,  condensers,  and  fans  for  forcing 
fresh  air  between  decks  could  be  provided  at  reasonable  cost  and  little  delay. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

Same  to  Major  Pullman,  quartermaster,  Mobile,  Ala.;  Colonel  Kimball,  quarter- 
master, New  York  City. 


June  14,  1898. 
Major  Summerhayes,  Quartermaster,  New  York  City: 

Telegram  just  received  from  General  Miles  states  that  he  is  apprehensive  regard- 
ing fitting  of  steamers  for  transports;  that  as  long  as  the  sea  is  smooth  it  would 
be  all  right,  but  if  ports  and  hatches  have  to  be  closed  he  is  fearful  that  there 
would  be  serious  results.     He  says: 

"Every  transport  should  be  provided  with  water  condensers,  with  arrange- 
ments for  forcing  fresh  air  to  the  lower  decks,  with  ample  life-preservers,  and 
hammocks  instead  of  wooden  berths." 


472         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

You  will  carry  out  these  instructions  in  fitting  up  the  four  ships  that  are  now 
in  New  York,  as  far  as  possible.  General  Miles  has  been  informed  that  it  will 
take  time  to  so  fit  these  vessels,  and  if  they  are  delayed,  it  will  be  because  they 
could  not  be  equipped  sooner,  even  by  working  night  and  day.  Wish  you  would 
report  the  plan  you  adopt  for  forcing  air  into  the  lower  decks  and  arrangements 
of  hammocks.  Have  asked  General  Miles  if  the  canvas  hammocks  now  in  the 
hands  of  the  troops  will  do.  Do  you  think  you  can  arrange  so  that  you  can  hang 
two  or  more  directly  over  each  other,  and  could  men  get  into  them  easily?  I  wish 
you  would  answer  me  fully  and  very  promptly  as  to  the  feasibility  of  carrying  out 
General  Miles's  instructions. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


Mobile,  Ala.,  June  14,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Yours  this  date  conveying  General  Miles's  suggestions  ventilating  troopships 
received.  Ships  fitted  by  me — Matteawan,  Specialist,  and  Unionist — are  well  venti- 
lated and  comfortable;  and,  while  utilizing  all  space,  special  thought  was  given 
to  comfort  to  men  in  space  and  ventilation  by  funnels,  wind  sails,  and  air  catches 
in  portholes.  General  Schwan  inspected  Specialist  to-day  and  expressed  complete 
commendation  and  satisfaction  on  above  points.  Hammocks  could  be  arranged 
for,  but  would  reduce  carrying  space  for  men  from  one  to  two  thirds,  as  where  we 
have  three  bunks  now  in  tiers  only  one  or  two  hammocks  could  be  swung.  Fans 
with  necessary  gearing  and  belts  to  work  them  from  ships  engines  would  require 
great  space  and  expense  in  fitting  them  in.  In  my  ships,  ample  air  catchers  in 
ports,  funnels  on  deck,  and  wind  sails  over  hatchways  throw  ample  air  drafts 
'tween  decks  when  moving,  but  when  moored  at  this  season  it  is  hot,  and  no  remedy 
is  applicable  except  reserving  ample  top-deck  space  for  moving  around  sleeping 
deck.  All  my  ships  above  mentioned  have  condensers.  Specialist  is  finished, 
Unionist  nearly  so,  and  they  are  comfortably  fitted  and  arranged  as  above 
described.    No  ship  hammocks  in  this  market. 

Pullman,  Quartermaster. 


New  York  City,  June  17,  1898. 

Depot  Quartermaster,  Present, 

Sir  :  In  reply  to  inclosed  telegrams  covering  the  same  ground,  one  to  you  and 
the  other  to  me  (the  latter  to  be  returned  after  perusal) ,  I  beg  to  report  as  follows : 
I  am  providing  the  four  ship3  in  port,  the  Arkadia,  Catania ,  Lampasas,  and 
Nueces,  with  one  each  of  the  "lightning"  distilling  apparatus,  of  which  twelve 
were  contracted  for  for  the  ships  already  to  the  front.  I  am  providing  stan- 
chions with  hooks  to  hang  hammocks  on,  same  style  as  in  the  Navy,  two  high, 
and  will  ask  you  to  please  provide  the  hammocks  so  the  ships  may  go  south 
complete;  and  as  these  hammocks  will  have  to  remain  aboard  the  ships,  I  have 
surveyed  them  for  the  purpose  of  locating  fans  to  exhaust  the  foul  air,  and  put  in 
ventilators  through  which  pure  air  will  be  drawn  into  the  holds.  I  shall  report 
the  cost  of  them  to-night. 

Your  especial  attention  is  respectfully  invited  to  the  British  steamers  of  the 
class  of  the  Manitoba,  listed  last  night.  They  are  all  provided  to  receive  animals, 
and  by  reference  to  the  sailing  card  attached  to  my  report  and  communication  with 
the  general  agents — the  New  York  Shipping  Company,  1  Broadway,  this  city — 
arrangements  might  be  made  to  obtain  one  or  more  vessels  of  this  kind  at  short 
notice. 

Very  respectfully,  J.  W.  Summerhayes, 

Major  and  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  473 

[First  indorsement.] 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  June  17,  1898. 
Respectfully  forwarded  to  the  Quartermaster-General,  United  States  Army, 
with  recommendation  that  the  hammocks  within  referred  to  be  authorized  sup- 
plied from  stock  at  this  depot,  it  being  understood  that  they  are  in  every  way 
suitable  for  the  purpose, 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster -General,  U.  S.  Army,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


June  18. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Quartermaster,  New  York  City: 

Referring  to  telephone  communication  from  Major  Summerhayes,  regarding 
the  lighting  and  ventilating  and  putting  condensers  on  ships,  would  say  that  the 
Secretary  of  War  authorizes  you  to  have  a  condenser  put  upon  the  Nueces, 
Lampasas,  and  the  Arkadia,  and  also  to  arrange  for  fanning  apparatus  for  these 
three  ships,  at  or  near  the  prices  named  by  Major  Summerhayes. 

He  desires  that  this  work  be  done  as  rapidly  as  possible,  and  if  there  is  to  be 
too  much  delay,  that  you  can  arrange  to  have  men  go  down  on  the  ships  and  com- 
plete work  as  the  ships  travel.  Wire  me  promptly  on  receipt  of  this  telegram  of 
the  probable  time  that  the  ships  will  be  delayed  in  New  York  to  complete  the  work. 
Would  it  not  be  well,  also,  to  have  on  these  three  ships  additional  water  barrels 
or  casks,  so  as  to  insure  plenty  of  water.  The  Secretary  does  not  feel  warranted 
in  having  electric  lights  put  upon  these  vessels,  and  Major  Summerhayes  must  try 
and  arrange  for  lighting  with  lanterns,  which  were  authorized  to  be  purchased. 
You  are  authorized,  also,  to  supply  a  large  number  of  small  tin  vessels,  to  be  used 
in  case  men  are  seasick,  on  these  and  all  ships  hereafter  fitted  up. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


June  18, 1898. 
Captain  Bellinger,  Quartermaster,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

The  steamships  Hudson,  Specialist,  Unionist,  Comanche,  Louisiana,  Gate  City, 
City  of  Macon,  and  Catania  have  been  ordered  to  report  to  you.  These  vessels, 
with  the  exception  of  the  Catania,  have  not  been  fitted  up  for  use  of  hammocks, 
nor  have  we  been  able  to  put  fans  or  condensers  upon  them.  You  are  authorized 
to  make  any  alteration  in  the  present  fitting  up  that  will  give  you  ample  supply 
of  water  and  air  for  the  benefit  of  either  animals  or  troops  that  may  be  carried  on 
the  vessels.  Report  to  me  on  arrival  of  these  ships  their  condition  and  if  you  are 
able  to  properly  fit  them  up  so  that  they  will  be  comfortable  for  transport  service. 
Consult  regarding  air  space,  water  supply,  and  sanitary  matters  generally  with 
Colonel  O'Reilly,  chief  surgeon,  Fourth  Army  Corps. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster- General. 


(2)  Exhibit  G. 

general  instructions. 

[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  May  9,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City: 

Arrangements  are  being  made  to  charter  a  number  of  ships  from  the  Ward  Line 
and  also  from  the  Mallory  Line,  they  to  be  prepared  to  sail  as  soon  as  they  can  be 


474         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

coaled.  Names  of  vessels  and  instructions  as  to  destination  will  be  wired  you 
later.  You  will  see  that  each  of  the  ships  is  supplied  with  at  least  twenty  days' 
coal  in  bunkers.  If  an  additional  supply  of  coal  can  be  stored  on  vessels,  to  be 
used  on  trip  down,  so  that  all  freight  space  will  be  clear,  you  will  do  so.  You  will 
also  arrange  to  send  a  sufficient  number  of  ship  carpenters  to  each  one  of  these 
vessels,  together  with  the  necessary  lumber,  to  provide  bunks  three  tiers  high  for 
the  use  of  the  men  in  space  allotted  for  carrying  them;  and  also  for  building  pens 
and  nailing  cleats  on  the  floor  or  making  grating  if  cleats  are  not  allowed  to  be 
nailed  on  the  floors  in  space  where  the  animals  are  to  be  carried.  These  men  will 
be  returned  from  Tampa  to  New  York  by  rail,  unless  one  of  the  transports  should 
be  returned  to  New  York  to  carry  them.  Care  should  be  taken  to  have  a  reliable 
man  put  in  charge  of  these  ship  carpenters,  so  that  the  work  can  be  done  while 
the  ship  is  coaling  and  on  its  way  down. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  May  10,  1898.) 


VIGILANCIA,     SEGURANCA,     YUCATAN,     SENECA,     SARATOGA,     SANTIAGO,     CITY     OF 
WASHINGTON;   CONCHO,  RIO   GRANDE,  LEONA. 

[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-G-eneral's  Office, 

Washington,  May  9,  1898. 
As  per  telegram  of  this  date  regarding  charter  of  ships,  would  state  that  we 
have  chartered  to-day:  Ward  Line — Vigilancia,  Seguranca,  Yucatan,  Seneca, 
Saratoga,  Santiago,  City  of  Washington;  Mallory  Line — Concho,  Rio  Grande, 
Leona,  all  of  which  are  now  in  New  York.  These  ships  to  be  coaled  as  heretofore 
instructed,  and  to  be  prepared  for  shipment  of  troops  by  erecting  temporary 
bunks,  prepared  for  shipment  of  horses,  and  dispatched  with  as  little  delay  as 
possible,  each  vessel,  unles  further  instructed,  to  touch  at  Key  West  for  instruc- 
tions. Please  acknowledge  receipt  and  repeat  names  of  vessels,  that  I  may  know 
you  have  received  them  properly. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  May  11,  1898. 


STEAMERS   CHEROKEE   AND   IROQUOIS. 
[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  May  10,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City: 

We  chartered  to-day  the  Cherokee  and  Iroquois,  Clyde  Line.  Please  have  them 
prepared  at  once  for  shipment  to  Key  West,  there  to  receive  instructions.  Have 
them  coaled  so  that  when  they  arrive  there  they  will  have  at  least  twenty  days' 
coal  for  each  vessel  aboard,  and  also  have  carpenters  with  lumber  necessary  to 
fit  these  ships  to  carry  as  many  men  and  animals  as  possible.  Same  instructions 
apply  to  them  as  were  sent  you  yesterday  regarding  other  vessels. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  May  12,  1898.) 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  475 

VIGILANCIA,  SEGURANCA,  SARATOGA.  SANTIAGO,  YUCATAN,  SENECA,  CITY  OF  WASH- 
INGTON;  CONCHO,  RIO  GRANDE,  AND   LEONA;   CHEROKEE  AND  IROQUOIS. 

[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  May  11,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City: 

The  following  vessels  chartered  to  sail  immediately  to  Key  West:  Ward  Line — 
steamers  Vigilancia,  Seguranca,  Saratoga,  Santiago,  Yucatan,  Seneca,  and  City 
of  Washington,  chartered  May  10,  noon;  Mallory  Line— Concho,  Rio  Grande,  and 
Leona,  chartered  May  10,  noon;  Clyde  Line — Cherokee  and  Iroquois,  chartered 
May  11,  noon.  Owners  assume  marine  risk  and  man  and  victual  vessels.  Gov- 
ernment assumes  war  risk  and  supplies  coal  and  water.  You  will  furnish  these 
and  advise  captains  of  terms  under  which  they  sail. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster- General. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  May  12,  1898.) 


GENERAL  INSTRUCTIONS. 
•  [Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.C.,  May  11, 1898. 
Col.  A.S.Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York: 

The  Associated  Press  dispatches  from  Key  West  report  scarcity  of  water  at  that 
place.  This  only  confirms  official  dispatches  received  from  General  Shafter,  in 
which  he  asked  the  approval  of  Secretary  of  War  for  a  contract  for  large  amount 
of  water  at  2  cents  per  gallon.  As  there  are  a  large  number  of  horses  going  with 
expedition,  and  number  of  troops  arriving  there  is  very  large,  Secretary  of  War 
directs  that  in  the  chartered  ships  leaving  New  York  from  this  on  they  take  all  the 
water  possible  to  cask  and  to  carry.  Acknowledge  receipt  and  report  action  taken, 
at  the  same  time  giving  an  estimate  of  what  is  possible  for  you  to  send  without  any 
considerable  delay  of  ships  leaving.     This  is  of  first  importance. 

10.30  p.  m. 

H.  C  Corbin,  Adjutant-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  May  12, 1898.) 


STEAMER   CATANIA. 

[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  June  6, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York  City: 

Assistant  Secretary  of  War  has  decided  to  take  the  Catania  at  a  charter  price  of 
$600  per  day,  provided  the  company  cuts  in  four  side  ports  and  builds  on  the  ship 
suitable  accommodation  in  the  way  of  staterooms  and  cabins  for  officers  to  be 
designated  by  you  as  necessary  to  fit  the  ship  for  transport  service.  You  are 
authorized  to  put  up  the  standees  for  as  many  men  as  she  can  comfortably  carry; 
and  also  to  provide  lavatories  and  urinals  for  the  men.  It  is  understood  that  the 
company  is  to  remove  from  the  ship  the  arrangement  for  the  Klondike  service. 
Mr.  Tweedie  agrees  to  have  this  done  by  Monday,  and  if  not  the  charter  is  to  be 
canceled.  Due  care  must  be  taken  that  the  water-carrying  capacity  of  this  ship  is 
supplied  with  proper  drinking  water.  Report  the  advisability  of  putting  a  con- 
denser on  her  and  the  cost  of  same.    Acknowledge. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  June  8,  1898.) 


47C         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OP    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

STEAMSHIP  CATANIA. 
[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  June  10, 1S98. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City: 

It  is  not  thought  advisable  to  hamper  the  movement  of  the  Catania  with  cement 
for  Key  West.  Am  awaiting  report  of  Summerhayes,  through  you,  when  she  will 
be  ready  for  sea  after  having  been  fitted  up  with  ample  staterooms  for  officers  and 
side  ports  cut  to  enable  prompt  loading.     Understand  she  will  be  ready  by  Monday. 

Ludington  ,  Quartermaster~General. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  June  10,  1898.) 


STEAMSHIP  ARKADIA. 

[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  June  11,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Quartermaster,  New  York  City: 

The  Government  has  chartered  the  steamship  Arkadia  of.  the  New  York  and 
Porto  Rico  Line,  charter  to  commence  Wednesday,  the  15th  instant,  noon.  The 
company  are  to  cut  in  two  side  ports,  one  on  either  side,  to  enable  loading  up  of 
animals  and  freight.  Direct  Major  Summerhayes  to  have  her  at  once  fitted  up 
with  standees  for  troops  and  stalls  for  horses,  if  they  can  be  carried.  Have  her 
fitted  up  largely  for  troops  and  some  animals  where  they  can  be  conveniently  put. 
She  already  has  on  her  300  tons  coal  in  bunkers,  which  you  can  take  at  $2.50  per 
ton,  and  place  on  board,  if  it  can  be  conveniently  stored,  an  additional  supply. 
Report  condition  of  drink- water  supply  on  vessel  and  how  soon  the  ship  will  be 
ready  to  go  to  sea. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  June  12,  1898.) 


STEAMERS  NUECES,   LAMPASAS,  AND  ARKADIA. 

[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster- General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  June  13, 1898. 

Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  'York  City: 

Have  chartered  steamers  Nueces  and  Lampasas  of  the  Mallory  Line.    Have 

them  fitted  for  troops  and  animals,  complying  with  Army  Regulations,  which 

General  Miles  says  has  not  been  adhered  to  heretofore  in  fitting  up  the  ships. 

Also  have  these  vessels  coaled  with  at  least  twenty  days'  coal  after  they  arrive  at 

destination  in  Gulf.    Also  see  that  they  are  amply  supplied  with  water  casks  if 

they  have  not  already  accommodations  for  an  ample  supply  of  water.    As  these 

ships  are  liable  to  go  to  southern  Cuba  or  Porto  Rico,  and  carry  animals,  an 

ample  supply  of  water  should  be  provided  for  them.    Acknowledge  receipt  and 

report  when  these  ships  will  be  ready  to  sail  from  New  York;  also  when  the 

Arkadia  will  be  ready  to  sail,  that  instructions  may  be  given  you.    Hold  all  of 

the  ships  in  New  York  for  sailing  instructions.     Mr.  Mallory  has  been  notified 

that  the  ships  have  been  chartered,  the  date  of  charter  to  commence  noon  14th, 

to-morrow.     Please  furnish  valuation  of  the  Nueces  and  Lampasas  for  entry  into 

charter. 

Lu  dington  ,  Quartermaster-  General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  June  13,  1898.) 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  477 

HOSPITAL  SHIP   RELIEF. 
[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  June  14,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Quartermaster,  New  York  City: 

You  are  authorized  to  make  only  such  emergency  purchases  for  additional 
naval,  electrical,  quartermaster's  and  signal  supplies  as  may  be  absolutely  nec- 
essary to  properly  equip  the  hospital  ship  Relief.  This  is  reference  to  Major 
Torney's  letter  of  June  13th.  Requisitions  in  it  that  he  states  had  not  received 
attention  were  supplied  on  the  12th  instant. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General, 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  June  14, 1898.) 


GENERAL  INSTRUCTIONS. 

[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  June  14, 1898. 
Major  Summerhayes,  Quartermaster,  New  York  City: 

Telegram  just  received  from  General  Miles  states  that  he  is  apprehensive  regard- 
ing fitting  of  steamers  for  transports;  that  as  long  as  the  sea  is  smooth  it  would 
be  all  right,  but  if  ports  and  hatches  have  to  be  closed  he  is  fearful  that  there 
would  be  serious  results.  He  says:  •' Every  transport  should  be  provided  with 
water  condensers,  with  arrangements  for  forcing  fresh  air  to  the  lower  decks,  with 
ample  life  preservers,  and  hammocks  instead  of  wooden  berths."  You  will  carry 
out  these  instructions  in  fitting  up  the  four  ships  that  are  now  in  New  York,  as 
far  as"  possible.  General  Miles  has  been  informed  that  it  will  take  time  to  so  fit 
these  vessels,  and  if  they  are  delayed,  it  will  be  because  they  could  not  be  equipped 
sooner,  even  by  working  night  and  day.  Wish  you  would  report  the  plan  you 
adopt  for  forcing  air  into  the  lower  decks  and  arrangements  of  hammocks. 
Have  asked  General  Miles  if  the  canvas  hammocks  now  in  the  hands  of  the  troops 
will  do.  Do  you  think  that  you  can  arrange  so  that  you  can  hang  two  or  more 
directly  over  each  other,  and  could  men  get  into  them  easily?  I  wish  that  you 
would  answer  me  fully  and  very  promptly  as  to  the  feasibility  of  carrying  out 
General  Miles's  instructions. 

Ludington. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  June  14,  1898.) 


GENERAL  INSTRUCTIONS. 
[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  June  14, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Quartermaster,  New  York: 

General  Miles  wires  me  as  follows:  "The  steamers  here  are  not  built  for  troop 
ships,  but  for  carrying  freight,  and  are  not  properly  ventilated.  Many  complaints 
are  made  as  to  the  condition  of  the  men.  I  believe  that  instead  of  putting  wooden 
bunks  in  it  would  be  better  to  put  framework  and  supply  the  men  with  hammocks, 
which  would  be  much  cooler.  The  men  would  be  able  to  hang  their  hammocks 
at  night  and  put  them  away  in  the  daytime.  In  some  of  the  ships  they  have 
knocked  down  the  bunks  on  account  of  the  heat  and  the  space  they  occupy. 
Please  telegraph  your  quartermasters  to  see  if  they  can  not  arrange  ships  for  ham- 


478         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

mocks  and  have  hammocks  provided.  Condensers  should  be  on  every  steamer, 
and  also  fans  for  forcing  fresh  air  between  lower  decks."  Report  if  his  instruc- 
tions regarding  hammocks,  condensers,  and  fans  for  forcing  fresh  air  between 
lower  decks  could  be  provided  at  reasonable  cost  and  little  delay. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 
(Report  of  Major  Summerhayes  of  June  17,  1898,  forwarded  to  Quartermaster- 
General  June  17,  1898.) 


ALGIERS,    CHALMOTTE,    EL  MONTE,   EL  MAR,   EL  PASO,  AND  EXCELSIOR. 

[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  June  15,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City: 

Colonel  Scully,  from  New  Orleans,  reports  that  the  Algiers,  Chalmotte,  El  Monte, 
El  Mar,  El  Paso,  and  Excelsior  of  the  Morgan  Line  would  make  good  transports 
for  carrying  troops  in  Cuban  waters.  Have  them  inspected  if  they  are  in  New 
York,  or  as  they  arrive,  and  also  any  other  foreign  vessels  that  might  be  suitable 
for  transport  service.  As  General  Miles  wires  that  he  wants  cattle  ships  of  the 
bilge-keel  type,  if  any  such  are  in  New  York  and  they  do  not  draw  too  much 
water,  you  will  report  them,  at  the  same  time  stating  what  will  be  necessary  to 
fit  them  for  transport  service,  including  cabin  accommodation  for  officers.  Please 
give  this  matter  prompt  attention  and  report  by  wire  if  any  such  ships  are  now  in 
New  York  and  are  being  inspected. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster- General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  June  15,  1898.) 


NUECES,    LAMPASAS,   AND   ARKADIA. 

[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C. ,  June  18,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Quartermaster,  New  York: 

Referring  to  telephone  communication  from  Major  Summerhayes  regarding  the 
lighting  and  ventilating  and  putting  condensers  on  ships  would  say  that  the 
Secretary  of  War  authorizes  you  to  have  a  condenser  put  on  the  Nueces,  Lampasas, 
and  the  Arkadia;  and  also  to  arrange  for  fanning  apparatus  for  these  three  ships 
at  or  near  the  prices  named  by  Major  Summerhayes.  He  desires  that  this  work 
be  done  as  rapidly  as  possible,  and  if  there  is  to  be  too  much  delay  that  you  can 
arrange  to  have  men  go  down  on  the  ships  and  complete  the  work  as  the  ships 
travel.  Wire  me  promptly  on  receipt  of  this  telegram  of  the  probable  time  that 
the  ships  will  be  delayed  in  New  York  to  complete  the  work.  Would  it  not  be 
well,  also,  to  have  on  these  three  ships  additional  water  barrels  or  casks,  so  aato 
insure  plenty  of  water.  The  Secretary  does  not  feel  warranted  in  having  electric 
lights  put  upon  these  vessels,  and  Major  Summerhayes  must  try  and  arrange  for 
lighting  with  lanterns,  which  were  authorized  to  be  purchased.  You  are  author- 
ized also  to  supply  a  large  number  of  small  tin  vessels  to  be  used  in  case  men  are 
seasick  on  these  and  all  ships  hereafter  fitted  up. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  June  19,  1898. 
Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes  for  his  information  and 
guidance,  and  with  request  that  he  will  advise  this  office  without  delay  as  to  the 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  479 

probable  time  the  ships  will  be  delayed  in  New  York  to  complete  the  work;  also 
in  reference  to  the  additional  casks  required. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


GENERAL  INSTRUCTIONS— STEAMSHIP  KIMON. 
[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  Jane  19,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Quartermaster,  New  York: 

Report  promptly  after  inspection  of  foreign  vessels  that  may  have  been  named 
to  you  by  this  office  and  any  that  Major  Summerhayes  mav  have  found  in  addi- 
tion.   Secretary  of  War  desires  descriptions  of  these  vessels  as  fast  as  inspected. 

Commissary-general  must  have  two  large  ships,  drawing  about  20  feet  when 
loaded  as  we  load  them,  upon  which  he  wants  to  put  refrigerators  to  carry  about 
1,000  tons  fresh  beef  each.  No  doubt  Major  Summerhayes  can  find  such  ships  in 
New  York. 

It  is  very  important  that  these  reports  of  foreign  ships  be  sent  in  as  fast  as  possible. 
Major  Summerhayes,  with  the  tug  he  is  authorized  to  use,  should  be  able  to  report 
on  two  or  three  ships  each  day.  He  should  report  whether  they  are  troopships  or 
suitable  for  animals  only.  We  need  quite  a  number  of  cattle  ships,  bilge-keel 
type,  for  carrying  horses,  etc. ;  also  roomy  vessels  already  fitted  up  for  carrying 
steerage  passengers  which  could  carry  troops.  They  should  have  ample  ventila- 
tion and  fresh- water  capacity. 

Clyde  line  report  that  they  have  chartered  a  foreign  ship,  the  Kimon,  which  it 
may  be  well  to  inspect  and  report  upon.  Make  daily  report  by  wire,  stating 
charter  price,  and,  if  not  willing  to  charter,  lowest  available  purchase  price  direct 
from  owners  or  agents,  not  ship  brokers. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  June  19,  1898.) 


STEAMER  PANAMA. 

[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C. ,  June  21, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City: 

The  captured  steamer  Panama  purchased  to-day.  Now  at  pier  20,  East  River. 
You  are  directed  to  take  possession  of  her  at  once  and  report  her  condition  and 
what  is  necessary  to  fit  her  up  for  transport  service.  Communicate  with  Col.  F.  J. 
Hecker,  if  possible,  who  was  instrumental  in  purchasing  her  for  the  Government. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  June  23,  1898.) 


ARKADIA,   NUECES,   AND   LAMPASAS. 
[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C. ,  June  22,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York: 

Letter  from  Major  Summerhayes  referred  to  this  office  by  you  regarding  elec- 
tric lights  for  the  Arkadia,  Nueces,  and  Lampasas  received.    Same  has  been  sub- 


480         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

mitted  to  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  War,  and  before  authority  is  given  he  desires 
to  know  whether,  if  electric  plants  are  put  aboard  the  ships,  they  will  be  the  prop- 
erty of  the  Government  and  could  be  removed  from  the  vessels  after  charter 
ceases;  also,  whether  same  holds  true  regarding  condensers  and  the  fans  that  are 
being  put  aboard  the  ships.  Same  letter  mentions  the  fact  that  small  tins  are  not 
considered  suitable  for  seasick  men,  but  that  buckets  should  be  put  aboard.  Gen- 
eral Miles  suggests  that  they  should  have  buckets  on  the  decks  as  well  as  small 
tins  with  handles,  that  could  be  attached  to  the  hammocks  by  a  wire.  The  tins 
have  already  been,authorized,  and  you  are  authorized  to  purchase  sufficient  num- 
ber of  buckets  for  that  purpose. 

(7.15  p.  m.)  Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  June  23,  1898. 
Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volun- 
teers, for  his  information,  with  the  request  that  he  will  take  immediate  steps  to 
procure  the  necessary  tins  and  buckets  authorized  within. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


NUECES,    LAMPASAS,    AND  ARKADIA. 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  June  24,  1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

Sir:  In  addition  to  putting  in  fans  and  condensers  in  the  steamships  Nueces, 
Lampasas,  and  Arkadia,  heretofore  authorized,  you  are  also  authorized  to  put 
electric  lights  in  those  vessels,  at  an  approximate  cost  of  $2,000  each. 
Respectfully, 

M.  I.  Ludington, 
Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  June  25,  1898.) 


nueces,  lampasas,  and  arkadia. 

War  Department,  QCartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  June  24,  1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

Sir:  In  addition  to  putting  in  fans  and  condensors  in  the  steamships  Nueces, 
Lampasas,  and  Arkadia,  heretofore  authorized,  you  are  also  authorized  to  put 
electric  lights  in  those  vessels,  at  an  approximate  cost  of  $2,000  each. 
Respectfully, 

M.  I.  Ludington, 
Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  June  25,  1898. 
Official  copy.    Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster, 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  New  York  City,  for  his  information  and  guidance. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  481 

LAMPASAS,   NUECES,   AND  ARKADIA. 
[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  June  25,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

Your  telegram,  stating  Lampasas  and  Nueces  are  ready  to  sail  to-morrow  and 
Arkadia  Monday,  received.  Give  sailing  order  to  Lampasas  and  Nueces  to  sail  at 
once  and  report  to  Captain  Bellinger  at  Port  Tampa.  Orders  regarding  the  sail- 
ing of  Arkadia  to  be  wired  as  soon  as  we  know  whether  it  is  necessary  to  send  her 
to  Newport  News  for  subsistence  stores.  Acknowledge  receipt  and  report  date  of 
sailing  of  these  vessels. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 
''Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  June  26,  1898.) 


ARKADIA,  NUECES,  AND  LAMPASAS. 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  June  25,  1898. 
To  the  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

Sir:  Referring  to  your  indorsement  of  the  23d  instant,  forwarding  letter  of 
Major  Summerhayes  of  same  date,  reporting  that  the  Vance  Electric  Company 
are  the  lowest  bidders  for  putting  electric- light  plants  on  the  steamships  Arkadia, 
Nueces,  and  Lampasas,  and  that  the  additional  cost  for  search  lights  for  the 
Arkadia  will  be  $300,  you  are  respectfully  informed,  by  direction  of  the  Quarter- 
master-General, that  the  expenditure  for  search  lights  on  these  vessels  will  not  be 
authorized.  Authority  for  electric  lights  on  the  three  vessels  was  mailed  to  you 
yesterday. 

Respectfully,  Chas.  Bird, 

Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Army. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  June  28,  1898. 
Official  copy.    Respectfully  referred  to  Maj .  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermsister, 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  New  York  City,  for  his  information. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster- General,  U.  S.  Army,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


PORT  VICTOR  AND  OBDAM. 
[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C. ,  June  29,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball.  Army  Building,  New  York. 

We  have  purchased  the  ships  Port  Victor  and  Obdam.  Please  receive  them  and 
report  when  the  Port  Victor  will  be  ready  to  turn  over  to  the  Commissary- 
General.    Acknowledge  receipt. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster- General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  June  29,  1898.) 
7833— yol   1 31 


482         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

MOHAWK,  MISSISSIPPI,  AND   PORT  VICTOR. 
[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  July  2,  1898. 
Secretary  of  War  directs  ine  to  inform  you  that  the  action  of  Major  Summer- 
hayes  regarding  victualing  the  steamships  Mohawk  and  Mississippi,  in  addi- 
tion to  putting  subsistence  stores  aboard  of  them,  is  approved.    You  are  also 
authorized  to  purchase  seven  awnings  for  hatches  for  use  on  the  Port  Victor. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  July  5,  1898.) 


STEAMSHIPS   MOHAWK  AND  MISSISSIPPI. 

War  Department,  Office  of  the  Secretary, 

Washington,  July  2,  1898. 
Hon.  G.  D.  Meiklejohn,  Assistant  Secretary  of  War. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  steamships  Mohawk  and  Mississippi, 
purchased  from  Mr.  Barnard  H.  Baker,  have  been  fitted  up  for  cavalry  ships:  the 
Mohawk  to  carry  1,000  horses  and  1,000  men;  the  Mississippi  800  horses  and  800 
men.  The  Mohawk  is  being  coaled  with  2,000  tons  of  coal  in  bunkers  and  hold, 
and  the  Mississippi  with  1,600  tons. 

Eacn  of  the  ships  has  a  refrigerating  capacity  of  1,000  tons  cubic  measurement, 
and  the  beef  contractor's  inspector,  Mr.  Gardner,  has  favorably  reported  on  the 
refrigeration  and  accepted  the  same  under  their  contract  with  the  Commissary- 
General. 

I  have  instructed  Major  Summerhayes  to  letter  the  Mohawk  "No.  20,  U.  S.  A. 
Q.  M.  Dept.,"  and  the  Mississippi  "No.  25,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept."    Both  ships  can 
cross  Tampa  Bay  on  draft  of  20  feet  6  inches  with  what  coal  and  water  they  will 
have  when  they  reach  there,  loaded  to  their  full  complement  of  cavalry  and 
enough  forage  for  the  cavalry. 

Instructions  should  be  issued  to  the  officer  under  whose  charge  they  will  be 
loaded  to  use  care  in  loading  additional  supplies  and  stores  so  as  not  to  exceed  the 
draft  of  20  feet  6  inches. 

Yours,  respectfully,  Frank  J.  Hecker. 

War  Department,  July  2, 1898. 
The  equipment  of  the  steamships  Mohawk  and  Mississippi,  as  herein  indicated, 
is  approved  and  the  expense  thereof  will  be  paid  by  the  Quartermaster's  Depart- 
ment from  the  appropriation  for  transportation  of  the  Army. 

G.  D.  Meiklejohn, 
Assistant  Secretary  of  War. 
True  copy. 

Chas.  Bird, 
Major  and  Quartermaster,  United  States  Army. 


steamship  port  victor. 

War  Department,  Office  of  the  Secretary, 

Washington,  Jxdy  2,  1898. 
Hon.  G.  D.  Meiklejohn,  Assistant  Secretary  of  War. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  steamship  Port  Victor,  purchased  hy  the  Gov- 
ernment, has  been  found  suitable  for  a  refrigerating  ship  and  accepted  by  the  beef 
contractor's  inspector,  Mr.  Gardner.     In  addition  to  the  fresh  beef,  she  has  been 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  483 

equipped  to  carry  400  men  and  130  horses  and  about  1,500  tons  of  supplies.     It  is 
expected  that  she  will  be  ready  to  sail  from  New  York  on  July  6.    This  is  the  ship 
it  was  decided  this  morning  by  the  Quartermaster-General  to  take  the  Red  Cross 
stores  on. 
1  have  instructed  Major  Summerhayes  to  letter  her  "No.  2,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept." 

Yours,  respectfully, 

Frank  J.  Hecker. 

War  Department,  July  2, 1898. 
The  equipment  of  the  steamship  Port  Victor,  as  herein  indicated,  is  approved, 
and  the  expense  thereof  will  be  paid  by  the  Quartermaster's  Department  from  the 
appropriation  for  transportation  of  the  Army. 

G.  D.  Meiklejohn, 
Assistant  Secretary  of  War. 

True  copy. 

Chas.  Bird, 

Major  and  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Army. 


steamship  obdam. 

War  Department,  Office  of  the  Secretary, 

Washington,  July  2,  1898. 
Hon.  G.  D.  Meiklejohn,  Assistant  Secretary  of  War. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  on  behalf  of  the  Government  possession  has 
been  taken  of  the  steamship  Obdam,  purchased  from  the  Holland- American  Line. 
Major  Summerhayes  has  had  the  ship  carefully  inspected  as  to  her  carrying 
capacity  and  is  fitting  her  out  to  carry  1,300  men,  100  horses  or  mules;  in  addition 
to  which  she  has  a  tonnage  capacity  for  1,500  tons  of  coal  and  500  tons  of  supplies 
on  a  draft  of  20  feet  and  6  inches  of  water.    Her  maximum  draft  is  24  feet,  and, 
of  course,  when  loading  to  her  maximum  capacity  she  can  carry  much  larger  ton- 
nage of  supplies  than  above  stated.    I  have  instructed  Major  Summerhayes  to  pro- 
ceed with  the  necessary  fitting  up  of  her  with  all  possible  expedition,  and  am 
assured  that  she  will  be  ready  for  service  one  week  from  to-day,  July  8. 
I  have  further  instructed  him  to  letter  her  " No.  30,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept." 
Yours,  respectfully, 

Frank  J.  Hecker. 

War  Department,  July  2, 1898. 
The  equipment  of  the  steamship  Obdam,  as  herein  indicated,  is  approved,  and 
the  expense  thereof  will  be  paid  by  the  Quartermaster's  Department  from  the 
appropriation  tor  transportation  of  the  Army. 

G.  D.  Meiklejohn, 
Assistant  Secretary  of  War. 
True  copy. 

Chas.  Bird, 
Major  and  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Army. 


MOHAWK,  MISSISSIPPI,   OBDAM,  AND  PORT  VICTOR. 

Washington,  July  4,  1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

Sir:  Herewith  are  transmitted  true  copies  of  three  letters  of  Mr.  Frank  J. 
Hecker,  advising  the  War  Department  of  the  purchase  of  the  steamships  Mohawk, 
Mississippi,  Obdam,  and  Port  Victor;  of  their  fitting  up  and  carrying  capacity, 


484        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

and  the  names  by  which  they  are  to  be  designated,  wliit>a  are  as  follows:  The 
Mohawk  to  be  "No.  20,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept.;"  the  Mississippi  to  be  "No.  95, 
U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept.;"  the  Obdam  to  be  "No.  30,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept.;"  the 
Port  Victor  to  be  "No.  2,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept."  A  copy  of  the  approval  of  the 
action  of  Mr.  Hecker  by  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  War,  with  instructions  that 
the  expenses  necessary  for  the  fitting  of  the  vessels  will  be  paid  from  the  appro- 
priation for  transportation  of  the  Army,  Quartermaster's  Department,  is  indorsed 
upon  each  copy  of  the  letters. 

You  will  be  governed  accordingly. 

Respectfully,  M.  I.  Ludington, 

Quartermaster-Oeneral  U.  S.  Army. 

Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes. 


STEAMSHIP  OBDAM. 
[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C. ,  July  5, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York: 

You  are  authorized  to  put  on  the  Obdam  gun  racks  for  as  many  men  as  the  ship 
is  fitted  to  carry.  They  should  be  strong  and  well  secured,  to  prevent  arms  from 
becoming  detached  from  the  motion  of  the  vessel.  Arm  racks  should  be  fitted  up 
on  all  of  our  own  ships  suitable  to  carry  either  a  musket  or  a  carbine. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-Oeneral. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  July  6,  1898. 
Official  copy.     Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quarter- 
master, U.  S.  Volunteers,  for  his  information  and  guidance. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster-Oeneral,  U.  S.  Army,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


STEAMSHIPS  PORT  VICTOR  AND  PANAMA. 
[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  July  5, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York  City: 

Assistant  Secretary  of  War  directs  that  you  put  an  electric-light  plant,  with 
search  light,  new  galley,  range,  and  furniture,  and  paulin  for  covering  hatches, 
on  the  Port  Victor,  provided  this  work  will  not  delay  her  sailing  as  soon  as  the 
refrigeration  on  the  ship  is  completed.  He  also  directs  that  you  put  on  the  No.  1 — 
Panama— a  new  range  and  awnings. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  July  8, 1898.) 


STEAMSHIPS  MOBILE,  ARKADIA,  AND  GRANDE  DUCHESSE. 
[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  Julys,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York: 

Confirming  telephone  message,  inform  you  that  the  steamship  Mobile  has  arrived 
in  New  York.     You  are  instructed  to  direct  Major  Summerhayes  to  proceed  at 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  485 

once  to  fit  the  vessel  up  for  transport  service  same  as  the  Mohawk;  shipping  crew, 
victualing  ship.  Work  to  be  pushed  with  utmost  dispatch,  in  order  to  get  her 
ready  for  sea  at  the  earliest  possible  moment.  Report  progress  day  by  day  by 
wire.  Give  shipping  orders  for  the  Arkadia  to  sail  to-morrow,  not  stopping  at 
Norfolk  Harbor  for  subsistence  stores,  but  to  go  direct  to  Port  Tampa.  Have 
chartered  the  steamship  Grande  Duchesse,  now  at  Newport  News,  and  she  will 
take  the  commissary  stores  that  were  to  have  gone  by  the  Arkadia. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  July  6,  1898.) 


steamship  roumania. 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington*  July  7, 1898. 
Col.  A.  S.  Kimball, 

Assistant  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  A., 

Army  Building,  New  York  City. 
Sir:  The  Allen  Line  steamer  Roumania  was  purchased  to-day  for  delivery  in 
New  York  at  the  Allen  Line  Steamer  Docks.  Asst.  Naval  Constructor  S.  F.  Smith 
reports:  "That,  before  undertaking  service  as  a  troop  ship,  she  should  befitted 
with  increased  galley  and  water-closets,  and  a  system  of  forced  ventilation  should 
be  put  in,  and  can  be  done  for  about  $3,000  and  in  ten  days,  which  would  greatly 
ameliorate  the  living  conditions.  An  electric-light  plant,  for  the  'tween  decks 
only,  would  be  inexpensive,  cooler  than  lamps,  safer,  and  could  be  installed  in  the 
same  time.  Summing  up,  this  ship  is  sufficiently  strong  in  all  respects,  but  the 
above  changes  are  essential.  The  company's  estimate  of  1,149  men  on  the  main 
deck  is  far  too  large,  as  it  is  based  on  the  cubical  capacity  of  the  deck  and  not  on 
the  possibility  of  swinging  hammocks." 

You  are  authorized  to  have  these  repairs  done  and  to  have  the  vessel  inspected, 
and  if  there  is  anything  else  that  is  necessary  to  fit  her  up  for  transport  service 
report  the  fact  to  this  office. 

She  is  to  be  inspected  by  General  Egan's  refrigerator  men,  with  a  view  of  hav- 
ing refrigeration  put  on  this  ship  for  carrying  beef. 
Please  acknowledge  receipt. 

Respectfully,  M.  I.  Ludington, 

Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York,  July  8,  1898. 
Official  copy.    Respectfully  referred  to  Maj .  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster, 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  for  his  information  and  guidance  and    all  necessary  action 
required  by  within  instructions. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


STEAMSHIP  BERLIN. 

[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C. ,  July  8, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York: 

The  steamship  Berlin  has  been  bought  by  the  Government.  The  purchase 
includes  everything  pertaining  to  the  ship  excepting  the  steward's  supplies.  Direct 
Major  Summerhayes  to  fit  the  ship  up  at  once  for  transport  service  for  at  least 


486         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

2,000  men  and  enough  horses  for  two  regiments  of  infantry.  If  anything  is 
needed  in  the  way  of  ventilation,  electric  light,  distilling  plant,  etc.,  you  will  at 
once  notify  this  office  by  wire,  so  that  they  can  be  authorized.  It  is  desired  to  get 
this  ship  out  for  service  in  four  days.    Acknowledge  receipt  and  report  action. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster  General. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

Neio  York  City,  July  S,  1898. 
Official  copy.    Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster, 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  for  his  information  and  guidance. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


STEAMSHIP  CITY  OF  BERLIN. 
[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  9, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York: 

Referring  to  telegram  of  yesterday,  stating  that  the  Government  had  purchased 
the  steamship  City  of  Berlin,  would  state  that  the  Commissioner  of  Navigation  is 
objecting  to  shipping  English  crews.  Major  Summerhayes  should  ship  Ameri- 
cans on  this  ship  if  possible;  notify  me  if  there  will  be  any  delay  in  getting  the 
ship  out  if  she  has  to  ship  an  American  crew. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  July  9,  1898. 
Official  copy.  Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster, 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  for  his  information. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  A. ,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


steamship  roumania. 
[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  10,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York  City: 

Steamer  Roumania  will  take  emergency  expedition  to  Santiago.  Instruct 
Major  Summerhayes  to  ship  crew.  Put  full  supply  water  and  2,000  to  2,500  tons 
coal  aboard.  Dakin  &  Co.,  who  organize  expedition,  will  be  ready  to  go  to  sea 
Wednesday  evening.  Of  utmost  importance  there  be  no  delay.  Acknowledge 
receipt  and  report  whether  the  crew  and  vessel  will  be  ready  for  sea  by  Wednes- 
day night  or  Thursday  morning. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes  July  10, 1898.) 


STEAMER  ROUMANIA. 
[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  10, 1898. 
Steamer  Roumania  will  take  emergency  expedition  to  Santiago.     Instruct  Major 
Summerhayes  to  ship  crew.    Put  full  supply  water  and  2,000  to  2,500  tons  coal 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  487 

aboard.  Dakin  &  Co. ,  who  organize  expedition,  will  be  ready  to  go  to  sea  Wednes- 
day evening.  Of  utmost  importance  there  be  no  delay.  Acknowledge  receipt 
and  report  whether  the  crew  and  vessel  will  be  ready  for  sea  by  Wednesday  night 
or  Thursday  morning. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes  July  11,  for  information  and  attention.) 


STEAMSHIP  BERLIN. 
[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  10,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  Neio  York  City: 

The  Assistant  Secretary  of  War  authorizes  expenditure  of  so  much  of  $6,000  as 
you  find  necessary  for  construction  of  ventilating  plant  on  the  steamship  Berlin. 
Her  number  will  be  31  and  the  Roumania  27.  You  wiil  have  these  numbers, 
together  with  the  adopted  letters,  substituted  for  their  names. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes  July  11,  for  information  and  action.) 


[Telegram.] 


Washington,  D.  C,  July  11, 1898 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York: 

Confirming  telephone  message  of  this  date,  you  are  authorized  to  expend  as 
much  as  necessary  of  $7,000,  instead  of  $6,000  authorized  in  telegram  10th,  for 
fitting  up  ventilating  plant  for  the  steamship  Berlin-,  also  that  the  Panama  is  to 
be  turned  over  to  D.  Van  Aken  &  Co. ,  to  take  emergency  expedition  to  Santiago, 
instead  of  the  Roumania,  designated  to  you  yesterday.  The  Roumania  will  be 
fitted  up  for  transport  service.  Report  by  wire  to  this  office  what  will  be  neces- 
sary to  fit  with  ventilators,  etc.,  the  Roumania,  so  that  it  can  be  authorized. 
Desire  to  get  her  out  as  rapidly  as  possible.  Acknowledge  receipt  and  report  if 
the  exchange  of  the  Panama  to  do  the  work  designated  for  the  Roumania  is  under- 
stood, and  when  you  think  the  Panama  will  get  away. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 
11.25  p.  m. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  July  12,  1898. 
Official  copy.    Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster, 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  for  his  information  and  guidance. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  A.,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


STEAMERS  MICHIGAN   AND   MASSACHUSETTS. 

[Telegram.] 

Washington,  July  11,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  Neiv  York: 

Am  informed  that  the  steamships  Michigan  and  Massachusetts  have  arrived  in 
New  York.  Direct  Major  Summerhayes  to  have  them  fitted  up  same  as  Nos.  20 
and  21.    They  will  be  designated,  Michigan,  No.  26,  and  Massachusetts,  No.  22. 


488        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Have  Major  Summerhayes  report  what  these  vessels  need  in  the  way  of  fitting  as 
to  ventilation,  etc.,  so  that  they  can  be  authorized,  and  report  when  they  will  be 
ready  to  sail. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes  July  11,  1898.) 


MOBILE,    MASSACHUSETTS,    MANITOBA,    MINNEWASKA,    MICHIGAN,    ROUMANIA,    AND 

BERLIN. 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  July  13,  1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

Sir:  The  War  Department  has  authorized  the  following-named  steamships  to 
be  fitted  up  for  army- transport  service,  the  expenses  thereof  to  be  paid  from  the 
appropriation  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  for  transportation  of  the  army, 
viz:  Mobile,  "No.  21,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept.;"  Massachusetts,  "No.  22,  U.  S.  A., 
Q.  M.  Dept.;''  Manitoba,  "No.  23,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept.;"  Minnewaska,  "No.  24, 
U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept.;''  Michigan,  "No.  26,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept.;"  Roumania, 
"No.  27,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept.;"  Berlin,  "No.  31,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept." 

You  are  also  authorized  to  hire  the  officers  and  crews  required  for  the  proper 
manning  of  purchased  ships  and  for  their  subsistence  when  not  otherwise  pro- 
vided for,  as  recommended  in  your  indorsement  of  July  11,  1898. 

Authority  for  putting  in  electric  lighting,  distilling,  and  ventilating  plants,  or 
any  special  improvements  upon  any  of  above-named  vessels  will  be  granted  only 
upon  special  application  therefor,  with  full  information  as  to  cost,  etc. 
Respectfully, 

M.  I.  Ludington, 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army. 

New  York  Depot,  July  15, 1898. 
Official  copy.     Respectfully  referred  to  Maj .  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster, 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  for  his  information  and  guidance. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  A.,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


mobile,  massachusetts,  manitoba,  minnewaska,  michigan,  roumania,  berlin. 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  July  13,  1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

Sir:  The  War  Department  has  authorized  the  following-named  steamships  to  be 
fitted  up  for  army  transport  service,  the  expenses  thereof  to  be  paid  from  the 
appropriation  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  for  transportation  of  the  Army, 
viz:  Mobile,  "No.  21,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept.;"  Massachusetts,  "No.  22,  U.  S.  A., 
Q.  M.  Dept.;"  Manitoba,  "No.  23,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept.;"  Minnewaska,  "No.  24, 
U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept.;"  Michigan,  "No.  26,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept.;"  Roumania, 
"No.  27,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept.;"  Berlin,  "No.  31,  U.  S.  A.,  Q.  M.  Dept." 

You  are  also  authorized  to  hire  the  officers  and  crews  required  for  the  proper 
manning  of  purchased  ships,  and  for  their  subsistence  when  not  otherwise  pro- 
vided for,  as  recommended  in  your  indorsement  of  July  11,  1898. 

Authority  for  putting  in  electric  lighting,  distilling,  and  ventilating  plants,  or 
any  special  improvements,  upon  any  of  above-named  vessels  will  be  granted  only 
upon  special  application  therefor,  with  full  information  as  to  cost,  etc. 
Respectfully, 

M.  I.  Ludington, 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  July  15, 1898.' 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  489 

STEAMERS   OLIVETTE   AND   CITY   OF   WASHINGTON. 

[[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  16,  1898. 
Major  Summerhayes,  Army  Building,  New  York  City: 

Referring  to  telephone  conversation  this  morning  regarding  damage  done  to 
Olivette  by  collision  with  City  of  Washington,  desire  that  you  have  her  examined 
and  report  extent  of  damage,  probable  cost  of  repair,  and  if  it  is  necessary  to  haul 
her  off  at  this  time  to  have  the  repairs  done.  At  the  time  of  the  damage  the  Gov- 
ernment was  assuming  marine  risk.  Since  July  1  the  company  assume  marine 
risk.  They  might  not  be  willing  to  allow  her  to  continue  in  service  in  her  present 
condition,  they  assuming  marine  risk.  Consult  with  the  company  and,  if  pos- 
sible, have  one  of  their  representatives  go  with  you  and  examine  the  Olivette,  so 
that  you  together  can  decide  upon  what  is  best  to  be  done.  Do  not  wish  to  have 
steamer  delayed  any  longer  than  possible,  as  she  may  be  needed  for  important 
work  in  the  near  future. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


steamer  olivette. 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  July  18,  1898. 
Col.  A.  S.  Kimball, 

Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  A.,  New  York  City. 
Sir:  Confirming  telephone  message  of  this  morning,  you  are,  by  direction  of  the 
Secretary  of  War,  authorized  to  have  repairs  done  to  the  steamer  Olivette  which 
are  made  necessary  on  account  of  damage  done  to  her  by  her  fouling  the  City  of 
Washington,  and  that  incurred  when  taking  on  water  from  the  water  transport 
while  lying  alongside  of  her  in  the  roadstead  off  Santiago.  Major  Summerhayes 
indicated  that  it  would  cost  from  $3,000  to  $4,000  to  have  these  repairs  made.  You 
are  authorized  to  use  as  much  of  $4,000  as  you  find  necessary  to  put  the  vessel  in 
the  same  condition  that  she  was  prior  to  the  accident.  Report  definite  amount 
expended  on  the  Olivette. 
Respectfully, 

M.  I.  Ludington, 
Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  July  19,  1898,  for  his  information.) 


STEAMERS   OLIVETTE,   CITY  OF  WASHINGTON,    AND   SENECA. 
[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  18, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York: 

Most  of  the  ships  that  have  arrived  from  Santiago  with  sick  and  wounded  have 
on  them  the  camp  equipage  and  officers'  luggage  belonging  to  the  commands  that 
were  shipped  on  them  from  Tampa  to  Santiago.  You  have  in  New  York  the 
Olivette,  City  of  Washington,  and  Seneca,  now  ordered  from  Fortress  Monroe  to 
New  York.  Transfer  to  the  Olivette  all  of  the  camp  equipage  and  officer's  luggage 
that  you  have  on  the  City  of  Washington  and  the  Seneca,  together  with  the  guard 
pertaining  to  these  supplies.  You  are  authorized  to  place  upon  the  Olivette  such 
ventilating  apparatus  and  additional  ice  boxes  as  Dr.  Appel  will  designate  to  you. 
The  steam  launch  will  not  be  provided.     Acknowledge  receipt  nad  report  action. 

8.20  p.  m. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes.  July  19,  1898.) 


490         INVESTIGATION'    OF    CONDI  <  T    OK    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

TRANSPORTS  MINNEWASKA   AND  MANITOBA. 

[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  23, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York: 

You  report  Minnewaska,  No.  24,  arrived  New  York.  Have  her  thoroughly 
examined  and  fitted  up  for  transport  service  under  general  mthority  already  fur- 
nished you.  If  she  needs  any  additional  fittings  in  the  way  of  condenser,  venti- 
lating apparatus,  electric  lights,  etc.,  let  me  know  cost,  so  that  matter  maybe 
submitted  to  Secretary  for  approval.  It  is  earnestly  desired  that  both  the  Mani- 
toba and  Minnewaska,  now  in  your  hands,  be  put  in  thorough  condition  for  serv- 
ice in  the  way  of  repairs— additional  parts  to  machinery  where  necessary,  extra 
grate  bars,  hammocks  for  each  man  the  ships  can  carry,  and,  in  short,  made  so 
complete  as  a  transport  that  when  they  arrive  at  point  where  shipments  are  to  be 
made  no  complaint  will  be  reported  as  their  not  being  complete.  Have  the  old 
wooden  standees  on  the  Seneca  and  other  chartered  ships  that  arrive  in  New  York, 
where  ventilation  is  not  good,  taken  down,  and  arrange  for  hammocks,  placing 
hammocks  on  board  of  each  of  these  vessels  for  the  number  of  men  they  are  made 
to  carry.  Hereafter  in  making  report  that  vessel  is  ready  for  service,  I  desire 
that  you  include  in  that  report  the  condition  of  machinery,  including  spare  parts, 
extra  grate  bars;  also  condition  as  to  ventilation,  coal,  and  water. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhays  for  his  information  and  guidance;  also  to  Captain 
Mason,  July  23,  1898.) 


STEAMER  SENECA. 
[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C. ,  July  24, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York  City: 

Confirming  telephone  message  from  Colonel  Bird,  the  Seneca,  after  being  coaled, 
is  to  leave  noon 25th  with  all  dispatch  and  report  to  Major  Wilson,  quartermaster 
at  Newport  News,  to  join  expedition  going  to  Porto  Rico;  also  that  you  are  to  put 
lighter  alongside  of  her  and  take  off  all  camp  equipage  and  officers'  luggage 
belonging  to  the  command  that  originally  sailed  on  the  Seneca  from  Port  Tampa 
to  Santiago,  same  to  be  stored  on  your  dock  under  proper  guard  and  to  be  reloaded 
on  a  vessel  designated  later,  that  will  take  it,  together  with  whatever  other  equip- 
age may  be  on  incoming  vessels  and  that  now  at  Fortress  Monroe  taken  from 
Breakwater,  and  deliver  it  to  Colonel  Humphrey,  at  Santiago.  Acknowledge 
receipt  and  report  hour  of  sailing  of  Seneca.  Employ  ample  number  of  men  to 
unload  Seneca,  so  as  not  to  delay  her  sailing  at  12  noon  to-morrow. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  July  25,  1898. 
Official  copy.    Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermas- 
ter, United  States  Volunteers,  for  his  information  and  guidance. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


REPLY    OF    QTTARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  491 

MANITOBA  AND  MINNEWASKA. 
[Telegram.  ] 

Washington,  D.C.,  July  25,  1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York: 

The  necessity  for  an  ample  supply  of  forage  at  Porto  Rico  and  Santiago  is 
urgent.  Arrangements  should  be  made  to  keep  sacked  for  shipment  thirty  days' 
oats  for  1,000  animals,  and  on  each  vessel  going  from  New  York  hay  and  oats  for 
thirty  days  for  the  full  capacity  of  animals  for  that  vessel  be  properly  loaded. 
The  Manitoba  and  Minnewaska  have  each  a  capacity  for  1,000  animals  and  should 
be  loaded  with  thirty  daysr  forage  for  that  number.  As  ships  arrive  from  Santi- 
ago have  them  inspected,  and  if  they  are  fitted  up  for  carrying  animals,  place  on 
each  thirty  days'  grain  and  hay  for  the  number  of  animals  they  will  carry. 
Report  action  in  each  case,  so  that  I  can  advise  officers  where  their  forage  can  be 
found.  On  each  ship  going  to  Porto  Rico  with  grain  or  subsistence  stores  40  or 
50  large  paulins,  according  to  the  quantity  shipped,  should  be  sent  for  protecting 
the  stores,  if  necessary,  on  arrival  at  Porto  Rico. 

Ludington  ,  Quartermaster-General. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York,  July  25,  1898. 
Official  copy.     Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster, 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  for  his  information  and  guidance. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


CHESTER,   MINNEWASKA,   AND  MANITOBA. 
[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  July  25,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York  City: 

Have  purchased  this  morning  the  steamship  Chester,  now  in  New  York.  Have 
her  thoroughly  examined  as  to  capacity  for  troops  and  ventilation.  Fit  her  up 
for  as  many  hammocks  as  she  can  conveniently  accommodate;  also  for  about  50 
stalls  to  carry  battalion  animals.  If  she  needs  extra  ventilation,  report  at  once 
by  wire,  and  you  will  be  authorized  to  put  it  in.  Have  just  talked  with  Colonel 
Hecker,  and  he  advised  that  the  Minnewaska  have  ventilating  plant  put  on  to 
force  air  to  the  lower  between  decks,  where  troops  are  carried.  State  the  time  it 
will  take  for  you  to  have  the  Manitoba,  Minnewaska,  and  Chester  put  in  condition 
for  sailing,  bearing  in  mind  that  the  machinery  is  to  be  examined,  spare  parts 
furnished,  extra  grate  bars  supplied,  ample  water  supplied,  and  forage,  both  hay 
and  grain,  for  the  number  of  animals  they  are  fitted  up  to  carry;  also  that  the 
chartered  vessels  that  arrive  be  examined,  and  the  standees,  where  the  ventilation 
is  not  good,  be  taken  out  and  hammocks  substituted,  and  forage  put  aboard  for 
the  number  of  animals  they  are  fitted  to  carry,  both  hay  and  grain.  Understand 
Manitoba  is  having  ventilation  put  on.  Report  by  wire  the  cost  of  putting  in 
ventilation  in  the  Minnewaska,  as  also  in  the  Chester,  if  needed. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes  July  25,  1898.) 


492         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

GENERAL  INSTRUCTIONS. 
[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C. ,  July  27, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York : 

General  Brooke  advises  that  the  lumber  for  making  stalls  for  horses  should  be 
dressed  on  the  side  next  to  the  animal,  and  that  an  ample  supply  of  burlap  and 
twine  should  be  put  aboard  each  ship,  so  that  if  it  is  found  that  the  animals  are 
being  chafed,  these,  together  with  the  hay  that  is  already  aboard,  may  be  used  to 
pad  the  stalls.  You  are  authorized  to  use  such  lumber,  etc.  He  also  suggests  that 
the  space  occupied  for  the  men — 18  inches — is  too  small.  It  was  decided  before 
General  Brooke's  telegram  came  that  we  would  reduce  the  carrying  capacity  of 
the  ships  about  20  per  cent  for  men,  giving  a  24-inch  space  instead  of  18.  Direct 
Major  Summerhayes  that  hereafter  he  is  to  arrange  hammocks  24  inches  apart, 
and  in  reporting  ships  ready  for  service  the  number  of  men  she  carries  best  stalled. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-  General. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  July  28,  1898. 
Official  copy.    Respectfully  referred  to  Maj .  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster, 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  for  his  information  and  guidance. 

,A.  S.  Kimball, 
Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  Depot  Quartermaster, 


GENERAL  INSTRUCTIONS. 
[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  28, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York  : 

Referring  to  telegram  of  27th,  stating  that  space  on  Government  transports 
for  hammocks  would  be  24  inches  instead  of  18,  desire  to  change  centers  to  21 
inches  instead  of  24.  The  regulation  will  then  be  21  inches  between  hooks  for 
hammocks. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  July  29,  1898. 
Official  copy.    Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster, 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  for  his  information  and  guidance. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Colonel,  Quartermaster's  Department,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


GENERAL  INSTRUCTIONS. 

[Telegram.] 

Steamer  Breakwater, 
Washington,  D.  C,  July  28,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball: 

Your  telegram  regarding  ventilation  for  Breakwater  received.  Confirming 
telephone  message  by  Colonel  Bird,  you  are  directed  not  to  put  any  ventilating 
plants  on  any  of  the  present  chartered  steamers  unless  by  special  authority  from 
this  office.  No  ventilation  will  therefore  be  put  aboard  the  Breakwater;  to  take 
aboard  at  Fort  Monroe  the  camp  equipage,  officers'  luggage,  etc.,  come  of  off  her 
there,  and  also  that  which  was  taken  from  the  Hudson  at  that  point.  Do  this. 
If  any  of  the  stores  that  have  been  presented  to  you  for  transportation  by  the 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  493 

Breakwater  to  Santiago  are  to  be  left  over  notify  me  at  once  what  they  consist  of, 
so  the  proper  officer  can  be  advised.  It  is  very  important  that  the  disinfectant 
material  the  Surgeon-General  has  provided  for  troops  at  Santiago  should  go. 
Give  special  attention  to  the  requirements  of  this  telegram  and  notify  me. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes  July  29,  1898.) 


TRANSPORT  RIO  GRANDE. 

[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  28, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York: 

The  transport  Rio  Grande  has  been  directed  to  proceed  from  Fort  Monroe  to 
New  York  and  report  to  you.  The  blow  pipe  is  so  damaged  as  to  disable  the 
starboard  engine.  Direct  the  company  to  have  these  repairs  made  as  soon  as 
possible,  so  as  not  to  delay  ship.  Have  her  carefully  examined,  and  if  she  is  not 
well  ventilated  between  decks  where  her  standees  are,  they  can  be  taken  down, 
excepting  the  frames,  and  hammocks  substituted.  Desire  that  the  Leona  and 
Concha,  be  treated  in  the  same  way,  and  that  all  three  of  these  ships  be  fitted  for 
transport  service  with  as  little  delay  as  possible.  Notify  the  Mallory  people  to 
have  ships  examined  to  see  whether  they  have  any  repairs  to  make,  so  that  your 
work  and  theirs  can  go  on  together.     Acknowledge  receipt  and  report  action. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York,  July  29,  1898. 
A  true  copy.    Respectfully  transmitted  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  U.  S. 
Volunteers,  for  his  information  and  guidance. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Colonel,  Quartermaster's  Department,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


chester  and  minnewaska. 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  July  29, 1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

Sir:  Referring  to  your  indorsement  of  the  27th  instant,  forwarding  letter  of 
Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster,  submitting  a  statement  of  the  cost  for 
fitting  up  the  steamships  Chester  and  Minnewaska  as  army  transports,  you  are 
respectfully  informed  that  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  War  has  authorized  the 
expenditure  of  a  sum  not  exceeding  $19,640,  for  the  purpose  referred  to,  viz: 

On  steamship  Chester: 

Ventilating  plant  on  single  decks $6,500 

50  stalls  for  horses 1,640 

Painting  smokestack  and  numbering  the  vessel , 80 

Total _.. 8,220 

On  steamer  Minnewaska: 

Ventilating  plant 7, 000 

Fitting  up  for  1,000  horses 4,340 

Painting  smokestack  and  numbering  the  vessel 80 

Total 11,420 


494         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  cost  for  hammocks,  which  you  state  can  be  supplied  from  stock  on  hand,  is 
not  included  in  the  above  authorization. 

It  is  remarked  that  the  estimated  cost  for  fitting  up  for  horses  on  both  vessels 
named  is  considered  excessive,  and  should,  if  possible,  be  done  for  less  money. 

Major  Summerhayes  will  be  instructed  to  fit  up  the  vessels  as  authorized. 
Respectfully, 

M.  I.  LUDINGTON, 

Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army. 
(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  July  30, 1898,  for  his  information  and  guidance.) 


LEONA,  CONCHO,   RIO  GRANDE,   HUDSON,   AND  ALAMO. 
[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  July  29,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York  City: 

In  addition  to  the  Leona,  Concho,  and  Rio  Grande,  the  transports  Hudson  and 
Alamo  have  been  ordered  to  report  to  you  at  New  York.  Have  them  examined 
at  once,  and  report  their  condition.  In  the  meantime,  where  necessary,  take  out 
old  standees,  excepting  frames,  and  fit  them  up  for  hammocks;  also  overhaul 
stalls  for  horses,  and  make  them  strong  and  comfortable  as  possible,  putting 
aboard  burlap  and  twine,  to  be  used  if  needed.  Have  sanitarry  condition  of  ship 
carefully  considered.  Examine  water  supply,  and  if  insufficient  provide  addi- 
tional capacity.  Report  arrival  of  ships  and  when  they  will  be  ready  for  service. 
See  that  forage,  hay,  and  oats  for  thirty  days  is  put  aboard  all  of  the  ships  for  the 
number  of  animals  they  are  fitted  to  carry.  These  ships  are  promised  back  at 
Newport  News  by  Wednesday. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  July  29,  1898.) 


transport  minnewaska. 

[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  30,  1898. 
Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York: 

You  are  authorized  to  provide  four  lifeboats  and  fittings,  including  davits;  also 
four  life  rafts  for  transport  Minnewaska,  cost  $3,000;  also  awnings  lor  shin,  cost 
$1,600.  Understand,  the  procurement  of  these  boats  and  awnings  will  not  detain 
this  ship  from  being  ready  to  sail  on  Wednesday. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  July  31, 1898.) 


transport  minnewaska. 

[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  30,  1898. 
Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York: 

You  are  authorized  to  provide  four  additional  boats  and  fittings,  incl  uding  davit  % 
also  four  life  rafts  for  transport  Minnewaska,  cost  $3,000;  also  awnings  for  ship, 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  495 

cost  $1,600.     Understand,  the  procurement  of  these  boats  and  awnings  will  not 
detain  this  ship  irom  oeing  ready  to  sail  on  Wednesday. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  July  31,  189S. 
Official  copy.     Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  for  his  information  and  guidance. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Colonel,  Quartermasters  Department,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


STEAMER  MANITOBA. 

[Telegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  30, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York: 

The  Manitoba  has  been  reported  ready  for  sea.  Give  her  sailing  orders  to  report 
to  Major  Wilson,  at  Newport  News,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  part  of  Grant's 
brigade  to  Porto  Rico.  Understand  she  is  to  be  properly  ventilated,  has  on  board 
1,000  hammocks,  and  forage,  hay,  and  oats  for  1,000  animals  for  thirty  days.  See 
that  she  goes  to  Newport  News  at  once.  Report  date  of  her  departure  and  whether 
equipped  and  loaded  as  above  indicated. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  July  31, 1898. 
Official  copy.    Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  for  his  information  and  guidance. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Colonel,  Quartermaster's  Department,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


general  instructions; 

[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  30,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York: 

Colonel  Hecker  reports  that  Major  Summerhayes  and  Captain  Mason  do  not 
think  the  chartered  vessels  can  be  fitted  up  to  carry  animals,  but  advise  that  they 
be  fitted  up  for  troops  only,  with  a  few  stalls  for  officer's  horses.  Colonel  Hecker  s 
recommendation  is  approved,  As  soon  as  the  vessels  are  fitted  up  report  the  num- 
ber of  hammocks  and  stalls  on  each  of  the  ships,  and  when  they  will  be  ready  to 
sail  for  Newport  News.  Colonel  Hecker  also  recommends  that  the  Chester  be  as- 
signed to  carry  Colonel  Griffin's  regiment  from  Peekskill.  Report  when  she  will 
be  ready  so  Colonel  Miller  can  have  supplied  from  here  250  animals  and  50  wagons 
for  the  Peekskill  regiment.  You  must  see  that  forage,  hay,  and  grain  is  put  aboard 
the  Chester  for  thirty  days.  Also  notify  Subsistence  Department  so  they  can  sup- 
ply rations.  The  Alamo  sailed  last  night  from  Fort  Monroe  and  the  Concho  this 
morning.  Understand,  that  for  the  movement  of  Grant's  brigade,  can  have  in  ad- 
dition the  chartered  ships,  the  Manitoba  and  Minnewaska,  and  that  we  may  not  get 
the  Alamo  and  Concho  in  time  for  this  trip  owing  to  their  being  in  quarantine. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  July  30,  1898.) 


496         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

ROUMANIA,   ST.    LOUIS,    HARVARD,   BREAKWATER,   MANITOBA. 
[Telegram.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  July  30, 1898. 
Colonel  Hecker,  Army  Building \  New  York  City: 

Your  telegram  regarding  the  sailing  of  the  Roumania  received.  Very  important 
that  the  Roumania  should  have  as  near  thirty  days'  forage — hay  and  oats— for 
1 ,000  animals  as  possible.  Would  advise  that  she  continue  loading  the  forage  until 
noon  Thursday,  so  that  she  will  arrive  at  Newport  News  Friday  noon.  St,  Louis 
will  be  there  Friday.  Not  yet  informed  as  to  movement  of  Harvard.  Breakwater 
must  be  docked  and  bottom  scraped.  Have  directed  she  must  be  available  Satur- 
day morning.  Wired  General  Brooke  this  morning  that  all  the  transports  would 
be  ready  for  him  not  later  than  Saturday  morning,  and  that  the  Roumania  would 
have  on  her  forage  for  1 ,000  animals  for  thirty  days.  He  will  probably  depend 
on  that  amount  being  on  her.  Desire  that  the  Manitoba  and  all  United  States 
transports  be  loaded  with  thirty  days'  forage  for  the  number  of  animals  they  are 
fitted  to  carry.  Major  Summerhayes  reported  that  he  had  chartered  a  vessel  for 
General  Stone  to  carry  his  men  and  material  from  Jacksonville.  Desire  to  know 
very  much  when  she  will  sail.  The  plan  is  for  her  to  go  to  Charleston,  take  on  his 
laborers,  and  then  go  to  Jacksonville  and  load  on  the  material.  General  Stone 
has  been  notified  to  this  effect.  Just  learned  Harvard  passed  in  Cape  Henry  to-day. 
She  may  be  going  to  navy- yard  to  have  some  work  done.      Will  ascertain. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  July  30,  1898.) 


steamer  obdam. 

Washington,  D.  C,  August  5,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster.  New  York: 

Transport  Obdam  arrived  Fortress  Monroe  to-day  and  is  reported  in  good  condi- 
tion. No  repairs  needed  except  a  few  hammocks.  Not  placed  in  quarantine.  She 
has  been  ordered  to  Newport  News,  to  take  part  of  Grant's  brigade  to  Porto  Rico. 
Captain  of  ship  has  made  requisition  for  one  fire  pump  and  one  feed  pump,  which 
he  regards  as  important;  also  urgently  recommends  installation  of  another  dynamo 
ordered  when  last  in  New  York.  Can  you  ship  by  steamer  to-morrow  to  Newport 
News  the  fire  and  feed  pumps?  Can  another  dynamo  be  installed,  or  had  this  bet- 
ter be  deferred  until  she  comes  North  again? 

Hecker, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Quartermaster,  Volunteers. 

A  true  copy.  Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J. W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster, 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  for  immediate  action  and  report. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Colonel,  Quartermaster's  Department,  U.  S.  Army. 


STEAMER  LAMPASAS. 

[Telegam.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  August  6,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York: 

Lampasas  now  at  Fort  Monroe  ordered  to  report  to  you,  to  be  fitted  up  with 
hammocks  for  carrying  troops  and  about  10  animals;  that  is,  if  ventilation  is  good. 
She  is  reported  to  need  three  new  lifeboats,  which  were  destroyed  in  landing  troops 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  41) 7 

at  Guanica;  also,  some  spare  parts  for  electrical  plant  are  required.  Report  her 
condition  after  inspection,  and  let  me  know  how  soon  you  will  have  her  ready  for 
sea  and  what  is  needed. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

(Copy  to  Major  Summerhayes,  August  7,  1898.) 


chester  and  minnewaska. 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  August  15,  1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

Sir:  You  are  respectfully  informed  that  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  War  has 
authorized  the  expenditure  of  a  sum  not  exceeding  SI, 720  for  the  purpose  referred 
to  in  the  indorsement  of  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  August  1,  1898,  viz: 

On  steamer  Chester,  fitting  for  hammocks. _ $860 

On  steamship  Minnewaska ,  fitting  for  hammocks 860 

1,720 
This  is  in  addition  to  the  amount  previously  authorized,  July  29, 1898,  for  fitting 
up  those  ships. 

Respectfully,  M.  I.  Ludington, 

Quartermaster- General  U.  S.  Army. 
A  true  copy.    Respectfully  furnished  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes  for  his  infor- 
mation and  guidance. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Colonel,  Quartermaster's  Department,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


New  York,  October  11, 1898. 

I  certify  that  the  foregoing  papers,  numbered  1  to  53,  inclusive,  are  true  copies. 

Wirt  Robinson, 
Captain  and  Assistant  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Army. 


(3)  Exhibit  G. 


War  Department, 
General  Depot  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department, 

Army  Building,  Whitehall  Street, 

New  York  City,  October  7,  1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  Present. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  your  instructions  of  the  4th  instant  (10650),  I  have  the 
honor  to  report  as  follows: 

Standee  bunks. — On  the  first  transports  fitted  out,  standee  bunks  were  furnished. 
These  are  fitted  up  by  placing  a  2  by  4  inch  spruce  stanchion  from  deck  to  deck,  secur- 
ing same  at  the  head  and  heel.  To  this  is  fastened  a  frame  to  support 1  unk  boards 
and  bottom  boards,  1-inch  boards  being  used  for  this  purpose.  They  are  built  in 
blocks  of  12  feet  9  inches  by  4  feet  3  inches  wide,  divided  into  bunks  of  about  6 
feet  3  inches  by  2  feet  wide,  in  the  clear.  There  are  three  tiers  of  bunks  where 
the  ship's  decks  are  high  enough  to  permit.  If  decks  are  low,  then  they  are  built 
two  tiers  high  instead  of  three.  Alleyways  are  left  alongside  of  each  block  about 
2  feet  wide  fore  and  aft,  and  athwartship  alleyways  18  inches  wide  are  placed  after 

7833— VOL.  1 32 


498         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

every  block  for  passage  to  and  fro  across  the  ship.  This  plan  allows  men  to  get 
into  their  bunks  from  the  alleyway  without  climbing  over  each  other.  An  out- 
side alleyway  is  usually  left  against  the  sides  of  the  ship.  After  finding  that  these 
were  too  hot  they  were  removed  and  hammock  fittings  substituted,  consisting  of 
the  erection  of  3  by  4  inch  spruce  stanchions  from  deck  to  deck,  properly  secured 
21  inches  from  centers,  and  placing  on  same  hooks  to  hang  two  tiers  of  hammocks, 
one  above  the  other,  keeping  in  view  sufficient  cubic-air  space  for  the  comfort  of 
the  men.  This  method  permits  of  hammocks  being  taken  down  during  the  day 
and  stowed  away,  in  order  that  sufficient  deck  room  can  be  given  to  troops  when 
the  hammocks  are  not  slung. 

Lavatories — Are  formed  by  building  a  shelf  of  suitable  height  and  cutting  out 
same  to  admit  of  galvanized  iron  basins  to  fit  into  the  same.  Water-closets  are 
formed  by  selecting  some  suitable  place  on  ship  where  an  outlet  can  be  secured  to 
carry  off  the  excrement  of  troops.  These  closets  are  built  in  proper  lengths,  accord- 
ing to  the  space  which  we  can  procure.  They  are  lined  inside  with  galvanized 
iron,  with  suitable  outlets  from  which  a  chute  is  constructed  to  carry  it  overboard. 
Water  pipes  are  connected  with  the  ship's  pumps,  and  a  constant  supply  of  water 
is  passing  through  these  troughs  all  the  time. 

Ventilation.— Ships  are  supplied  with  a  number  of  cowl-head  ventilators,  run- 
ning from  above  the  upper  deck  of  the  ship,  usually  about  6  feet,  and  then  passing 
down  through  the  compartments.  These  cowl-head  ventilators  can  be  shifted  to 
and  from  the  wind.  The  size  of  these  ventilators  run  all  the  way  from  14  to  24 
inches. 

Again,  large  Sturtevant  steam  blowers  are  placed  on  the  upper  deck.  Shafts 
from  them  are  run  down  to  the  decks  below,  and  air  ducts  are  run  fore  and  aft  of 
the  ship  on  either  side  and  athwartships,  with  suitable  vents  protected  by  registers 
about  12  feet  apart,  for  the  purpose  of  distributing  the  air  into  the  different  com- 
partments where  the  troops  are  carried. 

In  some  cases  salt  water  sprays  have  been  put  in  on  top  of  the  shafts  for  taking 
in  pure  air,  in  order  to  cool  and  moisten  the  air,  so  that  when  it  is  distributed  in 
the  compartments  where  the  troops  are  it  will  possess  all  the  requisites  of  fresh 
and  pure  salt  air. 

Ventilation  has  also  been  provided  by  means  of  exhaust  fans  placed  on  upper 
deck,  with  shafts  placed  below  to  exhaust  the  foul  air  from  the  compartments 
where  the  troops  are  stowed. 

Water  supply.—  Distilling  plants  capable  of  distilling  5,000  gallons  of  water  per 
day  have  been  put  up.  Water  butts  and  water  casks  have  been  placed  on  board 
where  the  water-tank  capacity  of  the  ship  was  deficient,  and  hand  pumps  have 
been  supplied,  thus  giving  to  each  man  an  allowance  of  from  7  to  10  gallons  of 
water  per  day. 

Washing  tubs  have  been  erected,  lined  with  galvanized  iron  and  fitted  with  suit- 
able cocks  for  drainage  purposes  and  pipes  for  supply,  thus  giving  an  opportunity 
for  troops  to  wash  clothing  and  to  indulge  in  the  comforts  and  luxury  of  a  bath. 
In  some  cases  shower  baths  have  been  erected  for  the  purpose  of  health  and  com- 
fort. An  abundance  of  galvanized  buckets  have  been  put  on  board  to  reenforce 
ship's  supply. 

Ice  houses  have  been  put  in  ships  where  the  ship's  ice  house  had  been  inade- 
quate. 

Coffee  barrels,  with  worms  in  same,  have  been  put  in  ships  where  the  coffee 
boilers  in  ship's  galleys  have  been  too  small. 

Musket,  carbine,  and  revolver  racks  have  been  put  in  for  the  use  of  troops. 

In  many  cases  floors  have  been  laid  over  iron  decks  where  troops  wee  carried, 
but  this  was  abandoned  as  it  led  to  unsanitary  conditions,  as  it  permits  of  rejected 
food  getting  down  through  the  floor,  and  this  decaying  makes  a  bad  sanitary  con- 
dition. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  499 

ANIMALS. 

The  manner  of  fitting  up  ships  for  horses  is  as  follows:  Space— Each  animal  is 
given  a  space  of  2  feet  to  2  feet  6  inches,  by  8  feet.  Two  horses  are  usually  placed 
together;  and  in  some  cases  four  have  been  carried  together.  The  stanchions  are 
made  of  4  by  6  spruce,  well  fitted  and  secured  between  the  decks  where  the  ani- 
mals are  stowed.  These  stanchions  are  secured  at  the  head  and  heel  by  suitable 
cleats.  The  breast  plank  consists  of  a  2  by  9-inch  spruce  plank,  well  bolted  to  the 
stanchions  forming  the  uprights,  the  stanchions  being  set  about  5  feet  apart. 
Tiie  foot  plank  is  composed  of  a  3  by  9- inch  spruce  plank,  well  bolted  to  the  heels  of 
the  stanchions.  The  division  plank  is  placed  between  the  horses  where  separated, 
and  consists  of  a  2  by  8  plank,  slid  into  grooves  formed  on  the  backing  of  the  breast 
plank,  and  backing,  in  order  that  they  can  be  removed  at  any  time  where  neces- 
sary, thus  making  a  portable  compartment  for  the  horses.  All  breast  planks  are 
portable,  and  can  be  removed  to  allow  the  horses  to  be  removed  when  necessary. 

The  decks  are  sheathed  with  1-inch  boards  or  2-inch  boards;  the  former  if  of 
wood,  the  latter  if  of  iron.  On  these  are  placed  2  by  3-inch  footlocks,  spaced 
according  to  the  United  States  Government  regulations  for  carrying  animals,  and 
properly  secured  to  sheathing  of  deck.  A  suitable  backing  is  placed  in  rear  of  all 
animals,  protecting  them  from  injury  by  chafing  on  ship's  angle  irons  or  any  other 
sharp  corners  that  may  come  in  their  way. 

Suitable  waters  pipes  are  arranged  when  practicable  to  supply  water  to  animals 
fr.»m  the  ship's  pumps. 

These  fittings  cover  the  carriage  of  animals  under  deck.  When  animals  are 
carried  on  exposed  decks,  on  which  there  is  no  protection,  there  has  to  be  an 
awning  deck  built  as  follows: 

Four  by  six  stanchions  are  placed  against  ship's  rails,  properly  wedged  and  hook 
bolted  to  same.  A  suitable  tenon  is  cut  on  the  head  of  each  outboard  and  inboard 
stanchion.  A  yellow  pine  beam,  running  from  side  to  side  of  the  ship,  is  then 
fitted  with  suitable  mortises  to  fit  into  the  tenon,  driven  down,  well  secured, 
pinned,  and  wedged  over  same.  Where  two  rows  are  carried,  one  on  each  side  of 
the  ship,  stanchions  consist  of  two  outboard  and  two  inboard  stanchions,  placed 
about  5  feet  apart.  Where  decks  are  wood  1  -inch  sheathing  is  placed  over  same 
to  protect  the  ship's  decks  against  injury  from  animals'  feet.  On  this  2  by  3  inch 
spruce  footlocks  are  placed,  according  to  the  United  States  Government  regula- 
tions. A  breast  plank  of  2  by  9  inch,  and  foot  plank  of  same  size  is  well  bolted 
to  the  inboard  stanchions;  suitable  holes  are  bored  in  the  breast  plank  to  secure 
horses  to  same.  In  many  cases  rings  are  used  for  hitching  the  halters  to  secure 
horses. 

The  ship's  side  from  waterway  to  underneath  part  of  beam  forming  deck  is 
thoroughly  covered  in  by  1^-inch  sheathing.  On  the  top  of  the  beams  are  1^-inch 
plank,  well  bolted  to  same,  forming  a  shelter  deck.  Suitable  divisions  are  placed 
between  every  two  horses,  as  below.  Suitable  troughs  are  formed  in  front  of  the 
animals  by  fastening  same  to  breast  plank,  allowing  space  to  get  in  bucket  for 
watering  animals,  and  arranged  so  that  all  feed  can  be  dumped  into  the  troughs 
for  the  use  of  the  animals. 

On  the  top  of  this  deck,  on  the  outboard  edge  of  same,  stanchions  are  put  up, 
well  braced,  and  holes  bored  in  same  to  permit  of  life-lines  being  rove  through 
them  to  form  a  protection  to  the  men  that  pass  to  and  fro  on  this  deck. 

Water  casks  are  provided  for  cooling  purposes,  and  these  casks  are  placed  on 
hatches  or  anywhere  where  room  can  be  given  nearest  the  animals. 

The  animals  have  usually  been  placed  above  the  men,  as  it  has  been  consid- 
ered that  if  any  annoyance  should  arise  by  reason  of  carrying  men  and  animals 
together  on  the  same  ship,  that  the  smell  from  the  animals  would  be  less  liable  to 
affect  the  men  if  they  were  carried  above  the  troops  than  if  the  animals  were 


500        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

underneath  the  men.  Again,  this  arrangement  is  an  economy  of  space,  because 
the  animals  can  be  stowed  on  the  upper  decks,  that  are  not  fit  to  carry  men  and 
are  better  adapted  to  carry  animals.  This  applies  in  all  cases  where  animals  have 
been  carried,  and  must  always  apply  where  proper  stowage  is  to  be  observed. 
Again,  keeping  in  view  the  necessity  of  giving  as  large  an  air  capacity  as  possible, 
this  can  only  be  done  by  stowing  animals  above  men. 
Very  respectfully, 

J.    W.   SUMMERHAYES, 

Major  and  Quartermaster,  United  States  Volunteers. 

(Eight  inclosures,  as  follows:  Exhibit  A,  showing  ventilators;  Exhibit  B,  show- 
ing laundry  tubs;  Exhibit  C,  showing  hammocks  and  their  stanchions;  Exhibit 
D,  showing  lavatories;  Exhibit  E,  showing  soup  and  coffee  boilers;  Exhibit  F, 
showing  exhaust  fan  of  ventilating  plant;  Exhibit  G,  showing  horse  fittings,  and 
Exhibit  H,  showing  plan  of  standee  bunks.) 


Waii  Department, 
General  Depot  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department, 

Army  Building,  Whitehall  Street, 

New  York  City,  October  11, 1898. 
Quartermaster-General  IT.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 

General:  Replying  to  your  communication  of  October  2,  1898,  requesting  to 
furnish  certain  information  regarding  ocean-transport  service,  I  have  the  honor 
to  forward  herewith  copies  of  instructions  received  for  fitting  out  transport 
vessels,  also  a  report  of  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster,  United  States 
Volunteers,  specifying  the  manner  in  which  the  vessels  were  fitted  up  with 
improvements  for  the  comfort  and  health  of  the  troops  and  for  the  transportation 
of  animals. 

Attention  is  also  invited  to  inclosed  photographic  illustrations  showing  arrange- 
ments of  standees,  plan  of  swinging  hammocks  for  troops,  lavatories,  arrangements 
for  washing  clothes,  steam  cooking  boilers,  horse  fitting  on  upper  deck,  and  sys- 
tem of  ventilating  by  exhaust  fan  and  deck  ventilators. 

Very  respectfully,  A.  S.  Kimball, 

Colonel,  Quartermaster's  Department,  Depot  Quartermaster. 
(9incls.) 


Exhibit  H. 

April  28,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York  City: 

Government  has  chartered  the  steamer  Alamo  of  the  New  York  and  Texas 
Steamship  Company  from  to-morrow  morning  to  go  to  Key  West,  where  she  will 
receive  orders.  She  is  to  be  loaded  with  pontoon  boats  from  West  Point  and 
Willets  Point.  Charter  requires  Government  to  furnish  coal  and  water.  You 
will  arrange  with  the  Mallory  Company,  or  where  you  can  procure  the  coal 
cheapest,  for  a  supply  to  take  her  to  Key  West  and  for  fifteen  or  twenty  days 
additional,  if  she  can  carry  that  amount.  She  has  water  tank  for  10,000  gallons. 
You  are  authorized  to  purchase  100  water  casks,  holding  about  120  gallons  each, 
to  be  filled  with  water  and  put  aboard  of  the  Alamo.  Communicate  with  West 
Point  and  Willets  Point.  Further  instructions  regarding  the  charter  of  this  ship 
and  also  the  Comal  of  this  line  will  be  forwarded  to  you  by  mail.  Acknowledge 
recaipt  by  wire  and  state  what  can  be  done  regarding  the  water  casks. 

Ludinoton,  Quartermaster-  General. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  501 

April  30, 1898. 
Major  Pope,  Quartermaster,  Tampa,  Fla. : 

Purchase  fifty  120-gallon  casks,  cost  not  to  exceed  $7  each.  That  is  the  price 
understood  by  your  telegram.  A  large  number  of  these  casks  have  been  ordered 
to  be  placed  on  the  various  vessels;  these  now  ordered,  so  you  can  place  them 
wherever  you  think  they  may  be  needed.  It  is  very  important  that  all  of  the 
transports  be  supplied  with  ample  water  for  both  animals,  men,  and  steaming 
purposes  during  the  expedition. 

If  these  are  not  sufficient  you  are  authorized  to  purchase  the  number  you  think 
will  be  necessary.    The  casks  should  be  clean  to  prevent  water  souring. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster- General. 


113874.]  May  2, 1898. 

Scully,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  Orleans,  La. : 

You  are  authorized  to  purchase  as  many  50-gallon  casks  as  you  think  necessary 
to  supply  ample  water  for  400  animals  for  at  least  ten  to  fifteen  days,  including 
ships'  tanks. 

Regarding  the  two  lighters,  I  fear  they  draw  too  much  water,  especially  the 
Wanderer.  Hold  them  in  readiness  at  owners'  expense.  Will  wire  positive 
instructions  in  the  morning.  Draft  should  not  be  over  5  feet.  If  such  lighters 
can  be  had,  notify  at  once  by  wire. 

Bird, 
for  Quartermaster-General. 


May  14, 
Capt.  T.  E.  True,  Depot  Quartermaster,  Washington,  D.C. 

Sir  :  The  Merchants  and  Miners'  Transportation  Company  were  directed  to  pur- 
chase all  the  water  casks,  large  and  small,  they  could  in  Baltimore,  and  to  ship  by 
the  Allegheny.  You  have  been  directed  to  settle  for  this  with  the  Merchants  and 
Miners'  Transportation  Company.  The  water  barrels  should  be  invoiced  to 
Colonel  Humphrey,  who  is  now  in  charge  of  all  transports  under  the  direction  of 
the  Major-General  commanding,  so  as  to  satisfy  your  responsibility. 
By  direction  of  the  Quartermaster-General. 

Respectfully,  Charles  Bird, 

Major  and  Quartermaster,  United  States  Army. 


May  25, 
Colonel  Humphrey,  Quartermaster,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

Your  telegram  regarding  additional  water  casks,  etc.,  received.  You  are 
authorized  to  purchase  50  additional  water  casks  at  $6.40  each  for  transports;  also 
to  fit  up  5  transports  with  facilities  for  men  to  cook  coffee,  cost  about  $350.  There 
will  be  ordered  shipped  to  you  from  New  York  at  once  one-half  dozen  coal  tubs 
for  supplying  coal  from  one  vessel  to  another;  and  also  9  single  break  deck  pumps, 
smaller  size,  with  15  feet  of  suction  hose  each,  and  150  feet  rubber  hose  li  inches 
diameter,  without  nozzles. 

Note  what  you  say  regarding  the  Kanawha,  schooner  Stevens,  barges  Bessie  and. 
Laura,  etc.  Also  as  to  chartering  Tarpon  or  Dutchess.  The  two  latter  will  not 
be  chartered  unless  recommended  by  you. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


May  26,  1898. 
Colonel  Humphrey,  Quartermaster,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

9   Telegram  this  date  regarding  water  casks  received.     You  are  authorized  to 
purchase  50  more  casks. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


502         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

June  13, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City; 

Have  chartered  steamers  Nueces  and  Lampasas  of  the  Mallory  Line.  Have 
them  fitted  for  troops  and  animals,  complying  with  army  regulations,  which  Gen- 
eral Miles  says  has  not  been  adhered  to  heretofore  in  fitting  up  the  ships.  Also 
have  these  vessels  coaled  with  at  least  twenty  days'  coal  after  they  arrive  at  des- 
tination in  gulf.  Also  see  that  they  are  amply  supplied  with  water  casks,  if  they 
have  not  already  accommodations  for  an  ample  supply  of  water.  As  these  ships 
are  liable  to  go  to  southern  Cuba  or  to  Porto  Rico,  and  carry  animals,  an  ample 
supply  of  water  should  be  provided  for  them.  Acknowledge  receipt  and  report 
when  these  ships  will  e  ready  to  sail  from  New  York;  also  when  the  Arcadia 
will  be  ready  to  sail,  that  instructions  may  be  given  you.  Hold  all  of  the  ships  in 
New  York  for  sailing  instructions.  Mr.  Mallory  has  been  notified  that  the  ships 
have  been  chartered,  the  date  of  charter  to  commence  noon  14th  (to-morrow). 
Please  furnish  valuation  of  the  Nueces  and  Lampasas  for  entry  into  charter. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


June  25,  1898. 
Colonel  Scully,  Chief  Quartermaster,  New  Orleans,  La.: 

Your  telegram  regarding  water  tanks  has  been  repeated  to  Captain  Bellinger, 
with  instructions  to  call  upon  you  for  such  tanks  as  he  requires.  You  are  author- 
ized to  supply  them. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


June  25,  1898. 
Captain  Bellinger,  Quartermaster,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

Colonel  Scully  telegraphs  as  follows:  "  I  can  now  have  tanks  same  as  on  Hudson 
made  here,  750  gallons  at  $20,  and  1,500  gallons  at  $28."  He  has  been  authorized 
to  furnish  such  tanks  as  you  need  and  upon  your  request. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


Exhibit  I. 

April  30, 1898. 
Major  Pope,  Quartermaster,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

It  is  desired  to  hire  two  good-sized  steam  lighters,  say  about  120  feet  in  length, 
to  accompany  General  Shafter's  expedition.  Failed  to  get  them  in  Mobile. 
Major  Pond  states  Plant  agent  says  his  company  may  be  able  the  furnish  the 
lighters.  Please  wire  at  once  whether  these  lighters  can  be  procured  at  Port 
Tampa,  and  if  so,  their  size,  draft,  and  carrying  capacity.  It  is  important  that 
they  be  procured  if  possible.    Give  rate  per  day. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


Tampa  Bay  Hotel, 
Tampa,  Fla.,  April  30,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Mr.  Plant  says  no  such  thing  as  steam  lighter  this  part  world;  nearest  to  it 
Plant  twin-screw  steamer  Tarpon,  light  draft,  203  feet  long  over  all,  25  feet  wide, 
large  covered  deck.  Think  might  answer;  left  with  Naval  Reserves  yesterday; 
might  be  obtained. 

Pope,  Quartermaster. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTEKM ASTER-GENERAL.  503 

April,  30, 1898. 
Major  Pullman,  Quartermaster,  Mobile,  Ala.: 

It  will  be  necessary  to  have  two  steam  lighters  of  good  capacity,  say  120  feet 
long,  with  good  beam,  to  go  with  General  Shatter's  expedition.  Please  take  the 
matter  up  at  once  and  report  as  early  to-day  as  possible,  by  wire,  whether  such 
lighters  can  be  obtained  in  Mobile,  and  if  so,  give  price  per  day  without  charter, 
Government  assuming  war  risk  and  furnish  coal  and  water.  Also  give  draft  of 
lighters  loaded  and  carrying  capacity,  and  if  these  lighters  could  be  at  Port  Tampa 
by  May  4  to  go  with  expedition,  the  company  to  furnish  the  crew. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


May  4, 

Major  Pope,  Quartermaster,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

It  is  important  that  some  arrangement  be  made  to  assist  in  discharging  the 
transports  with  General  Shafter's  command  on  the  shore  of  the  island  of  Cuba.  It 
seems  impossible  to  get  the  proper  steam  lighters.  The  Tarpon,  of  the  Plant  sys- 
tem, and  the  Wanderer  and  Goldsworthy,  of  New  Orleans,  have  been  suggested. 
None  can  be  found  in  New  York  or  Baltimore. 

It  has  also  been  suggested  that  strong  seagoing  decked  barges  be  towed  over 
with  the  expedition  by  strong  tugs,  and  that  they  be  used  to  make  a  floating  dock 
by  connecting  them  with  timbers  and  flooring  with  temporary  piles  at  outer  edge, 
or  that  they  might  be  put  alongside  the  vessels  and  loaded  and  pushed  ashore  by 
the  tugs. 

Please  consult  with  Captain  McKay  regarding  these  methods  and  report  at  once 
by  wire  which  he  thinks  will  be  the  best;  and  if  he  thinks  barges  and  tugs  prefer- 
able, whether  they  can  be  chartered  at  Tampa,  Mobile,  Savannah,  or  other  South- 
ern ports. 

The  pontoon  boats  might  be  found  too  light. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster- General. 


May  6,  1898. 
Post  Quartermaster,  Fort  Barrancas,  Fla.: 

It  is  reported  that  the  tug  Monarch,  of  Pensacola,  would  be  a  good,  seaworthy 
tug  to  do  towing  with  transports  and  lighters  that  may  go  to  Cuban  coast.  Please 
ascertain  at  once  whether  she  can  be  chartered  by  the  day;  and  if  so,  how  much 
per  day,  the  company  furnishing  and  feeding  the  crew  and  assuming  marine  risk, 
the  Government  to  assume  war  risk  and  furnish  coal  and  water.  If  she  can  be 
chartered,  how  soon  can  she  report  at  Port  Tampa?  Are  there  any  seagoing 
decked  barges  at  Pensacola  that  could  be  chartered,  Government  assuming  war 
risk;  and  if  so,  what  is  charter  price  per  day?  If  so,  could  they  be  had  at  once,  so 
that  if  needed  the  Monarch  could  tow  them  to  Tampa?  If  these  barges  are  light, 
at  what  price  per  ton  can  you  obtain  good  bituminous  coal  for  use  of  transports, 
and  to  partially  load  barges  to  make  them  tow  easily? 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


May  7,  1898. 
Colonel  Humphrey,  Quartermaster,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

Major  Pope  wires  that  Captain  McKay  thinks  that  if  General  Shafter  has 
with  him,  in  addition  to  present  fleet  of  transports,  the  Plant  Company's  steamer 
Tarpon  and  the  three-masted  schooner  Cora,  now  at  Key  West,  and  a  seagoing 
tug,  it  will  be  all  that  is  necessary  to  land  the  command  on  the  coast  of  Cuba 


504        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

with  pontoon  train  on  Alamo.     If  these  vessels  are  authorized,  will  they  be  all  that 
is  necessary  to  make  the  landing  of  command  on  Cuban  coast  a  success? 

The  Fanita,  to  arrive  at  Tampa  in  a  day  or  two,  is  not  for  General  Shafter's 
command,  but,  as  soon  as  discharged,  is  to  report  to  Major  Pullman  at  Mobile. 

Ask  Captain  McKay  whether  tug  G.  W.  Childs,  at  Key  West,  would  do  for  this 
service  as  well  as  the  Monarch,  from  Pensacola. 

Your  action  regarding  storing  of  coal  on  transports  where  you  have  space,  and 
that  you  may  need  an  additional  four-masted  schooner  to  carry  a  reserve  supply, 
is  noted.  Could  not  this  reserve  coal  be  carried  on  the  Tarpon  and  Cora,  at  Key 
West,  if  chartered? 

Report  promptly  by  wire. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


May  8, 1898. 
Madden,  Quartermaster,  Fort  Barrancas,  Fla.: 

Telegrams  regarding  Monarch  and  seagoing  barges  received.  Will  not  need 
barges,  but  desire  to  know  positively  if  Monarch  can  be  chartered;  and  if  so,  give 
price.  Government  assuming  war  risk  and  furnishing  coal  and  water,  owners 
assuming  marine  risk  and  furnishing  and  feeding  crew  and  running  expenses. 
Captain  McKay,  at  Tampa,  who  is  employed  to  superintend  the  loading  and  dis- 
charging of  transports,  recommends  very  highly  the  Monarch.  Please  wire  at 
once  if  parties  will  charter  her,  giving  price.  If  Monarch  can  not  be  chartered, 
is  there  any  other  tug  of  seagoing  capacity  that  could  be  chartered?  If  so,  give 
name  and  terms  under  conditions  stated.  Captain  McKay  says  there  are  several 
tugs  at  Pensacola  that  would  do. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


[Telegram.] 

May  25, 1898. 
Colonel  Humphrey,  Quartermaster,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

Referring  to  your  telegram  of  the  25th,  asking  for  a  tug  for  use  at  Port  Tampa, 
would  state  that  Major  Pullman  has  been  authorized  to  charter  the  one  intended 
to  be  used  for  towing  the  water  schooner  and  send  her  to  you  at  once  at  Port 
Tampa.  She  is  chartered  from  day  to  day,  and  as  soon  as  you  can  spare  her 
send  her  back  to  Mobile  and  annul  charter.  Major  Pullman  has  been  notified  to 
communicate  with  you  to  know  if  you  desire  the  tug  to  bring  the  Anne  E,  Stevens 
with  her  to  Port  Tampa.  Please  notify  him.  Acknowledge  receipt  as  to  whether 
this  is  satisfactory.     • 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


June  27, 1898. 
Captain  Bellinger,  Assistant  Quartermaster,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

Colonel  Black,  Corps  of  Engineers,  telegraphs  to  the  War  Department  that  he 
desires  to  have  the  Margaret  purchased  for  use  of  lightering  men  and  animals  to 
the  shore  at  different  ports  in  Cuba.  Before  I  present  this  matter  to  the  Secretary, 
desire  that  you  wire  me  a  full  report  as  to  her  size,  capacity,  draft— light  and 
loaded— and  any  other  information  necessary  to  guide  me  in  making  my  recom- 
mendation to  the  Secretary  as  to  the  purchase  of  this  vessel.  Colonel  Black  tele- 
graphs that  they  want  $65,000  for  her  purchase,  or  to  charter  her  for  $200  per  day, 
we  furnishing  crew  and  all  expenses,  marine  and  war  risk. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  505 

Exhibit  J. 

copy  of  form  of  proposal  for  movement  of  troops. 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Lakes, 

Office  of  Disbursing  Quartermaster, 

Chicago,  III.,  May  28,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  herewith,  for  the  information  of  the  Quarter- 
master-General,  public  notice  issued  in  anticipation  of  future  movements. 
This  notice  has  been  given  the  greatest  publicity  possible. 
Very  respectfully, 

F.  B.  Jones, 
Lieutenant-Colonel,  Chief  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 
(1  enc.) 


public  notice. 

In  view  of  the  second  call  of  the  President  of  the  United  States  for  volunteers 
and  in  order  to  be  ready  to  move  such  volunteer  troops,  you  are  respectfully 
requested  to  submit  bids,  to  be  opened  at  this  office  at  12.30  p.  m.,  Saturday,  June 
4, 1898,  for  the  transportation  of  volunteer  troops  from  their  camps  or  nearest 
railroad  track  thereto  at  Springfield,  111.;  Indianapolis,  Ind.;  Milwaukee,  Wis.; 
Lexington,  Ky.;  Island  Lake,  Mich.;  Columbus,  Ohio;  Nashville,  Tenn.,  to 
Tampa,  Fla. ;  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga. ;  vicinity  of  Falls  Church,  Va. 

Proposals  should  show  as  follows: 

Rate  per  capita  for  officers. 

Rate  per  capita  for  enlisted  men. 

Rate  per  berth  in  first-class  sleeping  cars. 

Rate  per  section  in  second-class  sleeping  cars. 

Rate  per  car,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars,  for  horses. 

Rate  per  100  pounds  for  freight. 

That  150  pounds  of  freight  will  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

That  first-class  sleeping  cars  will  be  furnished  for  the  officers. 

That  second-class  sleeping  cars  (3  men  to  a  section)  will  be  furnished  for  the 
enlisted  men. 

That  after  twelve  hours'  notice  required  equipment  will  be  furnished  as  called 
for  by  the  Quartermaster's  Department. 

That  the  troops,  their  horses  and  freight,  will  be  "run"  in  solid  trains  from 
initial  to  ultimate  point. 

That  all  passenger  cars  will  be  kept  well  supplied  with  ice  and  water,  and  that 
trains  will  be  run  with  greatest  speed  consistent  with  safety. 

Blanks  on  which  to  make  proposals  accompany  this  notice. 

The  United  States  reserves  the  right  to  reject  any  and  all  bids  and  to  waive 
informalities  in  bids.    All  other  conditions  being  equal,  preference  will  be  given 
to  the  line  which  furnishes  tourist  sleeping  cars  for  the  enlisted  men. 
Very  respectfully, 

F.  B.  Jones, 
Lieutenant-Colonel,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Chief  Quartermaster. 


506         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 
PROPOSALS  FOR  TRANSPORTATION   OF   VOLUNTEER  TROOPS. 

Lieut.  Col.  F.  B.  Jones, 

U.  S.  Volunteers,  Chief  Quartermaster,  Chicago,  HI. 
Sir:  In  accordance  with  yonr  public  notice,  dated  May  26, 1898,  prefixed  hereto, 
the Railway  Company  will  furnish  transportation  for  United  States  Vol- 
unteer troops  as  follows: 

From  Springfield,  III. ,  to  Tampa,  Fla. 

Officers $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight $ per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Springfield,  HI,  to  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga. 

Officers $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men $.. per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car $. section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight $ per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Springfield,  III.,  to  or  near  Falls  Church,  Va. 

Officers $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight $ per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Indianapolis,  Ind. ,  to  Tampa,  Fla. 

Officers $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car $. section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight $ per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Indiannpolis,  Ind.,  to  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga. 

Officers $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight $. per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  507 

From  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  to  or  near  Falls  Church,  Va. 

Officers $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men... _.. 1. $_ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car  .  _ $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight _ $ per  150  pounds, 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Milwaukee,  Wis. ,  to  Tampa,  Fla. 

Officers $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car , $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car _ $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars % per  car. 

Freight $ per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  to  Chickamauga  Park,  Oa. 

Officers $.. per  capita. 

Enlisted  men $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car _ $ . section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight $. per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Milwaukee,  Wis, ,  to  or  near  Falls  Church,  Va. 

Officers $. per  capita. 

Enlisted  men _. $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car .  $. berth. 

Section  in  second-  class  sleeping  car $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight $ per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Lexington,  Ky,,  to  Tampa,  Fla. 

Officers _.  $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men -.-$,. per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars  _ $ per  car. 

Freight  _ _ $ per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Lexington,  Ky.,  to  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga. 

Officers. _ $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men _  $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car _  % berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight.  ...  ...  . $ per  150  pounds 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 


508         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

From  Lexington,  Ky.,  to  or  near  Falls  Church,Va. 

Officers. -- $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men * $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car.  $ ..  berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car . . . .  $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars  . . $ per  car. 

Freight $ per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Island  Lake,  Mich,  to  Tampa,  Fla. 

Officers. $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car _ $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight $ per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Island  Lake,  Mich. ,  to  Chickamauga  Park,  Oa. 

Officers $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men. $  per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car. .  _  $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight. $..  ...  per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Island  Lake,  Mich. ,  to  or  near  Falls  Church,  Va. 

Officers _ $.. per  capita. 

Enlisted  men $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car. _ $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight $ per  1 00  pounds, 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Columbus,  Ohio,  to  Tampa,  Fla. 

Officers $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car. $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $.. per  car. 

Freight _. $ per  150  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Columbus,  Ohio,  to  Chickamauga  Park,  Oa. 

Officers __ ._ $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men _ _  $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car _ $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight $ per  100  pounds. 

JDne  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  501) 

From  Columbus,  Ohio,  to  or  near  Falls  Church,  Va. 

Officers $ per  capita* 

Enlisted  men $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight $ per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Nashville,  Tenn.,  to  Tampa,  Fla. 

Officers $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men I, per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars % per  car. 

Freight $ per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Nashville,  Tenn. ,  to  Chickamauga  Park,  Ca. 

Officers m $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men » $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ ..  berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car % section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight _  _  $ per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

From  Nashville,  Tenn.,  to  or  near  Falls  Church,  Va. 

Officers _.  $ per  capita. 

Enlisted  men _ $ per  capita. 

Berth  in  first-class  sleeping  car $ berth. 

Section  in  second-class  sleeping  car $ section. 

Horses,  including  rental  of  palace  horse  cars $ per  car. 

Freight $ per  100  pounds. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  freight  to  be  carried  free  for  each  passenger. 

This  proposal  is  made  as  a  part  of  the  public  notice  prefixed  hereto,  and  all  the 
conditions  specified  in  the  former  are  understood  and  made  a  part  of  this  bid,  and 
any  service  awarded  this  company  will  be  performed  according  to  the  true  intent 
and  meaning  of  the  conditions  in  said  public  notice  at  rates  herein  stated. 


By 


Exhibit  K  1. 
Water. 
[Telegram.] 
New  Orleans,  May  24, 1898—11.20  p.  m. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

I  have  just  turned  over  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  Whiteside  four  good-sized  ships  to 
transport  his  regiment  to  Mobile.  I,  as  well  as  several  naval  experts  here,  could 
put  a  division  of  troops  on  these  ships  in  the  old-time  way.  If  it  is  reported  that 
this  transportation  is  insufficient,  please  do  not  blame  me. 

Scully, 
Assistant  Quartermaster-General. 


510        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

New  Orleans,  La.,  May  24, 1898— 5.05 p.  m. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

The  estimate  of  number  of  horses  to  be  carried  on  steamships  was  based  on 
what  they  usually  carried.  Commanding  officer  Fifth  Cavalry  has  a  book  about 
troopships,  and  will  not  put  any  more  horses  on  board.  Clinton  is  aground  at 
Brazos  Santiago.    All  the  wagon  transportation  is  being  carried. 

Scully. 


[Telegram.] 

New  Orleans,  La.,  May  25, 1898. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Arkansas  and  Morgan  left  at  5  a.  m.  Stillwater  also  left,  but,  having  been 
improperly  loaded,  returned,  was  reloaded,  and  left  at  3  p.  m.  Breakwater,  with 
soldiers  and  freight,  left  at  12.30  p.  m.  Only  seven  companies  were  carried  and 
half  the  transportation.  We  were  deceived  on  account  of  comparative  size  of 
cavalry  horse  and  wagon  mule  with  the  animals  these  ships  usually  carry.  It 
will  take  two  more  ships  of  the  capacity  of  the  Morgan  to  carry  this  cavalry  regi- 
ment to  Cuba.  Wagon  transportation  with  this  command  was  enormously  out 
of  proportion  to  our  calculation.  Colonel  Whiteside  ordered  what  was  left  here 
sent  by  rail  to  Mobile.  Stillwater  proved  not  a  good  ship  for  live  stock,  but  is  a 
good  freight  and  passenger  boat.  Arkansas  and  Morgan  could  have  capacity 
much  increased  by  fitting  up  lower  holds,  but  it  is  unsafe  to  put  animals  there  at 
this  season.     Orizaba  is  fitted  up  for  650  men  and  about  200  animals. 

Scully. 


Exhibit  K  2. 

[Telegram.] 

Newport  News,  Va.,  July  24,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General  Army,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Your  telegram  of  to-day  received.  The  St.  Paul  has  not  arrived;  neither  has  the 
Seneca.  The  St.  Louis  is  here,  but  can  not  come  this  side  of  Fortress  Monroe; 
neither  will  the  St.  Paul  in  all  probability.  The  arrangements  for  men  and  ani- 
mals on  these  ships  that  I  have  just  inspected  are  very  much  contracted.  I  have 
directed  a  large  amount  of  gunny  sacks  to  be  prepared  to  wrap  the  bracing  tim- 
bers, which  will  otherwise  injure  the  animals,  and  have  tried  to  improve  the  ven- 
tilation for  the  men.  I  would  not  be  surprised  if  we  would  be  several  days  getting 
away,  as  there  is  much  to  do  in  the  lading  of  some  of  these  ships,  which  should 
have  received  earlier  attention.  The  four  batteries  from  Chickamauga  will  not 
arrive  until  to-morrow  afternoon,  even  though  they  should  be  much  more  fortunate 
in  their  trip  than  I  was.    If  you  have  anything  to  say  further  let  me  hear  from  you. 

8.41  p.  m.  John  R.  Brooke, 

Major- General,  Commanding. 


July  26,  1898. 
General  Brooke,  Newport  News,  Va.: 

Your  telegram  regarding  the  condition  of  transports  at  Newport  News  received. 
I  am  aware  that  these  transports  are  not  fitted  up  for  either  men  or  animals  with 
that  care  as  to  their  comfort  as  the  case  requires,  but  the  conditions  have  been 
such  that  the  transports  were  demanded  of  me  for  service  and  it  wa3  impossible 
to  put  them  in  better  condition,  even  with  the  facilities  at  my  hands  in  New  York. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  511 

I  have  requested  that  the  three  transports  now  in  New  York,  that  have  just  been 
turned  over  to  me  from  the  purchasers,  be  allowed  to  remain  in  my  hands  a  suffi- 
cient time  to  put  them  in  proper  condition.  In  every  case  where  requisition  has 
been  made  for  transportation  for  a  certain  number  of  troops,  stores,  and  wagon 
transportation  the  command  has  increased  so  much  above  that  which  was  stated 
that  the  transportation  was  found  short.  In  order  to  provide  for  this  an  additional 
ship  was  sent  to  you  carrying  720  men.  It  is  understood  by  this  office  that  the  cav- 
alry from  Camp  Alger  that  was  sent  down  here  was  to  go,  provided  there  was  room; 
otherwise  they  were  to  remain  in  camp.  Major  Wilson  has  been  given  authority 
to  employ  help  and  do  anything  that  is  necessary  in  order  to  make  the  transports 
comfortable.  I  hope  that  you  will  find  ample  space  for  your  men  and  animals,  so 
that  they  may  be  comfortable  on  the  journey.  Would  be  glad  to  have  you  report 
any  defects,  so  I  may  have  them  corrected  in  other  vessels.  It  is  the  desire  and 
intention  of  this  office  to  make  satisfactory  arrangements  in  every  way. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


July  27, 1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Army  Building,  New  York  City: 

General  Brooke  advises  that  the  lumber  for  making  stalls  for  horses  should  be 
dressed  on  the  side  next  to  the  animal,  and  that  an  ample  supply  of  burlap  and 
twine  should  be  put  aboard  each  ship  so  that  if  it  is  found  that  the  animals  are  being 
chafed,  these,  together  with  the  hay  that  is  already  on  board,  may  be  used  to  pad 
the  stalls.  You  are  authorized  to  use  such  lumber,  etc.  He  also  suggests  that  the 
space  occupied  for  the  men.  18  inches,  is  too  small.  It  was  decided  before  General 
Brooke's  telegram  came  that  we  would  reduce  the  carrying  capacity  of  the  ships 
about  20  per  cent  for  men,  giving  a  24-inch  space  instead  of  18.  Direct  Major 
Summerhayes  that  hereafter  he  so  arrange  hammocks,  24  inches  apart,  and  in 
reporting  ships  ready  for  service  that  the  number  of  men  she  carries  be  stated. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General 


[Telegram.] 

Newport  News,  Va.,  July  29, 1898. 
Gen.  M.  I.  Ludington, 

Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. : 
In  reply  to  your  telegram  I  would  say  that  the  ships  fitted  for  animals  are  fixed 
with  stalls  made  of  rough  lumber.  The  consequence  is,  if  the  ships  roll,  any 
portion  of  the  animal  touching  this  rough  lumber  will  be  chafed  badly.  All  lum- 
ber used  for  making  stalls  on  board  these  ships  should  be  smooth.  A  large  supply  of 
burlap  and  twine  should  be  supplied  on  each  ship  so  that  in  case  of  chafing  of  any 
animal  the  rails  of  the  stalls  could  be  padded.  There  is  always  hay  enough  to 
make  padding.  These  little  things  are  too  small  for  most  people  to  notice;  there- 
fore you  will  have  to  give  directions  so  as  to  save  our  animals.  I  will  take  three 
troops  of  cavalry  from  Camp  Alger,  two  from  New  York,  and  one  from  Phila- 
delphia on  the  Massachusetts.  In  regard  to  the  space  occupied  by  the  men, 
I  would  say  that  it  is  only  18  inches;  nothing  less  than  2  feet  should  be  allotted. 
The  stanchions  are  in  such  shape  now  that  they  can  not  be  taken  out  without 
undue  delay;  therefore  we  are  going  as  it  is.  I  do  not  understand  why  these 
spaces  were  reduced.  A  man  in  his  coffin  is  allotted  22  inches,  but  in  these  boats 
he  is  allowed  18  inches.  The  Seneca  is  here  in  the  stream.  The  quarantine  offi- 
cers are  fussing  about  her  for  some  reason  or  other.  I  have  telegraphed  the 
Adjutant-General.    The  little  remarks  cover  the  case  so  far  as  I  am  concerned. 


512         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Try  and  have  these  ideas  carried  out  and  make  stalls  smooth  where  they  are  now 
rough.  I  have  directed  burlap  and  twine  to  be  purchased  for  ships  on  which 
animals  are  carried. 

John  R.  Brooke, 
Major-General,  Commanding. 


Exhibit  K  3. 


Charleston,  S.  C,  July  17, 1898. 
Ludington,  Chief  Quartermaster,  Washington,  D.  C: 

No  ventilating  apparatus  of  any  kind  has  been  supplied  or  put  into  the  ship 
Obdam  (No.  30).  She  should  have  air  compressors  and  ventilator,  which,  if 
ordered  at  once,  could  be  placed  after  arrival  here  before  we  sail.  This  report 
is  based  upon  careful  examination  by  Colonels  Bliss  and  Biddle  and  statement  of 
the  captain. 

Wilson,  Major-Oeneral. 


July  18, 1898. 
Major  Wilson,  Quartermaster,  Charleston,  S.  C: 

On  investigation  find  you  are  right  regarding  ventilation  of  Obdam  (No.  30). 
Quartermaster  at  New  York  states  there  was  not  time  to  put  this  ventilation  in. 
This  office  was  not  aware  that  it  had  not  been  done.  He  has  been  directed  to 
send  men  down  and  material  by  express  and  have  the  ventilating  plant  put  in 
while  ship  is  at  Charleston. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


Exhibit  K  4. 


Depot  Quartermaster's  Office,  U.  S.  Army, 
1201  Prytania  Street,  New  Orleans,  La.,  July  25,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 
General:  The  following  is  a  true  copy  of  a  telegram  sent  you  this  date. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  W.  Scully, 
Colonel  and  Assistant  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army. 

"  Have  just  examined  manifest  of  Berlin.  No  hammocks.  Master  and  officers 
assure  me  they  are  not  on  board.  Buried  too  deep  now  to  make  personal  exam- 
ination. Anticipated  your  telegram  and  had  express  company  to  wire  along  road 
without  result  up  to  present  (5  p.  m.).  Expect  them  at  8,  when  they  will  be  put 
aboard  at  once.    Ship  ready  to  sail  when  they  arrive.    Paymaster  paying  troops 

on  board  ship  now. 

"Scully." 


Depot  Quartermaster's  Office,  U.  S.  Army, 

1201  Prytania  Street,  New  Orleans,  La.,  July  25, 1898. 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington.  D.  C. 
General:  The  following  is  a  true  copy  of  a  telegram  sent  you  this  date. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  W.  Scully, 
Colonel  and  Assistant  Quartermaster- General,  U.  S.  Army. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  513 

1 '  Hammocks  arrived  at  7. 15  p.  m.  On  board  ship  at  8.  Ship  ready  to  sail  imme- 
diately, as  far  as  Quartermaster's  Department  is  concerned.  Troops  paid  aboard 
ship  to-day,  consequently  many  soldiers  ashore.  Ship  could  have  left  at  9  p.  m. 
were  it  not  for  fact  that  many  firemen  and  soldiers  were  not  aboard.  Left  ship  at 
10  p.  m.  Gave  orders  and  believe  she  will  leave  at  midnight.  If  this  is  done  very 
little  time  will  be  lost,  as  ship  can  not  pass  jetties  unless  at  daylight. 

"Scully." 


Depot  Quartermaster's  Office,  U.  S.  Army, 

1201  Prytania  Street,  New  Orleans,  La. ,  July  26,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 
General:  The  following  is  a  true  copy  of  a  telegram  sent  you  this  date. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  W.  Scully, 
Colonel  and  Assistant  Quartermaster- General,  U,  S.  Army. 

"  The  Berlin  is  as  good  as  any  ship  that  left  here.  The  trouble  is  the  paymaster 
paid  the  Texas  regiment  yesterday.  Had  I  known  he  would  do  so  I  would  have 
protested.  There  was  no  discipline  whatever.  Soldiers  are  now  roaming  around 
the  streets.  Ship  could  have  left  last  night  but  for  the  drunkenness  and  bad  con- 
duct of  Riche's  regiment.  That  officer  gave  orders  to  Captain  Coulling  at  7  p.m., 
in  writing,  to  anchor  the  ship  in  the  stream  as  soon  as  he  got  orders  to  leave. 
They  are  getting  up  all  sorts  of  excuses  to  remain  here  longer.  Shall  obey  your 
instructions  and  attempt  to  straighten  out  matters  at  once. 

"  Scully." 


Depot  Quartermaster's  Office,  U.  S.  Army, 

1201  Prytania  Street,  New  Orleans,  La. ,  July  26,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 
General:  The  following  telegram  was  sent  you  this  date. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  W.  Scully, 
Colonel  and  Assistant  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army. 

' '  Steamship  Berlin  still  anchored  in  river  (12  m.).  Quartermaster's  Department 
not  responsible.  For  causes  read  New  Orleans  Picayune,  which  I  mail  you  to-day. 
Particulars  by  mail. 

"Scully." 

New  Orleans,  La.,  July  28,  1898. 
Adjutant-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

After  departure  of  Riche's  regiment  boat  was  in  such  disgusting  condition,  due 
to  sinks  overflowing  into  men's  quarters,  it  was  absolutely  necessary  to  keep 
boat  here  to  clean  and  disinfect  her,  part  of  regiment  sleeping  on  wharf.  More 
sinks  now  constructed,  carpenters  from  enlisted  men  working  voluntarily  to 
hasten  departure.  Everything  possible  has  been  done  night  and  day  to  carry  out 
desire  of  your  department  for  quick  departure.     Ship  sails  in  forty  minutes. 

Hood, 
Colonel,  Second  U.  S.  Volunteer  Infantry. 
7833— VOL.  1 33 


514        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Exhibit  K  5. 

[Telegram.] 

August  30, 1898. 
General  Wheeler,  Montauk,  N.  Y.: 
The  following  dispatch  has  been  received: 

"  Soldiers  arriving  on  transport  San  Marcos  report,  in  signed  statements  over 
their  own  names,  Capt.  Abner  H.  Merrill  guilty  of  brutal  and  tyrannical  treat- 
ment. They  say  that  he  confined  them  in  filthy  quarters,  refused  to  permit  them 
on  deck,  allowed  them  to  be  fed  on  food  unfit  to  sustain  life,  and  continually 
assailed  sick  and  well  with  profane  and  abusive  language." 
Investigate  and  report  immediately  to  the  Adjutant-General. 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 


August  30, 1898. 
Captain  Knight, 

Chief  Quartermaster ,  Montauk,  N.  Y.: 
Bitter  criticism  in  New  York  papers  on  condition  of  San  Marcos  when  she 
arrived  there.     Please  make  personal  inspection  and  report  facts  fully. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


Montauk,  N.  Y.,  August  31, 1898. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Inspected  the  San  Marcos  and  found  her  clean  and  well  aired.  Dr.  Borden,  the 
surgeon  in  charge  on  the  trip  from  Santiago,  accompanied  me.  He  stated  officially 
that  the  condition  of  the  ship  upon  arrival  at  New  York  was  due  entirely  to  the 
filthy  habits  of  the  command.  This  transport  has  stationary  double  bunks,  and 
the  men  would  obey  nature's  call,  using  cans  and  plates,  and  leave  the  vessels 
under  the  bunks.  Their  conduct  was  insubordinate  and  almost  mutinous,  and 
officers  did  not  or  could  not  control  them.  The  San  Marcos  is  more  suitable  as  a 
transport  than  the  average  ship  and  was  befouled  by  her  occupants. 

Knight,  Quartermaster. 


Exhibit  K  6. 

[Cablegram.] 


Santiago,  via  Hayti,  August  7,  1898. 
Adjutant-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington: 

The  Oate  City  came  here  stripped  of  all  its  conveniences— carpets  taken  up, 
cushions  off  the  seats,  chairs  taken  out,  no  sheets,  no  blankets.  It  is  an  outrage 
that  a  ship  in  that  condition  should  be  sent  here  to  carry  troops  and  officers  North. 
I  am  told  this  was  done  by  orders  given  the  ship  in  New  York. 

Shafter,  Major-Oeneral. 


[Telegram.] 


Santiago  de  Cuba,  via  Hayti,  August  7,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington: 

The  Gate  City,  one  of  the  vessels  to  bring  reenforcements  while  at  Siboney,  has 
just  gone  North  with  the  Sixth  and  part  of  the  Third  Cavalry.  I  inspected  the 
vessel  and  found  that  her  chairs,  settees,  etc.,  have  been  taken  off  her,  the  cushions 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  515 

in  saloons  removed,  and  all  blankets,  sheets,  pillowcases,  and  everything  of  the 
kind  taken  from  the  staterooms.  Who  is  responsible  for  sending  ships  in  that 
condition?  She  has  absolutely  no  comforts  for  officers,  many  of  whom  have  no 
bedding.  I  understood  that  all  these  vessels  chartered  for  carrying  troops  and 
passengers  were  to  be  in  all  respects,  as  regards  furnishings,  number,  and  rating 
of  crew,  the  same  as  when  running  in  regular  service. 
3.56  p.  m.  Humphrey. 


August  7.  1898. 
Ocean  Steamship  Company,  Savannah,  Ga.: 

General  Shafter  reports  from  Santiago: 

"  The  Gate  City  came  here  stripped  of  all  its  conveniences — carpets  taken  up, 
cushions  off  the  seats,  chairs  taken  out,  no  sheets,  no  blankets.  It  is  an  outrage 
that  a  ship  in  that  condition  should  be  sent  here  to  carry  troops  and  officers  North. 
I  am  told  this  was  done  by  orders  given  the  ship  in  New  York.  " 

If  such  is  the  condition  of  this  ship,  orders  must  have  been  given  from  your  New 
York  office,  as  no  such  orders  were  given  from  here  or  our  New  York  office.  Con- 
sider that  the  ship  as  she  reported  to  General  Shafter  was  not  in  serviceable  con- 
dition for  transport  service.  The  charter  money  will  be  held  from  time  she 
reported  in  this  unsuitable  condition,  and  settlement  will  be  made  only  in  pro- 
portion to  number  of  troops  they  were  able  to  carry  on  her  after  fitting  her  up  as 
best  they  can  in  Santiago  for  trip  North.  It  is  to  be  hoped  you  did  not  take  same 
steps  with  City  of  Macon, 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


[Telegram.] 

Savannah,  Ga.,  August  8,  1898. 
Ludington,  Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Answer  to  your  message  of  7th  was  delayed  on  account  of  my  absence  from  city 
until  this  morning.  Carpet  on  main  saloon  was  taken  off  ship  before  leaving  here; 
vessel  has  hard  pine  floors,  and  in  some  cases,  when  cleaning  carpets,  they  are 
removed  altogether.  Did  not  suppose  it  was  necessary  to  have  carpet  on  main 
saloon  for  transportation  service.  If  cushions  were*  taken  from  seats  they  were 
stored  in  some  of  the  staterooms,  where  they  could  be  obtained  when  wanted. 
Carpets  and  cushions  on  hurricane  deck  were  left  there,  but  may  have  been  stored 
in  one  of  staterooms  by  ship's  crew.  Sheets  that  were  used  on  vessels  were  not 
removed  during  summer  months;  we  generally  remove  blankets  from  berths,  as 
they  are  not  used,  but  counterpanes  were  left  on  vessels.  N  othing  was  taken  from 
rooms  on  hurricane  deck.  The  piano  was  taken  from  ship.  If  ship  was  stripped 
of  what  we  left  on  her,  we  can  not  be  held  accountable  for  same,  as  we  have  not 
seen  ship  or  had  any  report  from  its  officers  since  they  left  here  on  June  6.  Trust 
this  explanation  is  satisfactory.  There  was  no  wish  to  remove  anything  that  was 
essential  to  comfort  of  troops. 

1.24  p.  m.  John  M.  Eagan. 


[Telegram.] 


Savannah,  Ga.,  August8, 1898. 
Ludington,  Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Supplementing  my  message  of  this  morning,  we  have  received  reports  from  our 
officer  in  charge  of  Gate  City  and  City  of  Macon  that  everything  was  satisfactory 
for  convenience  of  troops  when  they  left  Tampa  for  Santiago.    We  are  also 


516        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

informed  that  General  Miles  used  City  of  Macon  as  his  headquarters  at  Ponce. 
This  would  indicate  that  if  vessels  were  in  the  condition  that  we  turned  them  over 
to  you  there  should  be  very  little  cause  for  complaint. 

Jno.  M.  Eagan. 


August  9,  1898. 
Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  Quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

Major:  Inclosed  herewith  are  copies  of  telegrams  from  General  Shafter,  this 
office,  and  Mr.  J.  M.  Eagan,  of  the  Ocean  Steamship  Company,  on  the  subject  of 
condition  of  the  steamship  Gate  City. 

General  Shafter's  information  that  the  vessel  was  stripped  of  furniture  and 
conveniences  in  New  York  is  erroneous,  as  the  vessel  was  not  in  that  port,  but  in 
Boston,  when  chartered,  and  was  ordered  thence  to  southern  waters. 

Upon  arrival  of  the  vessel  in  New  York  you  will,  by  direction  of  the  Quarter- 
master-General, please  make  an  inspection  of  her  condition  and  report  to  this 
office. 

Respectfully,  Chas.  Bird, 

Colonel  and  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 
(lincl.) 


[Telegram.] 

Savannah,  Ga.,  August  9, 1898. 
Ludington,  Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Letters  received  from  officers  of  City  of  Macon,  sister  ship  to  Gate  City,  now  at 
Porto  Rico,  state  that  men  and  officers  on  City  of  Macon,  which  is  furnished 
same  as  Gate  City,  have  been  more  than  pleased  with  accommodations  furnished 
them  on  that  vessel.  Letters  also  state  that  these  vessels,  on  account  of  being  so 
open,  are  cooler  and  better  for  the  men  than  the  other  ship.  If  fault  is  found 
with  Gate  City  we  would  be  glad  to  have  you  return  her  to  this  company.  Please 
say  if  this  will  be  done,  and  when  we  may  expect  her. 

John  M.  Eagan. 


New  York  City,  August  11, 1898. 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S,  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 

General:  Referring  to  cablegram  from  Maj  or- General  Shafter,  of  August  7, 
1898,  in  reference  to  condition  of  steamship  Gate  City,  transmitted  by  Col.  F.  J. 
Hecker  by  telephone,  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  steamer  referred  to  was 
neither  chartered  nor  fitted  up  in  this  port. 

Very  respectfully,  A.  S.  Kimball, 

Colonel,  Quartermaster's  Department,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


August  14, 1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

Sir:  Referring  to  your  letter  of  the  11th  instant,  in  reference  to  the  reported 
condition  of  the  steamship  Gate  City,  stating  that  the  vessel  was  neither  chartered 
nor  fitted  up  in  New  York,  you  are  respectfully  informed,  by  direction  of  the 
Quartermaster-General,  that  this  fact  was  known  in  this  office.  The  adverse 
report  of  General  Shafter  of  the  condition  of  the  Gate  City  after  she  had  been  so 
long  in  service,  and  supposed  by  this  office  to  be  fully  and  sufficiently  equipped, 
caused  considerable  surprise,  and  an  investigation  into  the  matter  was  considered 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  517 

necessary.  Major  Summerhayes  was  accordingly  directed  by  letter  of  this  office 
of  the  9th  instant  to  inspect  the  vessel  on  her  arrival  in  New  York,  and  report  the 
result. 

Respectfully,  Chas.  Bird, 

Colonel  and  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 


Exhibit  K  7. 

[Telegram  J 
Desoto  Hotel,  Savannah,  Ga.,  August  10, 1898. 
Adjutant-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C  : 

I  find  upon  more  careful  examination  of  Minnewaska  that  besides  the  deficiency 
of  closets  for  men  or  any  cooking  apparatus  whatever,  even  for  coffee,  she  has  on 
board  but  70  hammocks,  and  her  decks  were  not  properly  cleaned  before  laying 
the  false  decks.  The  officer  who  had  charge  of  fitting  her  for  a  transport  was 
either  ignorant  or  criminally  negligent,  as  it  is  causing  delay,  and  unless  remedied 
will  cause  much  suffering  and  sickness  and  particularly  dangerous  on  the  duty 
the  regiment  is  ordered. 

Ray,  Colonel. 

Office  of  Adjutant-General. 
Official: 

Pen  Note. — Respecfully  referred  to  Major  Summerhayes,  througli  Colonel 
Kimball,  depot  quartermaster,  for  report  as  to  condition  of  this  transport  leaving 
New  York. 

Frani^  J.  Hecker, 
Colonel  and  Quartermaster,  Volunteers. 
Respectfully  referred  to  Mr.  Frank  E.  Kirby.  for  his  statement  in  the  matter. 

J.  W.  Summerhayes, 
Major  and  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 
August  12, 1898. 


War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  August  9,  1898. 
Col.  A.  S.  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York. 

Sir:  We  are  greatly  disappointed  this  evening  in  receiving  telegram  from  Major 
Wilson,  quartermaster,  Savannah,  as  follows: 

"Minnewaska  arrived  2  p.  m.;  require  two  days  to  repair  condensing  and 
refrigerating  machinery.  Only  70  hammocks  on  board.  Require  1,000.  One 
thousand  invoiced  by  Colonel  Kimball  not  put  aboard." 
And  the  following  telegram  from  Colonel  Ray  to  the  Adjutant- General: 
' '  Transport  Minnewaska  j  ust  arrived.  Have  inspected  her.  Found  closet  facili- 
ties for  about  100  men.  No  cooking  facilities  whatever.  Quartermaster  Depart- 
ment has  undertaken  to  make  alterations.  Will  probably  be  delayed  two  days 
by  it." 

Would  like  a  full  report  from  Major  Summerhayes,  Captain  Mason,  Mr.  Kirk- 
ham,  and  Mr.  Kirby.  We  are  about  discouraged  over  the  condition  in  which  our 
transports  leave  New  York. 

Yours,  respectfully,  M.  I.  Ludington, 

Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  A. 

[First  indorsement.] 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  August  11, 1898. 
Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volun- 
teers, for  his  report,  as  well  as  that  of  Captain  Mason,  Mr.  Kirkham,  and  Mr. 


518         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Kirby.     One  thousand  two  hundred  hammocks  were  placed  on  steamer  Minne- 

IMItfal,  for  which  this  office  holds  shipping  receipts  signed  by  the  officers  of  the 

ship. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 

Colonel,  Quartermasters  Department,  Depot  Quartermaster. 
[Second  indorsement.] 

New  York,  August  17,  1898. 
Respectfully  returned  to  depot  quartermaster,  inviting  attention  to  the  appended 
reports  of  Mr.  Frank  E.  Kirby,  George  W.  Mason,  fleet  captain,  and  George  K. 
Kirkham,  who,  under  my  direction,  attended  to  the  equipping  of  the  Minnewaska. 
I  will  add  that  the  Minnewaska  was  the  best  fitted-out  ship  that  has  left  New 
York.  The  trouble  with  the  machinery  was  from  the  fact  that  the  men  in  charge 
of  it  had  not  become  fully  acquainted  with  handling  it,  the  ship  having  been 
rushed  off  so  quick.  The  refrigerating  machinery  was  reported  to  me  as  being  in 
perfect  order  before  the  ship  left,  as  well  as  the  distilling  plant.  Col.  Patrick 
Henry  Ray's  report  is  wholly  incorrect,  as  inclosed  statements  will  show. 

J.  W.  SUMMERHAYES, 

Major  and  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 

[Third  indorsement.] 

Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

New  York  City,  August  18,  1898. 
Respectfully  returned  to  the  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  inviting  atten- 
tion to  second  indorsement  hereon. 

A.  S.  Kimball, 
Colonel,  Quartermaster's  Department,  Depot  Quartermaster. 

Washington,  D.  C,  August  22, 1898. 

Respectfully  forwarded  to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army,  calling  attention 
to  the  statements  of  Major  Summerhayes,  Captain  Mason,  and  Messrs.  Kirby  and 
Kirkham. 

This  Department  is  satisfied  that  Colonel  Ray's  criticisms  on  the  transport  Min- 
newaska are  not  justified. 

Special  attention  is  called  to  the  indorsement  of  Major  Summerhayes,  who  has 
fitted  out  all  the  transports  owned  by  the  Government  on  the  Atlantic  ports  that 
sailed  from  New  York.  He  states  that  the  Minnewaska  was  the  best  fitted-out 
ship  that  has  left  New  York.  Twelve  hundred  hammocks  were  on  board  of  the 
transport.  The  error  Colonel  Ray  made  as  respects  this  was  to  take  some  other 
officer's  verbal  statement  that  there  were  17  bales  of  hammocks,  each  containing  5 
hammocks,  whereas  the  bales  each  contained  65  hammocks. 

M.  I.  Ludington, 
Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  A, 


I  know  nothing  as  to  condition  of  cattle  deck  before  it  was  sheathed,  as  the  work 
was  done  before  I  saw  the  ship,  but  generally  she  was  exceptionally  clean. 

The  galley  capacity  was  larger  than  other  ships  carrying  same  number  of  troops. 
And  there  are  sufficient  water-closets. 

Frank  E.  Kirby.  ■ 

August  12,  1898. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  519 

War  Department, 
General  Depot  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department, 

Army  Building,  Whitehall  Street, 

New  York  City,  August  13, 1898. 
Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  Army  Building. 

Sir:  Replying  to  statement  that  the  steamship  Minnewaska  had  but  seventy- 
hammocks  on  board,  and  that  sanitary  arrangements  were  poor,  that  the  cooking 
apparatus  was  insufficient,  decks  not  properly  cleaned  before  false  decks  were 
laid,  I  state,  first,  that  the  ship  was  washed  as  clean  as  was  possible  with  deck  hose 
and  scrub  brooms  could  make  her.  and  all  dirt  was  kept  swept  up  while  carpenters 
were  at  work;  second,  the  cooking  arrangements  fully  sufficient  for  a  large  number 
of  men,  if  worked  after  ship's  cooking  was  done;  third,  the  sanitary  arrangements 
were  good;  fourth,  hammocks  were  all  put  on  the  ship,  and  receipts  taken  for 
them. 

Respectfully,  Geo.  W.  Mason,  Fleet  Captain. 


steamship  minnewaska. 

War  Department, 
General  Depot  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department, 

Army  BuiLDiNG,  Whitehall  Street, 

New  York  City,  August  13, 1898. 
Maj.  J.  W.  Summerhayes,  Army  Building,  City. 

Sir:  In  reply  to  the  statement  that  this  ship  was  deficient  in  closets,  respectfully 
beg  to  state  that  careful  consideration  was  given  to  this  subject,  the  officers  of 
returning  transports  consulted,  with  the  result  that  I  found  no  complaint  had 
been  made  or  any  inconvenience  observed  by  them.  This  ship  had  larger  accom- 
modation than  any  of  these  returning  transports. 

The  galley  of  this  ship  was  exceptionally  large,  and  it  was  understood  that  the 
enlisted  men  should  do  their  cooking  at  night,  as  was  done  on  the  other  ships. 

A  complete  complement  of  hammocks  was  placed  on  board,  and  receipts  are  now 
in  the  possession  of  the  depot  quartermaster. 

The  decks,  where  raised  floors  were  laid,  were  first  cleaned  out  by  the  owners  of 
the  ships,  and  then  by  the  carpenters  as  deck  was  laid.  After  these  decks  were 
laid  the  ship  was  coaled  and  possibly  some  of  the  dust  from  the  same  may  have 
found  its  way  under  this  deck,  but  this  would  have  in  no  way  caused  sickness 
among  the  men. 

From  my  personal  observation  I  can  honestly  say  that  the  chief  officer  of  this 
ship  was  very  painstaking  in  his  efforts  to  have  her  clean,  and  it  was  remarked  by 
all  those  who  saw  her  leave  that  she  was  in  a  first-class  condition. 
Respectfully  submitted. 

Geo.  K.  Kirkham. 


United  States  Transport  Minnewaska, 

Santiago,  Cuba,  August  17,  1898. 
Adjutant-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  my  arrival  here  at  9  a.  m.  this  day,  after  an 
uneventful  voyage.  The  regiment  is  landing  in  good  health  and  spirits.  I  found 
the  condition  of  the  vessel  even  worse  than  I  reported  from  Savannah.  I  was 
compelled  to  close  the  only  two  water-closets  placed  amidship  in  New  York,  but 
the  one  fitted  aft  met  all  the  requirements.  The  troughs  fitted  for  washing  on 
each  berth  deck  are  placed  arthwart  ship,  instead  of  fore  and  aft,  so  that  when 


520        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    AVAR    WITH    SPAIN 

the  ship  rolls,  or  has  a  list  opposite  to  the  discharge  pipe,  the  water  overflows 
and  floods  the  deck. 

False  decks  have  been  placed  in  the  berth  decks;  they  are  not  well  fitted  aronnd 
the  stanchions  and  hatch  coamings,  or  close  matched  and  calked,  so  that  refuse 
matter  collects  in  the  interstices  and  can  not  be  removed.  The  ventilating  shafts 
carrying  saturated  air  all  leak  and  flood  the  berth  decks;  the  loose  false  decks  hold 
the  water,  creating  a  condition  of  affairs  dangerous  to  health,  especially  when 
taken  in  connection  with  the  fact  that  the  ship  has  never  been  properly  cleaned 
since  used  as  a  transport  for  cattle,  making  the  odor  between  decks  offensive. 
The  scupper  and  between  decks  aft  I  found  stopped  when  the  ship  left  port,  and 
the  deck  flooded  from  the  leaky  air  pipes.  No  one  could  be  found  on  board  the 
ship  who  could  inform  me  of  the  location  of  the  scupper,  if  any,  and  I  was  com- 
pelled to  adopt  drastic  measures  to  get  the  scupper  opened.  When  found,  it  had 
apparently  been  choked  for  many  days,  and  had  to  be  cut  between  the  decks,  letting 
the  filth  into  the  ho-d.  The  tanks  for  cooking  coffee  were  placed  after  my  inspec- 
tion at  Savannah.  There  are  no  other  facilities,  and  my  regiment  has  been  com- 
pelled to  subsist  on  travel  ration,  which  is  not  suitable  diet  for  this  climate. 

It  has  never  been  my  misfortune  to  be  on  board  a  ship  so  utterly  destitute  of 
discipline  and  lack  of  knowledge  of  the  location  of  appliances.  Upon  coming  on 
board,  I  found  that  all  the  fresh  meat  taken  on  board  in  New  York  was  spoiled, 
and  destroyed  it;  10,267  pounds  were  purchased  in  Savannah  and  placed  in  the 
alleged  cold  storage;  after  being  at  sea  thirty-six  hours  it  was  reported  to  me  the 
temperature  of  the  cold  storage  stood  at  70°  F.  and  I  found  a  part  of  the  meat  spoiled. 
Upon  investigation  by  Major  Wilson,  quartermaster,  it  was  found  that  the  engi- 
neer had  been  pumping  the  brine  in  a  chamber  other  than  that  in  which  the  meat 
was  stored.  I  cut  the  main  cabin  and  crew  down  to  one-half  ration  of  fresh  meat, 
but  it  will  not  leave  sufficient  to  last  for  the  return  voyage.  I  was  compelled  to 
place  guards  over  the  crew  before  the  ship  left  the  wharf,  to  prevent  desertions. 
The  hammocks  for  men  and  stalls  for  animals  a:e  intermingled  on  two  decks, 
making  it  impossible  to  carry  out  sanitary  regulations  for  the  troops. 
Very  respectfully, 

P.  H.  Ray, 
Colonel  Third  U.  S.  Volunteer  Infantry, 


Exhibit  8. 

New  York,  September  24, 1898. 
Charles  Bird, 

Colonel  and  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  Your  communication  of  September  7  to  hand.  Under  direction  of  Quar- 
termaster-General, you  request  me  to  transmit  a  full  and  complete  report  as  to 
the  condition  existing  on  board  my  vessel  (steamship  Concho)  during  the  voyage 
from  Santiago  de  Cuba  to  New  York  City  and  as  to  the  treatment  of  the  soldiers 
thereon.  I  will,  therefore,  endeavor  to  comply  with  this  request  to  the  best  of 
my  ability,  but  desire  to  say  that  I  can  only  give  a  statement  of  conditions  and 
treatment  of  soldiers  as  observed  by  me. 

On  July  22  1  received  orders  to  proceed  to  Siboney,  Cuba,  there  to  take  on  board 
convalescents  and  proceed  from  that  point  to  Hampton  Roads.  On  arriving  at 
Siboney,  1  reported  to  Major  Le  Garde,  surgeon  in  charge.  He  sent  on  board  Dr. 
Lesser,  Red  Cross  surgeon,  as  medical  officer  of  the  ship,  and  shortly  after  I 
commenced  to  take  on  board  the  convalescents. 

The  condition  of  the  ship  at  this  time  was  that  of  a  United  States  transport, 
fitted  up  to  carry  infantry,  all  of  whose  effects  had  been  unloaded  at  Santiago  de 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  521 

Cuba,  the  vessel  then  having  been  cleaned,  and  at  this  time  was  in  as  good  sani- 
tary condition  as  a  troopship  could  be.  No  change  had  been  made  in  ship's  fittings 
or  any  other  arrangements,  as  originally  planned  by  quartermaster  in  New  York. 
The  Concho  was  fitted  with  1,350  berths  for  enlisted  men,  52  berths  in  saloons,  and 
58  berths  in  steerage. 

We  received  on  board  at  Siboney  157  enlisted  men,  20  officers,  8  Red  Cross 
female  nurses,  Dr.  Lesser  and  wife,  and  pharmacist,  all  of  whom,  except  the  Red 
Cross  nurses  mentioned  below,  were  in  a  very  low  physical  condition.  Many  of 
the  men  and  officers  were  taken  direct  from  shore  hospital  and  fever  camps  on 
stretchers,  almost  wholly,  and  in  some  cases  entirely,  destitute  of  clothing.  These 
officers  and  men  were  received  and  distributed  under  direction  of  Dr.  Lesser  and 
four  volunteer  lady  nurses— Mrs.  Nutall,  Miss  Adiele  Gardiner,  Miss  Alice  Bab- 
cock,  and  Miss  Petersen;  the  other  nurses,  with  Mrs.  Lesser,  were  off  duty — they 
being  convalescents  just  out  of  hospital. 

All  patients  received  on  board  the  ship  were  placed  in  the  best  parts,  viz,  cabins, 
staterooms,  steerages,  and  main  deck,  never  being  put  below  the  main  deck.  All 
this  was  accomplished  between  the  hours  of  6.30  a.  m.  and  5.30  p.  m.,  at  which 
time  we  proceeded  for  Hampton  Roads.  With  these  men  we  received  1,000 
rations  and  a  few  medical  stores.  1  also  gave  Dr.  Lesser  all  the  supplies  which 
the  ship  had,  such  as  bedding,  linen,  blankets,  kitchen  utensils,  medical  stores, 
and  ship  stores,  for  use  of  the  sick. 

During  the  voyage  up  new  cases  were  constantly  developing  and  the  attention 
given  the  sick  by  the  four  ladies  previously  mentioned,  assisted  by  a  hospital  stew- 
ard and  an  enlisted  volunteer  from  Chicago,  together  with  the  entire  ship's  crew, 
was  the  best  possible  under  the  existing  circumstances. 

Nearly  the  entire  time  of  the  crew  of  the  deck  and  steward  department  was 
devoted  to  the  care  of  the  sick — washing,  bathing,  and  caring  for  them — and  the 
duty  of  burial  devolved  on  the  crew. 

Everything  that  could  be  done  by  the  nurses  and  the  crew  was  done  for  the  com- 
fort and  care  of  the  sick  and  wounded,  but  the  ship  was  not  fitted  for  a  hospital 
ship,  and  the  medicines  were  limited  and  facilities  for  caring  for  sick  were  limited. 

Fortunately  the  voyage  was  pleasant  as  regards  the  weather.  The  vessel  was 
kept  as  clean  as  possible,  disinfectants  belonging  to  the  vessel  being  freely  used, 
and  the  whole  attention  of  the  entire  ship's  company  devoted  to  the  comfort  of  the 
sick.  Six  enlisted  men  died  during  the  voyage.  Only  one  of  these  actually  died  at 
sea.  The  others  died  almost  immediately  on  arrival  at  Hampton  Roads,  and  one 
while  in  Hampton  Roads;  one  also  died  on  removal  by  quarantine  authorities  at 
New  York  City. 

Complaint  was  made  during  the  voyage  about  the  condition  of  the  drinking 
water.  I  desire  to  state  that  this  water  came  from  two  sources,  and  having  been 
put  into  clean  tanks  only  a  short  time  previous,  was,  to  the  best  of  my  judgment, 
good.  Samples  of  same  were  forwarded  some  time  ago  to  Washington  by  quar- 
termaster at  New  York.  One  thousand  gallons  water  taken  on  at  Hampton 
Roads  was  put  into  casks  on  deck  and  was  very  soon  used  up,  the  ship's  com- 
pany and  all  on  board  then  going  back  to  the  use  of  the  original  water  on  the  ship, 
though  never  afterwards  did  I  have  further  complaints  of  this  water,  though  it 
was  the  same  which  had  been  used  in  the  early  part  of  the  voyage,  and  which  at 
that  time  had  been  complained  of.  Referring  again  to  the  source  of  water  on  the 
Concho,  would  say  that  some  of  it  was  furnished  at  Port  Tampa  and  a  further 
supply  from  the  transport  Matteawan.  The  Port  Tampa  water  was  the  only 
water  used  for  drinking  and  cooking  purposes,  while  the  Matteawan  water  was 
used  for  washing  purposes  only.  The  drinking  water  was  naturally  warm,  as  we 
had  no  ice.  When  ice  was  obtained  in  Hampton  Roads  there  were  no  more  com- 
plaints regarding  water,  although  still  using  Tampa  water. 


522         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  Concho  arrived  at  Hampton  Roads  on  Wednesday  evening,  July  27,  anchor- 
ing for  the  night  below  the  mine  field.  The  next  morning  I  went  into  quarantine, 
where  we  were  boarded  by  the  national  quarantine  physician,  accompanied  by 
United  States  Depot  Quartermaster  Adams.  Every  attention  was  given  us  by 
Quartermaster  Adams,  who  also  instructed  me  to  await  orders.  In  the  mean- 
time, assisted  by  the  ladies  at  Fortress  Monroe,  headed  by  Mrs.  General  Miles 
and  her  daughter,  he  personally  sent  the  sick  on  board  the  ship  luxuries  of  all 
kinds,  also  ice,  besides  suits  of  pajamas,  and  he  was  untiring  in  his  efforts  to 
assist  us  in  every  way,  both  day  and  night. 

On  arrival  at  Hampton  Roads  a  representative  of  Messrs.  C.  H.  Mallory  &  Co. — 
Mr.  George  R.  Edgecombe,  port  steward— came  alongside  the  Concho,  and  I 
requested  that  he  furnish  me  with  meat,  ice,  fruits,  etc.,  and  a  short  time  after- 
wards these  supplies  in  considerable  quantity  came  on  board  and  were  used  in 
relieving  the  wants  of  the  sick  and  all  others. 

On  Friday,  having  received  no  orders,  Quartermaster  Adams  advised  me  to  pro- 
ceed to  sea,  bury  the  dead,  and  return,  which  was  done.  Saturday,  July  30,  about 
8  a.  m.,  I  received  orders  to  proceed  to  New  York,  where  I  arrived  on  Sunday, 
31st  instant,  at  7  a.  m.  There  the  vessel  was  inspected  by  Port  Officer  Dr.  Doty,  and 
he  ordered  us  into  quarantine,  where  removal  of  the  people  commenced.  After 
the  ship  was  cleaned,  disinfected,  and  all  the  ship's  fittings  being  destroyed  by 
fire,  the  vessel  was  sent  to  New  York  City  Friday,  August  5,  1898. 
Yours,  respectfully, 

Sam  Risk, 
United  States  Transport  Concho  (H 14) ,  Master, 


Exhibit  K  8. 

New  York,  September  £4,  1898. 
Col.  Chas.  Bird, 

Colonel  and  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Sir:  Your  favor  of  the  7th  instant  at  hand.  In  reply  allow  me  to  say  on  August 
13,  at  Santiago,  Cuba,  I  received  on  board  this  ship  about  500  officers  and  soldiers 
of  the  Fourteenth  Infantry  (regulars),  with  their  rations  and  equipment;  sailed 
same  date  at  6  p.  m.  for  Pons  Bay,  Long  Island;  had  a  fine  trip  up;  arrived  at  Pons 
Bay  August  18,  at  4  p.  m.  We  had  a  few  cases  of  typhoid  fever  on  arrival,  but  no 
one  died  on  the  trip.  We  had  a  doctor  and  plenty  of  medical  stores  aboard.  The 
ship  was  clean  and  in  fine  order.  The  soldiers  were  well  treated  on  the  ship.  They 
had  plenty  of  room,  as  the  ship  was  not  overcrowded.  The  doctor  who  attended 
to  the  discharging  of  the  soldiers  said  to  me  that  the  ship  and  soldiers  were  in  the 
best  condition  of  any  that  had  arrived  up  to  that  date. 

Major  Baker,  the  senior  officer  in  command,  was  more  than  pleased  with  the 
voyage  and  treatment  of  the  regiment  aboard  the  ship. 

Respectfully,  J.  T.  Decker, 

Master,  S.  S.  Seneca. 


Exhibit  K. 
rail. 


Tampa,  Fla.,  June  1,  1898. 


Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Great  delay  caused  by  quartermasters  not  receiving  bills  of  lading  in  advance 
of  stores.    This  should  be  corrected  at  once. . 

Miles, 
Major-General  Commanding. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  523 

June  2, 1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  St.  Louis,  Mo.: 

Major-General  Miles  wires  from  Tampa,  "  Great  delay  caused  by  quartermaster 
not  receiving  bills  of  lading  in  advance  of  stores.  This  should  be  corrected  at 
once."  Please  see  that  all  bills  of  lading  for  shipments  made  by  you  to  Tampa  are 
promptly  forwarded,  so  as  to  reach  destination  without  causing  any  embarrass- 
ment in  delivery  of  freight. 

Ludington, 

Quartermaster-  General. 

(Send  same  telegram  to  following:  Depot  Quartermaster,  Jeffersonville,  Ind.; 
Depot  Quartermaster,  Army  Building,  New  York  City;  Depot  Quartermaster, 
Philadelphia,  Pa. ;  Lieutenant  Palmer,  quartermaster,  Fort  McHenry,  Md.;  Depot 
Quartermaster,  Washington,  D.  C;  Chief  Quartermaster,  Pullman  Building, 
Chicago,  111.;  Chief  Quartermaster,  St.  Paul,  Minn.;  Chief  Quartermaster,  Omaha, 
Nebr.) 


War  Department, 
General  Depot  op  the  Quartermaster's  Department, 

New  York  City,  June  3,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  telegram  of 
yesterday  transmitting  complaint  of  Major-General  Miles  that  great  delay  is 
caused  by  quartermaster  at  Tampa  not  receiving  bills  of  lading  in  advance  of 
stores. 

If  this  complaint  refers  to  the  large  shipments  of  subsistence  stores,  I  would 
state  that  orders  for  their  purchase  and  shipment  made  it  necessary  that  the 
greatest  haste  possible  be  made,  and  for  this  reason  the  various  concerns  of  whom 
the  stores  were  bought  were  instructed  to  deliver  the  property  to  the  transporta- 
tion lines  direct,  and  turn  in  the  shipping  receipts  immediately  to  this  office.  In 
spite  of  repeated  requests,  many  dealers  failed  to  send  in  these  receipts  promptly, 
the  delay  in  one  case  being  quite  eight  days. 

This  office  is  making  every  effort  possible  to  keep  business  moving  promptly  and 
properly,  and,  notwithstanding  the  unusual  volume  to  be  transacted,  endeavors  to 
avoid  all  cause  of  complaint. 

Very  respectfully,  A.  S.  Kimball, 

Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army. 


June  4,  1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  Jeffersonville,  Ind.:  j 

Before  freight  for  Tampa  or  Port  Tampa  is  shipped,  you  will  acquaint  yourself 
as  to  its  ultimate  destination,  and  if  it  is  to  Port  Tampa  it  must  be  shipped  on 
through  bills  of  lading  to  that  point. 

The  Secretary  of  War  orders  that  these  shipments  to  Tampa  and  Port  Tampa 
be  consigned  over  the  Plant  System  and  the  Florida  Central  and  Peninsular  rail- 
roads equally. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

Send  same  telegram  to:  Depot  quartermaster,  St.  Louis,  Mo.;  depot  quarter- 
master, Washington,  D.  C;  depot  quartermaster,  Philadelphia,  Pa.;  depot  quar- 
termaster, Army  building,  New  York  City;  chief  quartermaster,  Pullman  build- 
ing, Chicago,  111.;  chief  quartermaster,  Battlefield,  Ga.;  chief  quartermaster,  1201 
Prytania  street,  New  Orleans,  La.;  chief  quartermaster,  Mobile,  Ala. 


524        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

[Telegraphic  orders.] 

June  6,  1898. 
In  order  to  avoid  confusion  at  destination  which  now  exists,  you  are  hereby 
directed  in  making  shipments  of  stores  to  Tampa,  Chattanooga,  and  other  points 
to  forward  in  advance  to  the  receiving  officers  complete  invoices  and  bills  of  lad- 
ing. The  contents  of  boxes  and  packages  will  be  plainly  marked  thereon.  The 
numbers  and  descriptions  of  the  cars  with  copies  of  waybills  will  also  be  for- 
warded as  soon  as  they  can  be  obtained  from  the  railroad  company. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

The  above  dispatch  was  sent  to  all  the  general  depot  quartermasters'  depart- 
ments to-day. 

Quartermaster-General's  Office,  June  6, 1898. 
Copy  for  the  information  of  the  honorable  Secretary  of  War. 

M.  I.  Ludington, 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army. 


June  14, 1898. 
Captain  Bellinger,  Quartermaster,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

Much  complaint  has  been  made  upon  the  congestion  of  freight  at  Tampa  and 
Port  Tampa.  Desire  you  to  report  at  once  whether  this  congestion  has  been 
relieved,  and  whether  freight  is  being  unloaded  promptly;  also,  whether  you  find 
that  you  now  have  sufficient  storage  room  for  the  different  classes  of  freight  that 
arrives  by  rail.  It  has  been  intimated  to  this  office  that  cars  were  standing  on  the 
side  track,  under  demurrage,  for  a  number  of  days.  It  is  my  desire  that  the 
freight  be  handled  with  that  promptness  that  will  prevent  the  payment  of  demur- 
rage. 

You  are  instructed  to  pay  no  demurrage  accounts  above  referred  to,  nor 
accounts  for  local  freight  or  troops  between  Tampa  and  Port  Tampa.  Accounts 
can  be  stated  and  forwarded  to  this  office  for  disposition.  Have  any  steps  been 
taken  by  you  to  secure  reduced  rates  for  the  transportation  of  troops  or  freight 
between  the  points  of  Tampa  and  Port  Tampa;  and  if  so,  with  what  success? 
Report  whether,  up  to  this  time,  you  have  paid  any  such  accounts  as  are  enumer- 
ated above.  If  demurrage  on  delayed  cars  has  been  charged,  report,  if  possible,  to 
what  extent.    Report  situation  fully. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


Tampa,  Fla.,  June  15, 1898. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Referring  to  your  telegram  of  the  14th  instant  regarding  state  of  freight  at  this 
point,  there  are  100  cars  of  the  Florida  Central  and  Peninsular  and  111  of  the  Plant 
System  at  this  point,  and  50  cars  at  Port  Tampa,  remaining  to  be  unloaded.  There 
are  several  hundred  cars  on  sidings  north  of  this  point.  Cars  are  now  being 
unloaded  at  the  rate  of  about  70  per  day.  The  new  storage  house  is  approaching 
completion,  and  portion  now  under  cover  is  being  used  for  storage.  If  matters 
proceed  as  they  are  now  proceeding,  the  track  will  be  completely  cleared  in  a 
week,  including  everything  to  the  north  of  this  place.  Have  paid  no  demurrage 
accounts,  and  recommend  that  none  be  paid.  The  congestion  at  this  point  was 
due  as  much  to  the  railroad  as  to  the  Government,  and  the  unloading  has  often 
been  impeded  by  the  railroads  not  placing  the  cars  when  requested  to  do  so.  Some 
time  ago  I  took  up  the  subject  of  rates  and  freight  charges,  but  have  not  had  time 
to  make  a  report.    They  charge  2  cents  a  mile  for  passengers,  and  were  not 


REPLY    OF    QUARTEftMASTER-GENERAL.  525 

inclined  to  make  a  reduction,  though  my  remarks  upon  their  freight  and  passen- 
ger charges  were  very  caustic.  They  claim  that  there  is  some  arrrngement  made 
with  the  traffic  and  passenger  associations  which  require  them  to  make  charges. 

Bellinger,  Depot  Quartermaster. 
(Received  11  p.  m.) 


Lakeland,  Fla.,  August  17, 1898. 

Quartermaster- General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Have  been  directed  by  the  commander  of  the  Provisional  Cavalry  Brigade  to 
inform  you  that  the  railroad  here  is  sending  the  stock  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  in 
cars  unfit  for  the  transportation  stock.  These  cars  seem  to  be  the  only  ones  avail- 
able at  present  in  this  country.    The  cars  are,  in  my  opinion,  good  cars. 

Paul  Reisenger, 
Second  Lieutenant,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Quartermaster. 


Washington,  D.  C,  August  18,  1898. 

Major  Bellinger,  Depot  Quartermaster,  Tampa,  Fla.: 
Following  received  from  Lieutenant  Paul  Reisenger,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Lakeland : 
"Have  been  directed  by  commander  of   the  Provisional  Cavalry  Brigade  to 
inform  you  that  the  railroad  here  is  sending  the  stock  of  Tenth  Cavalry  in  cars 
unfit  for  transportation  stock.     These  cars  seem  to  be  the  only  ones  available  at 
present  in  this  country.     The  cars  are,  in  my  opinion,  good  cars." 
Give  this  matter  any  attention  required  and  report  facts. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster' General. 


Tampa,  Fla.,  August  18, 1898. 

Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Your  telegram  received  referring  to  that  of  Lieutenant  Reisenger  in  regard  to 
stock  cars  furnished  at  Lakeland.  These  cars  are  the  ordinary  stock  cars  ;  are  in 
every  way  suitable  for  the  movement.  The  cars  desired  by  commanding  officer  at 
Lakeland  are  cars  with  troughs  for  watering  and  feeding  while  stock  is  on  board — 
a  desirable  luxury,  but  not  a  necessity,  and  something  which  would  delay  the 
movement  of  the  troops  possibly  for  weeks  in  order  to  get  the  number  required  at 
this  point.  The  action  taken  by  commanding  officer  in  regard  to  equipment  fur- 
nished at  Lakeland  is  unreasonable  and  unjustifiable.  He  even  went  so  far  as  to 
say  to  Mr.  Michael  that  he  must  be  receiving  a  percentage  for  furnishing  the 
equipment,  when  Michael  has  nothing  to  do  with  it  further  than  to  see  that  the 
proper  equipment  is  furnished  and  that  it  is  in  proper  condition  and  moved  out 
properly.  General  Hudson  took  the  matter  up  and  has  ordered  the  movement  to 
continue,  he  realizing  the  complaints  were,  under  the  circumstances,  querulous. 

Bellinger,  Depot  Quartermaster. 


August  18, 1898. 

Lieutenant  Reisenger,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Lakeland,  Fla.: 

Replying  to  yours  with  reference  to  stock  cars  being  furnished  for  your  regi- 
ment, depot  quartermaster,  Tampa,  reports  that  they  are  the  ordinary  cars,  in 
every  way  suitable  for  the  movement.    Their  use  is  therefore  approved. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


526         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

September  8,  1898. 
Major  Sawyer  or  Captain  Knight, 

Quartermaster,  Montauk  Point,  New  York: 
Bitter  criticism  in  morning  papers  about  delay  and  kind  of  transportation  pro- 
vided for  First  Illinois  Infantry  yesterday.    If  any  cause  for  such  criticism,  take 
immediately  such  steps  as  will  prevent  a  recurrence. 
Wire  fully  all  the  facts,  quick. 

Ludington, 
Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army. 


Long  Island  Railroad  Company, 
Office  of  the  General  Superintendent, 

Long  Island  City,  N.  Y.,  September  8,  1898. 
Dear  General:  In  self-defense  I  have  been  obliged  to  give  the  facts  about  delay 
in  movements  of  various  regiments.    We  can  not  help  even  as  we  would  unless  we 
get  advices  of  proposed  movements. 

We  have  handled  3,000  men  in  the  last  twenty -four  hours.    We  must  get  writ- 
ten or  telegraphic  orders  from  Colonel  Kimball  the  day  before  each  movement. 
Yours,  truly, 

W.  H.  Baldwin. 

[Memoranda  submitted  by  Mr.  Baldwin  with  above.] 

The  plan  for  moving  troops  from  Montauk  was  to  move  one  regiment  of  infan- 
try per  day,  provided  the  Long  Island  Railroad  Company  received  notice  the  morn- 
ing of  the  day  previous,  from  the  quartermaster,  of  the  number  of  men  to  be  moved 
on  any  day;  and  it  was  agreed  that  no  troops  should  be  moved  except  on  the  writ- 
ten order  of  the  quartermaster  at  New  York. 

At  5  o'clock  Tuesday  evening  we  received  a  telegram  from  the  quartermaster  at 
New  York  to  move  the  First  Illinois  Regiment  on  Wednesday  morning.  At  7 
o'clock  we  received  another  message  countermanding  this  order  and  stating  that 
the  First  Illinois  would  not  move  until  Thursday  morning.  On  Wednesday  morn- 
ing about  10  o'clock  we  learned  from  Montauk  that  the  First  Illinois  were  prepar- 
ing to  leave,  and,  as  I  have  said,  we  had  no  orders  at  all  to  move  them.  As  they 
were  to  be  sent  over  the  Lehigh  Valley  Railroad,  and  as  the  Lehigh  Valley  Rail- 
road was  unable  to  furnish  cars,  the  quartermaster  gave  no  orders  for  these  troops 
to  leave  Montauk  for  Long  Island  City.  On  account  of  the  difficulties  in  which 
the  First  Illinois  found  themselves,  we  sent  special  trains  to  Montauk,  and  Wed- 
nesday night  moved  them  to  Long  Island  City,  the  plan  being  to  deliver  them  at 
Long  Island  City  at  daylight,  which  was  done.  I  noticed  that  they  did  not  leave 
Jersey  City  until  1.30  to-day. 

On  Wednesday  afternoon,  when  the  question  came  up  about  moving  the  Illinois 
regiment,  the  quartermaster  was  asked  if  any  instructions  were  issued  about 
moving  the  District  of  Columbia  regiment,  and  was  told  that  advices  from  Mon- 
tauk indicated  that  the  District  of  Columbia  regiment  was  getting  ready  to  move 
on  Thursday  morning.  A  message  was  then  sent  to  the  quartermaster  advising 
him  that  the  Illinois  regiment  was  to  move,  and  that  we  could  not  undertake  to 
move  the  District  of  Columbia  regiment.  This  message  was  not  replied  to.  At 
12.15  Thursday  noon  the  quartermaster  gave  an  order  on  the  telephone  to  move 
the  District  or  Columbia  regiment  immediately.  Trains  had  been  made  up  and 
crews  ordered  to  move  a  detachment  of  a  thousand  troops  which  were  to  arrive  on 
the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  for  Montauk.  The  quartermaster  agreed  to  hold  back 
the  troops  on  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  provided  trains  could  be  sent  immedi- 
ately to  Montauk  for  the  District  of  Columbia  regiment.     Before  crews  and 


-      KEPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  527 

engines  could  be  ordered  and  provided,  the  troops  from  the  Pennsylvania  Rail- 
road arrived  at  Long  Island  City  to  go  East.  The  result  is  that  special  trains 
have  been  sent  to  Montauk  this  afternoon,  and  that  the  District  of  Columbia  troops 
will  be  loaded  this  afternoon  and  arrive  at  Long  Island  City  about  midnight  and 
turned  over  to  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  for  transportation  to  Washington. 

In  other  words,  there  has  not  been  a  single  movement  of  troops  from  Montauk 
made  on  proper  orders  from  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  and  the  Long  Island 
Railroad  Company  in  these  two  last  cases  furnished  trains  for  the  movement  of 
troops  on  practically  no  notice. 

It  is  ridiculous  to  expect  any  railroad  to  undertake  the  movement  of  a  regiment 
of  a  thousand  men,  with  its  baggage  and  equipment,  unless  it  has  an  official  order 
the  day  before,  so  that  proper  train  arrangements  can  be  made.  We  have  never 
yet  received  an  official  order  to  move  the  Seventy-first  Regiment,  the  two  Michigan 
regiments,  or  the  District  of  Columbia  regiment. 

I  noticed  a  note  in  some  of  the  papers  that  Colonel  Turner,  of  the  First  Illinois 
Regiment,  is  said  to  have  wired  the  Long  Island  Railroad  about  the  movement  of 
his  troops,  and  that  he  would  have  Pullman  cars,  etc.  I  have  no  doubt  that  this 
is  an  error,  as  Colonel  Turner  never  telegraphed  us.  His  message  was  sent  prob- 
ably to  some  connecting  lines  between  New  York  and  Chicago. 

[First  indorsement.] 

War  Department, 
Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  September  10,  1898. 

True  copy. 

Respectfully  furnished  for  the  information  and  guidance  of  Col.  A.  S.  Kimball, 
Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City. 

This  statement  of  Mr.  Baldwin  seems  reasonable,  and  it  is  nothing  but  right 
that  the  Long  Island  Railroad  should  receive  written  notice  at  least  twenty-four 
hours  in  advance  of  each  movement.  Colonel  Kimball  will  see  that  such  notice 
is  hereafter  given;  and  he  knows  long  enough  in  advance,  of  movements  to  be 
made— and  as  he  is  directed  to  confer  with  the  commanding  officer,  Camp  Wikoff, 
relative  to  the  details  of  each  movement — it  would  seem  proper  to  ask  him  that  the 
day  of  each  movement  be  fixed,  so  as  to  enable  the  depot  quartermaster  to  make 
proper  arrangements  to  have  proper  equipage  on  the  ground  in  ample  time  for 
the  troop  to  break  camp  and  arrive  at  station  at  Montauk  Point  and  load  cars 
comfortably. 

If  further  assistance  is  required,  either  by  detail  of  additional  officers  of  the 
Quartermaster's  Department  or  by  hire  of  employees,  Colonel  Kimball  should  at 
once  wire  the  fact  to  this  office. 

M.  I.  LUDINGTON, 

Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army. 


[Telegram.] 

Washington,  September  8,  1898.— Noon. 
Col.  A.  S.  Kimball, 

Depot  Quartermaster,  Army  Building,  New  York  City: 
The  following  telegram  has  been  sent  to  the  commanding  general,  Montauk 
Point,  New  York: 

The  Secretary  of  War  directs  that  in  the  matter  of  transportation  of  troops  from 
your  camp  arrangements  be  made  by  Colonel  Kimball,  depot  quartermaster,  New 
York  City,  and  not  by  your  local  quartermaster.    Colonel  Kimball  has  been 


528         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    <>F    VYAli    WITH    SPAIN. 

instructed  to  place  himself  in  communication  with  you  and  will  receive  any  sug- 
gestions or  directions  you  may  give  looking  to  the  speedy  and  comtortable  move- 
ment of  your  troops.  No  end  of  confusion  has  come  to  us  by  two  officers  trying 
to  do  the  same  thing.  It  is  reported  that  the  movement  of  the  First  District  Vol- 
unteers has  been  delayed.  Arrangements  have  been  made  for  the  reception,  not 
only  by  the  people,  but  by  the  President  himself,  and  it  will  be  a  disappointment 
that  will  reflect  upon  the  entire  service  if  this  is  not  carried  out  according  to  pro- 
gramme heretofore  agreed  upon. 

H.  C.  Corbin,  Adjutant-General. 

Quartermaster-General's  Office,  September  9,  1898. 
True  copy. 

Respectfully  referred,  by  direction  of  the  Quartermaster-General,  to  Maj.  J.  E. 
Sawyer,  quartermaster,  United  States  Volunteers,  Montauk  Point,  N.  Y.,  for  his 
information  and  guidance. 

Chas.  Bird, 
Colonel  and  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 


Camp  Wikoff,  Montauk  Point,  N.  Y.,  September  9,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C.  : 

There  has  been  mismanagement  in  forwarding  troops  from  this  place,  but  rep- 
resentation of  press  greatly  exaggerated.  The  railroad  is  a  single  track,  with  side 
tracks  in  vicinity  of  station.  Great  care  is  required  in  handling  troops  to  prevent 
confusion  and  have  cars  at  time  designated  for  loading  in  order  to  prevent  delays. 
In  future  I  have  directed  Major  Sawyer  to  first  ascertain  from  one  of  his  employees 
that  the  cars  have  arrived  there  and  notify  commanding  officer  by  letter  of  the 
facts.  If  the  sick  and  well  men  are  then  sent  to  the  train  before  the  proper  time, 
the  quartermaster  will  be  released  of  responsibility.  The  chief  surgeon  of  the 
corps  will  not  allow  a  sick  man  to  be  removed  to  the  train  until  ordered  by 
commanding  officer.  This  will  prevent  further  bungling,  and  I  urgently  recom- 
mend that  the  Adjutant- General  be  requested  to  inform  commanding  officer  of 
Camp  Wikoff  that  hereafter  the  depot  quartermaster  will  notify  him  by  letter 
when  transportation  is  ready;  and  in  no  case  will  sick  be  removed  from  hospital 
or  commands  leave  camp  until  receipt  of  notification  that  transportation  is  ready. 

Moore. 

Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  September  9,  1898. 
True  copy. 

Respectfully  referred  to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army  with  request  that 
he  will  inform  the  commanding  officer  at  Camp  Wikoff,  in  accordance  with  the 
above  recommendation  of  Colonel  Moore,  as  to  notification  when  transportation 
will  be  in  readiness  for  movements  of  troops. 

M.  I.  Ludington, 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army. 


Camp  Wikoff,  Montauk  Point,  N.  Y.,  September  9,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Colonel  Harris,  commanding  here,  left  last  night  at  7  o'clock.  Cars  should  have 
been  here  at  2  p.  m.  Telegraphed  Kimball  hour  of  departure  and  to  have  trans- 
portation ready.  Road  could  only  provide  14  passenger  coaches,  which  was  not 
sufficient  to  give  double  seat  to  each  man.    Will  correct  this  shortness  in  future 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  529 

transportation  if  possible.  Troops  came  here  last  night,  and  depot  quartermaster 
not  advised  until  short  time  before  arrival.  Same  thing  occurred  at  Middletown. 
I  recommend  that  all  quartermasters  shipping  troops  here  telegraph  time  of 
departure  to  the  depot  quartermaster  at  Montauk  so  that  wagon  transportation 
will  be  in  readiness. 

Moore. 


Office  Chief  Quartermaster  U.  S.  Army, 

Camp  Wikoff,  N.  Y.,  September  9,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C. 

General:  I  desire  to  report  the  following  in  reference  to  the  First  District  of 
Columbia  Volunteers,  which  left  here  at  8  p.  m.  on  the  8th  instant: 

On  the  7th  instant  it  was  understood  between  myself,  Captain  Patton,  assistant 
quartermaster,  and  Mr.  Beach— the  latter  the  Long  Island  Railroad  representative 
here — that  ample  accommodation  for  the  transportation  of  the  First  District  of 
Columbia  Volunteers  would  be  ready  at  2  p.  m.  on  the  8th  instant  at  Montauk  to 
move  the  regiment.  Before  that  time,  however,  I  was  informed  by  the  Long 
Island  Railroad  officials  that  they  would  not  be  able  to  have  transportation  at  the 
time  agreed  upon,  but  they  would  try  to  have  it  later.  At  7  p.  m.  of  the  8th 
instant  14  passenger  coaches  for  the  men  were  all  they  were  able  to  get  here,  and 
while  not  sufficient  for  the  39  officers  and  718  enlisted  men,  the  rest  accepted  it. 
This  is  the  last  command  to  move  that  transportation  was  being  arranged  for 
when  I  arrived  here,  and  such  instructions  have  already  been  given  as  will  prevent 
any  trouble  in  the  future. 

Very  respectfully,  J.  E.  Sawyer, 

Major  and  Quartermaster,  Chief  Quartermaster. 


September  10,  1898. 
Colonel  Kimball,  Depot  Quartermaster,  New  York  City: 

Colonel  Moore  wires  from  Montauk  to-day  as  follows:  "The  men  in  that  camp 
are,  with  few  exceptions,  weak  and  debilitated  from  the  effect  of  fever  contracted 
in  Cuba,  and  the  Commanding  General  urgently  recommends  that  tourist  cars  or 
Pullmans  be  provided  for  transportation  of  his  command  going  to  Sheridan  and 
Leavenworth,  Snelling,  and  other  distant  points.  I  am  satisfied  from  personal 
observation  that  such  transportation  should  unquestionably  be  provided.  It  will 
enable  these  gallant  soldiers  to  travel  in  comfort  and  save  the  lives  of  some  of 
them,  which  will  at  least  compensate  the  Government  for  the  extra  expense." 

You  will  take  this  matter  up  with  the  lines  providing  transportation  and  insist 
on  tourist  sleepers  whenever  obtainable.  It  is  thought  that  such  should  be  pro- 
vided for  all  long  journeys,  and  you  will  spare  no  efforts  to  secure  such  accommoda- 
tions and  thus  avoid  any  criticism  in  the  matter  of  transportation.  If  necessary, 
take  the  matter  up  with  the  Pullman  Company  at  Chicago. 

Acknowledge. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


St.  Augustine,  Fla.,  August  17, 1898. 
Ludington,  Quartermaster- General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

We  have  on  hand  at  Miami  about  130  carloads  Government  supplies  that  moved 
to  that  point  between  June  24  and  July  1.  Warehouses  were  built  by  us  so  as  to 
enable  quartermasters  to  unload  cars.  They  failed  to  do  so.  On  the  12th  we  com- 
pleted movement  of  troops  from  that  point,  and  cars  are  still  on  the  track  not 

7833  -VOL.  1 34 


530        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

unloaded.  We  served  notice  on  Major  Moody,  quartermaster  at  Miami,  to  the 
effect  that  from  August  12  demurrage  charge  of  $1  per  day  would  be  assessed 
against  each  car.  He  refers  us  to  you.  Will  you  not  arrange  to  take  care  of  this 
charge  and  advise  Major  Moody  at  Miami? 

J.  P.  Beckwith. 


August  18,  1898. 
Major  Moody,  Quartermaster,  Miami,  Fla.: 

J.  P.  Beckwith  wires  as  follows:  "  We  have  on  hand  at  Miami  about  130  carloads 
Government  supplies  that  moved  to  that  point  between  June  24  and  July  1.  Ware- 
houses were  built  by  us  so  as  to  enable  quartermasters  to  unload  cars.  They  failed 
to  do  so.  On  the  12th  we  completed  movement  of  troops  from  that  point,  and  the 
cars  are  still  on  the  track  not  unloaded.  We  served  notice  on  Major  Moody,  quar- 
termaster at  Miami,  to  the  effect  that  from  August  12  demurrage  charge  of  $1  per 
day  would  be  assessed  against  each  car.  He  refers  us  to  you.  Will  you  not 
arrange  to  take  care  of  this  charge  and  advise  Major  Moody  at  Miami?" 

Report  facts  in  matter  and  state  why  cars  were  not  unloaded  into  storehouses 
while  command  was  at  Miami,  and  why  cars  allowed  to  remain  there  after  com- 
mand has  left  Miami.  This  in  order  that  I  may  know  whether  railroad  has  just 
claim  for  demurrage.  What  is  class  of  stores  now  purported  to  be  on  tracks  for 
which  they  claim  demurrage,  and  what  their  destination?  Use  every  effort  to  take 
stores  off  cars  into  warehouses,  and  keep  them  moving  to  avoid  demurrage.  Offi- 
cers, for  want  of  proper  action,  make  themselves  personally  liable  for  demurrage 
charges. 

Ludington  ,  Quartermaster-General. 


Miami,  Fla.  ,  August  18, 1898. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Telegram  received.  On  11th  instant,  by  order  of  War  Department,  I  relieved 
Major  Niskern  as  depot  commissary  at  this  place,  and  received  orders  from  Com- 
missary-General on  16th  instant  to  ship  stores  here  to  Jacksonville,  Fla.  Since 
receiving  orders  have  shipped  97  carloads,  which  leaves  still  here  53  cars  of  com- 
missaries, which  will  go  away  just  as  fast  as  it  is  possible  to  send  them.  There 
has  never  been  a  time  since  the  army  came  here  that  the  railroad  could  store  20 
per  cent  of  the  stores  on  hand,  although  they  were,  as  I  understood,  under  con- 
tract to  furnish  store  room.  The  first  warehouse  they  built  fell  down  when  5 
cars  of  commissaries  had  been  loaded  into  it,  and  they  had  to  rebuild  it.  They 
also  commenced  another  house,  which  wasnever  finished,  but  was  filled  by  Niskern 
and  guarded  by  his  clerks.  All  the  warehouse  room  the  road  furnished  was  used 
to  its  fullest  capacity.  I  often  heard  Niskern  say  the  railroad  had  not  furnished 
warehouses  for  his  stores.    Beckwith's  demand  is  absolutely  without  foundation. 

Jas.  M.  Moody,  Chief  Quartermaster. 

9.50  p.  m. 


August  21,  1898. 
J.  P.  Beckwith,  St.  Augustine,  Fla.: 

Your  telegram  of  17th  was  communicated  to  Major  Moody,  at  Miami,  and  he 
replies  as  follows: 

"Telegram  received.  On  11th  instant,  by  order  of  War  Department,  I  relieved 
Major  Niskern  as  depot  commissary  at  this  place,  and  received  orders  from  Com- 
missary-General on  16th  instant  to  ship  stores  here  to  Jacksonville,  Fla.  Since 
receiving  order  have  shipped  97  carloads,  which  leaves  still  here  53  cars  of  com- 
missaries, which  will  go  away  just  as  fast  as  it  is  possible  to  send  them.    There 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  531 

has  never  been  a  time  since  the  army  came  here  that  the  railroad  could  store  20 
per  cent  of  the  stores  on  hand,  although  they  were,  as  I  understand,  under  contract 
to  furnish  store  room.  The  first  warehouse  they  built  fell  down  when  5  cars  of 
commissaries  had  been  loaded  into  it,  and  they  had  to  rebuild  it.  They  also  com- 
menced another  house,  which  was  never  finished,  but  was  filled  by  Niskern  and 
guarded  by  his  clerks.  All  the  warehouse  room  furnished  was  used  to  its  fullest 
capacity.  I  often  heard  Niskern  say  the  railroad  had  not  furnished  warehouses 
for  his  stores.  Beckwith's  demand  is  absolutely  without  foundation." 
This  is  a  bar  against  any  claim  for  demurrage. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


St.  Augustine,  Fla.,  August  29, 1898. 
Quartermaster-General  Ludington,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Dear  Sir:  I  am  in  receipt  of  your  wire  No.  111084  relative  to  demurrage 
charges  on  Government  property  held  at  Miami  in  cars  not  unloaded,  and  in  reply 
to  same  beg  to  advise  that  Major  Moody,  quartermaster  at  Miami,  is  mistaken  in 
his  statement,  as  we  have  made  no  contract  with  the  Government  or  anyone  to 
furnish  free  warehouses  for  the  use  of  the  Government  at  Miami.  We  did  furnish 
on  our  own  account  three  warehouses,  one  450  feet  in  length  by  50  feet  in  width, 
one  250  by  40  feet,  and  another  120  by  40  feet.  These  warehouses  were  used  by 
the  Government  from  June  24  to  August  12.  The  troops  and  supplies  commenced 
moving  from  Miami  to  Jacksonville  on  this  date.  In  the  meantime  we  held  from 
June  24  to  August  21  on  our  tracks  at  Miami  180  cars,  upon  which  we  have  made  no 
claim  for  demurrage  charges,  neither  have  we  made  any  claim  for  rental  of  ware- 
houses. My  notice  to  you  was  to  assess  demurrage  charges  from  August  12  until 
the  cars  were  moved  from  Miami.  These  charges  we  are  entitled  to,  and  I  am 
satisfied,  after  you  review  the  situation,  will  meet  with  your  approval.  I  would 
be  glad  to  hear  further  from  you. 

Yours  truly,  J.  P.  Beckwith,  Traffic  Manager. 


Washington,  D.  C,  September  1, 1898. 
Chief  Quartermaster,  Battlefield,  Ga.: 

Article  has  appeared  in  New  York  papers  severely  criticising  the  routing  of  a 
hospital  train  containing  soldiers  of  the  Eighth  New  York  Regiment,  destined  to 
New  York  via  Cincinnati,  Cleveland,  and  Buffalo,  as  circuitous  and  attended  with 
unnecessary  delay.  Do  you  know  anything  about  this  matter?  Was  train  routed 
by  Quartermaster's  Department?  The  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  complains 
here  that  the  Eighth  New  York  is  being  routed  via  Bristol,  Lynchburg  and  South- 
ern Railway.  You  have  been  twice  directed  to  route  the  regiment  via  Bristol, 
Shenandoah  Junction,  and  Baltimore  and  Ohio  to  New  York.  Is  complaint  of  the 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  herein  stated  correct? 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General, 


Chickamauga  National  Park,  Ga.,  September  1, 1898. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

The  train  for  the  sick  of  the  Eighth  New  York  was  not  ordered  nor  made  up  at 
the  instance  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  but  was  made  up  especially  by 
the  railroads  to  accommodate  the  men,  260  in  number,  going  on  furloughs.  The 
routing  stated  was  at  special  request  of  the  colonel  of  the  regiment,  who  particu- 


532         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

larly  desired  that  the  train  should  arrive  at  Forty-second  Street  Station,  and  not 
require  tedious  and  painful  transfer  from  Jersey  City,  besides  accommodating 
men  along  the  route.  The  time  was  thought  to  be  but  little  longer  and  the  track 
known  to  be  smoother.  In  regard  to  routing  the  remainder  of  the  regiment,  your 
telegrams  have  been  received,  and  there  has  been  no  thought  of  disregarding  them. 
The  regiment  is  not  yet  ready  to  start,  and  when  shipped  will  be  routed  according 
to  your  orders.  I  earnestly  protest  against  the  entertainment  of  a  report  of  rail- 
road officials  as  against  my  service  of  many  years'  standing. 

Lee,  Chief  Quartermaster. 


[Telegram.] 


Watson,  Ind.,  September  17,  1898— 11  p.  m. 
Adjutant-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Train  with  first  section  held  here  by  order  of  Big  Four  official.  Can  get  no  sat- 
isfaction. They  assume  to  change  our  trains  from  three  sections  at  Louisville 
without  authority  from  Mr.  Rations,  and  companies  were  arranged  for  four  sec- 
tions. Are  side-tracked  without  explanation.  Will  you  order  them  to  send  us 
forward  immediately  in  four  sections,  as  originally  arranged  for  by  orders? 

McGurrin,  Colonel. 

Adjutant-General's  Office,  September  18, 1898. 
Official  copy  for  the  Quartermaster- General  U.  S.  Army. 

H.  C.  Corbin,  Adjutant-General. 


September  18, 1898. 
General  Traffic  Manager,  Big  Four  Route, 

Cincinnati,  Ohio: 
Colonel  McGurrin  wires  the  Adjutant-General  from  Watson,  Ind.,  last  night 
11  o'clock  as  follows:  "Train  with  first  section  held  here  by  order  of  Big  Four 
official.  Can  get  no  satisfaction.  They  assume  to  change  our  trains  from  three 
sections  to  Louisville  without  authority  from  Mr.  Rations,  and  companies  were 
arranged  for  four  sections.  Are  side-tracked  without  explanation.  Will  you 
order  them  to  send  us  forward  immediately  in  four  sections,  as  originally  arranged 
for  by  orders?  " 

Please  take  the  necessary  steps  to  move  these  troops  immediately.    Also  explain 
the  delay  to  this  office  by  wire. 
By  order  Quartermaster-General: 

Bird, 
Colonel  and  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 


Cincinnati,  Ohio,  September  18,  1898. 
Colonel  Bird,  Quartermaster,  Washington,  D.  C: 

I  am  greatly  chagrined  at  necessity  for  your  telegram.  We  had  advice  from 
Southern  Railway  of  cars  coming  to  us  with  Michigan  regiment  sufficient  in  our 
opinion  for  just  three  trains,  and  arranged  for  three  crews  to  handle  them.  Our 
headquarters  being  at  Indianapolis,  it  was  impossible  to  comply  with  request  of 
officers  to  move  them  in  four  sections.  After  one  section  had  been  made  up  and 
put  forward,  your  officer  in  charge  at  Louisville  ordered  them  stopped  at  Watson, 
Ind.,  15  miles  out,  and  instructed  our  men  to  send  a  switch  engine  after  them  and 
bring  them  back  to  Louisville,  which  we  tried  to  do,  but  officer  in  charge  of  train 
at  Watson  refused  to  permit  train  to  return.     We  then  arranged  to  take  a  crew 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  533 

off  an  excursion  train  and  let  them  go  in  four  sections,  but  some  time  necessarily 
elapsed.  It  was  then  necessary  for  us  to  run  a  crew  nearly  250  miles  to  bring  out 
the  excursion  train,  whose  crew  we  had  taken.  We  could  have  handled  them 
nicely  in  three  sections,  but  I  am  afraid  the  officers  were  not  a  unit.  We  try  our 
very  best  to  handle  these  movements  satisfactorily.  President  Ingalls  has  instructed 
us  to  spare  no  pains  or  expense  in  affording  facilities,  and  our  record  up  to  this 
movement  was  without  equal.     I  sincerely  regret  this  occurrence. 

E.  O.  McCormick, 
Passenger  Traffic  Manager  Big  Four. 


Camp  Hamilton,  Lexington,  Ky.,  September  25. 
Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

Colonel  Third  Engineers  reports  cars  used  by  that  regiment,  St.  Louis  to  Lexing- 
ton, old,  dirty,  inefficient  capacity;  two-thirds  of  men  traveling  at  night,  two  in 
one  seat. 

Marshall,  Chief  Quartermaster. 


Washington,  D.  C,  September  26, 1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  St.  Louis,  Mo.: 
Following  just  received  from  Marshall,  chief  quartermaster,  Lexington,  Ky.: 
"  Colonel  Third  Engineers  reports  cars  used  by  that  regiment  ,St.  Louis  to  Lex- 
ington, old,  dirty,  inefficient  capacity;  two-thirds  of  men  traveling  at  night,  two 
in  one  seat." 
Report  facts  in  the  matter. 

Moore,  Acting  Quartermaster-General. 


St.  Louis,  Mo.,  September  27, 1898. 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 

General:  In  reply  to  your  telegram  relative  the  complaint  of  the  colonel  Third 
Engineer  Volunteers  as  to  equipment  furnished  his  regiment  en  route  from  Jef- 
ferson Barracks  to  Camp  Hamilton,  Ky.,  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  after 
investigation  I  find  that  the  facts  in  the  case  warrant  my  belief  that  the  command- 
ing officer  of  that  regiment  expected  more  than  allowance  under  orders  and  regu- 
lations. The  railroad  company  admit  that  a  few  of  the  cars  were  not  of  largest 
"standard"  coaches,  but  explain  that  the  28  coaches  furnished  for  the  use  of  1,072 
enlisted  men  had  a  seating  capacity  for  1,492  men,  the  remainder  of  the  regiment, 
42  officers  and  23  sick,  having  been  accommodated  in  standard  and  tourist  sleeping 
cars.  I  am  not  aware  of  any  authority  which  requires  the  Quartermaster's 
Department  to  contract  for  two  seats  for  each  soldier  while  traveling,  but  it  has 
been  customary  to  provide  that  soldiers  shall  not  be  crowded  in  cars  and  to 
stipulate  not  to  exceed  from  35  to  40  men  to  be  loaded  in  ordinary  coaches. 

In  the  agreement  for  transportation  of  this  regiment,  on  which  a  very  low  rate — 
about  three-fourths  cent  per  mile— was  obtained,  it  was  provided  that  sufficient 
coaches  should  be  furnished,  not  to  exceed  40  men  per  coach.  The  movement  of 
the  regiment  was  set  for  the  17th  instant,  and  the  railroad  company  had  assembled 
a  fine  lot  of  equipment;  and  when  about  to  send  it  to  Jefferson  Barracks,  orders 
came  postponing  the  movement;  and  the  great  scarcity  of  cars  of  all  kinds,  it  is 
claimed  by  railroad  company,  did  not  permit  them  to  have  them  lie  idle,  and  they 
were  used  for  other  troops;  and  when  orders  to  move  were  given  a  few  days  later, 
they  had  to  furnish  the  best  cars  available.     I  have  absolute  proof,  and  reliable 


534        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

information  from  nearly  every  line  in  this  city,  that  for  the  movements  of  soldiers 
for  some  time  past  each  and  every  company  is  obliged  to  arrange  with  other  com- 
panies for  the  coaches  required,  and  I  also  know  that  the  coaches  furnished  the 
Third  Engineers  have  been  used  by  other  troops  in  recent  movements,  and  no  com- 
plaint has  been  made,  I  am  told. 

Since  it  has  been  the  custom  for  some  time  past  that  officers  of  volunteers  have 
found  fault  with  equipment  furnished  by  every  line  to  and  from  Lexington,  it  is 
more  than  probable  that  the  officers  want  more,  perhaps,  than  they  are  entitled  to. 
In  this  connection  I  venture  to  express  the  opinion  that  it  will  not  be  advisable  to 
call  for  extraordinary  and  unusual  special  accommodations  in  excess  of  what  the 
regulations  provide  for  the  general  public  are  furnished,  if  it  is  desired  to  obtain 
low  rates,  which  latter  is  usually  enjoined  in  the  orders  to  arrange  transportation. 
This  suggestion  is  in  view  of  the  fact  above  mentioned  that  equipment  is  insuffi- 
cient to  handle  troops  at  the  present  period  and  has  to  be  rented  at  a  good  price 
usually.  In  conclusion,  I  believe  that  under  the  circumstances  a  little  Jeniency 
might  be  exercised  and  the  short  ride  involved  in  this  case  (about  fifteen  hours 
from  East  St.  Louis)  may  be  thought  not  to  have  worked  too  great  a  hardship 
on  the  men. 

Very  respectfully.  G.  C.  Smith, 

Colonel  and  Depot  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army. 


Headquarters  Camp  Hamilton, 
•     Lexington,  Ky.,  September  30,  1898. 
Adjutant-General, 

War  Department,  Washington,  D.  C. : 
The  railroad  equipments  for  the  Twenty -first  Kansas  from  here,  also  the  Third 
Engineers  and  First  Territorial  Regiment  from  West  to  this  point,  has  been  imsat- 
isfactory;  neither  commodious,  modern,  or  clean  as  that  furnished  at  Chicka- 
mauga,  but  seems  rather  discarded  rolling  stock. 

Breckinridge, 
Major -General,  Commanding, 


Washington,  D.  C.  October  1, 1898. 
Depot  Quartermaster,  St.  Louis,  Mo.: 
General  Breckinridge  wires  from  Lexington  as  follows: 

(i  The  railroad  equipments  for  the  Twenty -first  Kansas  from  here,  also  the  Third 
Engineers  and  First  Territorial  Regiment  from  West  to  this  point,  has  been  unsat- 
isfactory;  neither  commodious,  modern,  or  clean  as  that  furnished  at  Chicka- 
mauga,  but  seems  rather  discarded  rolling  stock." 
Please  investigate  and  report  facts,  with  recommendation. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


Long  Island  City,  Long  Island,  September  5,  1898. 
General  Ludington,  War  Department,  Washington,  D.  C: 

We  have  220  cars  under  load  in  Montauk  yards.  Many  of  these  cars  have  been 
under  load  or  part  load  for  two  weeks  or  more.  It  is  imperative  that  these  cars 
be  unloaded  at  once  to  give  us  the  proper  track  room  for  handling  the  troops  out. 
I  shall  be  unable  to  furnish  train  to  move  troops  out  if  we  do  not  have  proper  track 
room  in  the  yard,  which  is  more  than  ample  for  your  needs.  I  also  give  notice 
now  that  we  shall  be  compelled  to  charge  regular  car  service  of  $1  per  day  for  all 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  535 

cars  held  under  load  for  more  than  three  days  after  they  are  properly  placed.    I 

hope  you  will  wire  General  Wheeler  as  to  imperative  necessity  of  emptying  cars 

with  reasonable  dispatch. 

W.  H.  Baldwin,  Jr. 

12.48  p.  m. 


September  5, 1898. 
Knight,  Quartermaster,  Montauk  Point,  N.  Y.: 

Railroad  report  there  are  220  cars  under  load  in  Montauk  yard.  Many  of  these 
cars  have  been  under  load  or  part  load  for  two  weeks  or  more.  It  is  imperative 
that  these  cars  be  unloaded  at  once  to  give  proper  track  room  for  handling  troops 
that  will  leave  Montauk  during  the  next  ten  days.  Give  this  your  immediate 
attention  and  put  forth  every  effort  possible  to  unload  these  cars. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


September  5, 1898. 
W.  H.  Baldwin,  Jr., 

President  Long  Island  Railroad,  Long  Island  City,  L.  I.: 
Your  telegram  stating  there  are  220  cars  under  load  in  Montauk  yard  surprises 
me.  I  have  wired  chief  quartermaster  to  put  forth  every  effort  possible  to  unload 
cars  expeditiously.  Can  not  assent  to  paying  regular  car-service  charge  for 
detained  cars.  You  have  no  warehouses  at  Montauk,  and  much  of  the  freight  in 
detained  cars  must  be  warehouse  freight. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 


Long  Island  City,  N.  Y. ,  September  5,  1898. 
Ludington,  Quartermaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C: 

I  have  your  message.  There  are  cars  on  the  track  at  Montauk  Point  that  have 
been  under  load  ever  since  first  shipments  were  in  there.  To  be  sure,  we  have  no 
warehouses  at  Montauk,  because  you  agreed  to  furnish  your  own  warehouses  and 
I  agreed  to  furnish  necessary  tracks  for  reasonable  handling  of  the  freight.  Your 
statement  that  you  will  not  assent  to  pay  regular  car-service  charges  for  detained 
cars  is  not  reasonable  in  view  of  the  fact  above  stated,  and  I  see  no  reason  why 
you  should  not  be  treated  in  just  the  same  way  that  the  public  is  treated  in  similar 
cases,  and  must  insist  on  charging  car  service  for  cars  that  are  not  unloaded 
within  three  days. 

W.  H.  Baldwin,  Jr. 

6.47  p.  m. 


Montauk  business  for  twenty-four  hours  ending  8  a.  m.,  September  9,  1898, 

Montauk: 

Cars  unloaded  past  twenty-four  hours 25 

Loaded  cars  on  hand  8  a.  m 202 

Empty  cars  on  hand  8  a.  m . 25 

Loads  in  track  8  a.  m _ 24 


Long  Island  Railroad  Company, 

September  9,  1898. 
General  Ludington. 

Dear  General:  We  still  keep  a  large  number  of  cars  under  load.     I  wish  you 
would  reduce  the  loads. 

Yours,  W.  H.  Baldwin. 


536        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Headquarters  First  Army  Corps, 

Office  Chief  Quartermaster, 
Camp  Hamilton,  Lexington,  Ky.,  September  28, 1S98. 
Quartermaster-General  of  the  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  there  has  been  considerable  com- 
plaint of  the  quantity  and  quality  of  accommodations  given  troops  being  trans- 
ported to  and  from  this  point.  Those  coming  in  represent  that  the  men  were 
obliged  to  go  into  ordinary  coaches  at  the  rate  of  three  men  for  each  two  seats 
(seats  for  four  persons),  which  necessitated  two-thirds  of  the  men  sitting  up,  two 
in  a  seat,  during  long  trips  occupying  two  days  and  nights  or  longer. 

When  the  Twenty-first  Kansas  left  here  a  few  days  ago  I  refused  to  have  the 
men  loaded  until  sufficient  equipment  was  furnished  to  permit  of  each  man  having 
a  full  seat  to  himself,  about  twenty-six  or  twenty-seven  men  to  the  coach  on  the 
average.  The  railroad  officials  claimed  that  this  was  not  provided  for  in  their 
agreement.  I  had  not  been  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  agreement,  but  insisted 
on  the  point  and  carried  it. 

I  respectfully  recommend  that  in  future  all  troops  traveling  by  night  or  long 
distances  be  furnished  with  sufficient  coaches  to  allow  one  full  seat  to  each  man. 
I  believe  that  this  will  cost  but  little,  if  any,  more  than  when  they  are  crowded, 
as  before  mentioned,  and  will  prove  just  as  satisfactory  and  probably  more  health- 
ful than  tourist  sleepers. 

I  request  that  hereafter  when  troops  are  to  be  transported  from  here  that  I  be 
authorized  to  arrange  for  their  transportation.  An  officer  300  to  400  miles  away 
can  not  give  it  necessary  attention. 

Very  respectfully,  J.  M.  Marshall, 

Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  Chief  Quartermaster. 

[First  indorsement.] 

War  Department,  Quartermaster-General's  Office, 

Washington,  October  3,  1898. 
Respectfully  referred,  by  direction  of  the  Quartermaster-General,  to  the  depot 
quartermaster,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  with  request  for  remark,  with  early  return  of 
papers. 

The  instructions  of  this  office  have  uniformly  been  that  in  shipping  troops 
who  would  be  out  over  night  en  route,  a  full  double  seat  should  be  provided  for 
each  man  if  it  proved  impracticable  to  procure  tourist  sleepers. 

Chas.  Bird, 
Colonel  and  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 

[Second  indorsement.] 

Office  Depot  Quartermaster, 

St  Louis,  Mo.,  October  6, 1898. 

Respectfully  returned  to  the  Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army. 

There  is  no  record  in  this  office,  with  the  exception  of  instructions  recently  in 
one  or  two  special  cases,  as  to  general  requirements  to  furnish  for  each  man  two 
seats— a  double  seat.  Contracts  have  never  been  made  by  this  office  stipulating 
that  on  each  ticket  a  double  seat  shall  be  supplied.  It  has,  however,  been  cus- 
tomary to  provide  and  require  that  cars  must  not  be  crowded,  and  not  more  than 
30  to  40  men  to  each  coach  should  be  placed,  according  to  capacity  of  coaches 
furnished.  According  to  instructions  in  first  indorsement  hereon,  a  full  double 
seat  will  hereafter  be  called  for  and  provided  for  each  man  in  cases  of  shipment 
of  troops  not  furnished  tourist  sleeping-car  accommodations,  although  it  will 
undoubtedly  tend  to  advance  in  rates. 

There  exists  a  wide  difference  of  opinion  as  to  what  proper  accommodations 
are  necessary  for  men  traveling  in  coaches  for  only  one  night  out.     It  is  believed 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENEKAL.  537 

to  be  general  that  people  get  very  little  sleep  the  first  night  traveling,  and  it  has 
always  been  considered  that  three  men  to  a  section,  two  double  seats,  were  com- 
fortably provided.  The  practice  for  many  years  has  been  to  allow  not  to  exceed 
35  men  to  be  loaded  in  an  average-sized  coach  seating  50  to  60  persons,  and  no 
complaint  has  been  received  here  in  regard  to  this  until  recently,  and  all  and  the 
only  complaints  were  from  Lexington  about  troops  shipped  from  and  to  that 
point.  No  fault,  to  the  knowledge  of  this  office,  has  been  found  with  any  move- 
ment from  any  other  point.  It  is  a  natural  conclusion  that  the  commanding 
officer  at  Lexington  desires  arrangements  for  transportation  be  made  at  that 
point,  and  it  is  quite  agreeable  to  me  that  the  chief  quartermaster  there  relieve 
me  of  the  task  of  handling  and  arranging  for  troops  moved  from  that  point. 

G.  C.  Smith, 
Colonel  and  Deputy  Quartermaster-General.  U.  S.  Army. 


Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas  Railway  System, 

Passenger  Traffic  Department, 

St.  Louis,  Mo.,  October  3,  1898. 
Col.  G.  C.  Smith, 

Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

Dear  Sir:  This  will  acknowledge  receipt  of  your  favor  of  October  2,  advising 
that  General  Breckinridge  has  reported  to  the  War  Department  unfavorably  on 
equipment  furnished  for  the  recent  movement  of  the  First  Territorial  Infantry,  a 
portion  of  which  regiment  was  moved  under  contract  with  the  Missouri,  Kansas 
and  Texas  from  Fort  Reno  to  Lexington,  Ky.,  and  a  portion  of  which  was  moved 
from  Whipple,  Ariz.,  over  another  route. 

I  think  there  must  be  some  misunderstanding.  I  can  not  believe  that  the  report 
refers  to  the  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas  equipment,  which  was  entirely  used  in 
the  case  of  the  Fort  Reno  movement.  I  am  in  a  position  to  answer  positively  that 
the  charge  is  incorrect,  if  it  refers  to  the  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas  movement, 
without  reference  to  or  getting  statements  from  any  of  our  officials  whose  duty  it 
was  to  look  after  the  movement.  The  writer  was  on  hand  at  Union  Station,  St. 
Louis,  when  the  train  bearing  the  soldiers  arrived.  The  coaches  were  those  which 
are  used  almost  every  day  on  the  line;  in  fact,  some  of  them  were  taken  out  of  our 
regular  passenger  service,  and  they  were  as  commodious  as  it  is  possible  to  have 
day  coaches.  I  can  vouch  for  their  cleanliness  at  the  time  the  troops  were  loaded 
at  Fort  Reno,  but  I  can  assure  you  that  they  were  in  pretty  bad  shape  on  reaching 
St.  Louis.  The  soldier  boys  had  apparently  been  plentifully  supplied  with  bananas, 
peanuts,  and  other  such  delicacies,  the  remnants  of  which  were  scattered,  not  only 
throughout  the  coaches,  but  on  the  platforms  at  Union  Station  as  well.  The 
writer  had  a  talk  with  Major  Stone  when  the  train  arrived  at  St.  Louis,  and  he 
expressed  himself  as  highly  pleased  with  the  equipment  and  the  run  made  from 
Fort  Reno  to  St.  Louis. 

As  a  matter  of  fact,  there  are  but  a  few  out-of-date  coaches  on  the  Missouri, 
Kansas  and  Texas  system,  but  there  was  not  one  of  them  used  in  this  movement. 
Some  of  the  coaches  had  been  out  of  the  shops  but  a  few  days. 

In  this  connection  I  hand  you  herewith  extract  from  letter  from  our  traveling 
passenger  agent,  who  accompanied  the  train.  While  there  was  no  intention  on 
our  part  to  make  complaint  relative  to  the  rough  treatment  received  by  our  equip- 
ment, I  feel  that,  from  your  inquiry,  you  should  like  to  be  in  possession  of  all  the 
facts. 

Very  truly,  James  Barber. 

The  troops  were  handled  up  to  St.  Louis  in  a  manner  satisfactory  to  all.  They 
were  in  a  big  hurry  to  get  started  from  Fort  Reno,  but  wanted  to  stop  at  all 
stations  through  the  Territory,  to  bid  good-bye  to  their  families.    The  troops  them 


538        INVESTIGATION   OF   CONDUCT    OF   WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

selves  were  a  lot  of  rough  fellows,  and  they  abused  our  coaches  by  climbing  in 
and  out  of  the  windows  and  striking  matches  on  the  sides  of  the  coaches.  I  called 
the  attention  of  several  officers  to  the  matter,  but  they  seemed  powerless  to  pre- 
vent it.  I  think  it  would  be  policy  hereafter,  in  movement  of  this  class  of  busi- 
ness, to  give  them  a  poorer  grade  of  cars. 

A.  C.  Miner, 
Traveling  Passenger  Agent. 


The  Atchison,  Topeka  and  Santa  Fe  Railway  Co., 

Passenger  Department, 
Topeka,  Kans. ,  October  8,  189S. 
Mr.  G.  C.  Smith. 

Colonel  and  Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

Dear  Sir:  Mr.  Tedford,  our  general  agent,  St.  Louis,  has  referred  me  to  your 
letter  of  October  2,  in  reference  to  equipment  furnished  for  movement  of  Terri- 
torial Infantry  from  Whipple  Barracks  to  Lexington,  Ky.  By  reference  to  pro- 
posals for  this  movement  and  correspondence  subsequent  thereto,  I  find  that  the 
proposals  stipulated  that  we  must  furnish  tourist  sleepers  for  the  enlisted  men  and 
standard  sleepers  for  the  officers;  also,  that  it  was  necessary  to  start  the  regiment 
at  the  earliest  possible  moment. 

Immediately  on  receipt  of  advice  that  our  bids  had  been  accepted  we  notified 
the  Pullman  Company  of  the  approximate  number  of  men  in  the  detachment,  and 
asked  them  to  at  once  provide  tourist  sleepers  for  the  enlisted  men  and  standard 
sleepers  for  the  officers.  Correspondence  from  the  Pullman  Company  indicates 
that  they  immediately  set  to  work  to  provide  tourist  cars,  but  that  they  had  some 
trouble  in  doing  so,  for  the  reason  that  a  large  number  of  their  cars  were  then  in 
use  transporting  other  regiments.  In  addition  thereto,  I  understand  that  they 
were  compelled  to  invoke  the  aid  of  the  courts  of  Chicago  in  obtaining  certain 
equipment,  which  was  in  the  hands  of  northern  lines,  who  declined  to  deliver  it 
to  the  Pullman  Company,  preferring  to  retain  it  for  the  use  of  other  movements 
via  their  lines;  consequently,  you  will  see  that  it  was  no  easy  matter  to  obtain 
tourist  cars.  I  make  this  explanation  merely  to  show  that  there  were  difficulties 
to  overcome  in  connection  with  the  movement. 

The  running  gear  of  our  equipment  was  carefully  inspected  before  it  was  put 
in  service  for  this  movement,  and  while  it  is  possible  that  some  of  the  cars  were 
not  of  the  latest  pattern,  I  do  not  understand  that  this  should  affect  the  condi- 
tions so  long  as  the  cars  were  safe  and  comfortable.  At  any  rate,  this  is  a  matter 
over  which  the  railroad  company  has  no  jurisdiction,  as  in  attempting  to  provide 
tourist  or  standard  sleepers  for  such  movements  we  must  necessarily  accept  such 
equipment  as  the  Pullman  Company  are  able  to  provide.  However,  I  shall  take 
pleasure  in  referring  your  letter  to  the  Pullman  people,  so  that  they  may  add  such 
further  remarks  as  may  have  a  bearing  on  the  case. 
With  kind  regards,  we  remain,  very  truly, 

W.  I.  Black,  General  Passenger  Agent. 


Southern  Railroad  Company, 

Louisville,  Ky. ,  October  4,  1898. 
Col.  G.  C.  Smith, 

Deputy  Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 
Dear  Sir:  Your  letter  2d  instant  is  at  hand. 

I  am  quite  surprised  to  hear  there  was  any  complaint  by  General  Breckinridge 
on  account  of  equipment  furnished  Twenty-first  Kansas  Regiment.  The  cars  were 
inspected  before  departure  of  this  regiment  from  Lexington  to  Fort  Leavenworth, 
and  at  that  time  there  was  no  protest  or  complaint  as  to  the  condition  or  character 
of  the  cars. 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.  539 

We  will,  however,  promptly  investigate  this  matter,  and  send  you,  at  the  earliest 
possible  date,  statement  in  regard  thereto. 

Yours,  very  truly,  Wm.  H.  Taylor, 

Assistant  General  Passenger  Agent. 


Depot  Quartermaster's  Office, 

St.  Louis,  Mo.,  October  11,  1898. 
Quartermaster-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 

General:  In  reply  to  your  telegram  of  1st  instant,  calling  for  report,  etc.,  rela- 
tive complaint  of  General  Breckinridge  as  to  equipment  for  Twenty-first  Kansas 
Infantry  from  Lexington,  arranged  for  by  this  office,  I  have  the  honor  to  invite 
attention  to  my  report  in  regard  to  movement  and  equipment  of  the  Third  Engineers 
Volunteers  forwarded  27th  ultimo;  also  to  inclose  herewith  letters  received  up  to 
date,  concerning  this  matter,  from  Southern  Railroad,  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas 
Railway,  and  Atchison,  Topeka  and  Santa  Fe  Railroad,  respectively,  which,  in  my 
opinion,  show  sufficiently  that  the  transportation  companies  did  their  best,  in  view 
of  scarcity  of  all  kinds  of  railway  equipment  at  the  time  the  service  was  rendered. 
Although  these  reports  are  not  in  full,  I  do  not  deem  it  necessary  to  further  delay 
my  reply  to  your  telegram. 

I  think,  on  the  whole,  there  was  little  ground  for  complaint.  It  must  be  con- 
ceded that  the  Government  can  not  expect  railway  companies  to  furnish  a  certain 
kind  of  superior  equipment,  which  they  do  not  possess,  excepting  a  limited  number 
of  cars  of  "modern  "  equipment  used  by  the  companies  in  the  regular  train  service, 
and  which  would  be  entirely  insufficient  for  the  demands  made  upon  the  companies 
to  move  troops. 

As  to  tourist  cars,  I  know,  and  everyone  familiar  with  the  situation  is  aware  of 
the  fact,  that  there  are  only  about  20  per  cent  of  the  number  of  cars  demanded 
available  now,  and  have  been  for  some  time  past.  This  is  the  busiest  period  of  the 
year  in  the  passenger  business,  and  it  is  a  wonder  that  the  railroads  have  been 
able  to  manage  it  as  well  as  they  did.  Since  complaint  has  reached  this  office 
concerning  very  few  of  the  regiments  recently  moved  under  the  direction  of  this 
office,  and  all  contracts  have  provided  uniformly  for  good  cars  and  accommoda- 
tions for  all  alike,  it  seems  obvious  that  it  was  not  the  fault  of  the  Quartermaster's 
Department  nor  the  railroad  companies  that  accommodations  were  not  to  the 
liking  of  the  complainants,  but  that,  if  there  was  anything  not  up  to  "modern" 
and  "standard"  accommodations,  it  was  due  only  to  the  exigencies  of  the 
situation. 

Very  respectfully,  G.  C.  Smith, 

Colonel  and  Deputy  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army. 


CLOTHING. 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  2Q,  1898. 
Colonel  Lee,  Chief  Quartermaster,  Battlefield,  Ga. 

The  governor  of  Kentucky  wires  the  Adjutant-General  as  follows:  "The  Sec- 
ond Kentucky  went  into  camp  at  Chickamauga  some  time  before  the  First  and 
Third.  The  latter  two  are  fully  equipped,  while  in  the  Second  300  of  the  boys  are 
almost  naked  and  barefooted."  Please  investigate  and  report  and  supply  neces- 
sary wants. 

Ludington,  Quartermaster-General. 

[First  indorsement.] 

Chief  Quartermaster's  Office,  Camp  George  H.  Thomas, 

Chickamauga  Park,  Ga. ,  July  27,  1898. 
Respectfully  referred  to  Capt.  M.  G.  Zalinski,  assistant  quartermaster,  U.  S. 
Army,  in  charge  of  clothing  depot,  Battlefield,  Ga.,  for  full  report  of  issues  of 


540        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

clothing  and  equipage  to  this  regiment,  dates  thereof,  articles  issued  and  remain- 
ing due  on  requisitions. 

The  records  of  this  office  show  requisitions  received  as  follows:  June  2, 1898,  for 
clothing  and  equipage,  approved  for  issue  same  date;  June  14,  1898,  for  tentage, 
approved  for  issue  same  date;  June  26,  1898,  for  clothing  and  equipage,  approved 
for  issue  June  27,  1898. 

J.  G.  C.  Lee, 
Assistant  Quartermaster-General,  U.  S.  Army,  Chief  Quartermaster. 

[Second  indorsement.] 

Office  of  Clothing  and  Equipment  Depot, 

Battlefield  Station,  Ga. ,  July  27,  1898. 
Respectfully  returned  to  Col.  J.  G.  C.  Lee,  assistant  quartermaster-general, 
chief  quartermaster,  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Ga. ,  with  report  called  for  in  first 
indorsement. 

Attention  is  called  to  the  fact  that  the  requisition,  approved  by  chief  quarter- 
master June  27,  was  only  presented  at  this  depot  July  26,  and  filled  as  far  as  stock 
at  depot  would  permit,  as  shown  in  report.  The  requisition  calls  for  drawers 
(summer);  but  the  regimental  quartermaster  refused  to  take  them,  saying  he 
wanted  jean  drawers.     This  we  were  unable  to  supply. 

M.  Gray  Zalinski, 
Captain  and  Assistant  Quartermaster,  U.  S.  Army. 

[Third  indorsement.] 

Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Chief  Quartermaster's  Office, 

Chiekamauga  Park,  July  27,  1898. 

Respectfully  returned  to  the  Quartermaster-General  of  the  Army,  inviting 
attention  to  the  preceding  indorsement  and  to  the  inclosed  statement  of  Captain 
Zalinski  of  requisitions  received,  date  of  issues,  and  articles  issued,  and  articles 
remaining  due  which  are  not  on  hand  or  are  not  now  wanted.  This  statement 
shows  that  very  nearly  all  of  the  essential  articles  were  quickly  supplied.  All 
requisitions  received  from  this  regiment  have  been  promptly  acted  upon  by  this 
office  and  filled  as  far  as  practicable  to  do,  orders  having  been  given  by  higher 
authority  that  issues  of  clothing,  etc. ,  to  the  First  Army  Corps,  under  orders  to 
the  front,  should  take  precedence  over  troops  remaining.  Everything  possible 
has  been  done  to  fully  equip  the  troops  of  this  command  throughout  without 
delay,  and  the  regimental  quartermaster  of  this  regiment  verbally  informed  me 
to-day  that  with  a  requisition  he  is  about  to  make  for  a  few  articles  of  clothing, 
etc. ,  his  regiment  will  have  everything  it  needs. 

The  receipt  of  this  telegram  was  the  first  intimation  received  at  this  office  that 
this  regiment  had  any  complaint  to  make  regarding  not  having  been  supplied  with 
clothing,  etc.  The  commanding  officer  has  never  spoken  or  written  to  me  on  the 
subject,  hence  I  had  no  knowledge  whatever  that  any  of  his  needs  had  not  been 
met,  and  from  the  report  above  referred  to  there  seems  but  little  cause  for 
complaint. 

J.  G.  C.  Lee, 
Colonel  and  Assistant  Quartermaster- General,  U.  S.  Army, 

Chief  Quartermaster. 

(One  inclosure. ) 


[Extract  from  telegram  of  Major-General  Breckinridge,  Inspector-General,  to  Major-General 
Commanding,  dated  Chiekamauga,  Tenn.,  May  ;«),  1898.] 

Lack  of  uniforms,  especially  underclothing,  noted  nearly  every  where,  and  many 
companies  in  mixed  and  some  wholly  civilian  dress,  and  individuals  purchasing 


REPLY    OF    QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 


541 


stores  for  public  purposes,  from  stationery  and  light-weight  clothing  to  provisions 
and  medical  supplies,  is  one  phase  of  situation  here.  Regiments  have  complained 
that  sizes  of  clothing  issued,  from  hats  to  leggins,  sometimes  do  not  fit  and  the 
quartermaster  will  not  exchange.  Many  men  are  overcome  by  heat.  In  tropical 
climate  a  cheap  ventilator  seems  needed  for  hat  under  sweat  leather. 


Hdqrs.  First  Army  Corps  and  Department  of  the  Gulf, 

Chief  Quartermaster's  Office, 
Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.,  June  4, 1898. 
Quartermaster-General  of  the  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  receipt  from  your  office  of  a  copy 
of  General  Breckinridge's  report  of  May  30,  in  relation  to  clothing  of  troops  at 
this  camp. 

It  is  not  at  all  singular  that  there  should  be  a  lack  of  uniforms  in  a  large  body 
of  enlisted  men — 45  regiments — thrown  into  camp  from  civil  life,  all  within  two 
weeks,  and  inspected  before  they  had  an  opportunity  to  be  supplied.  The  work 
has  been  pushed  with  the  utmost  vigor,  every  officer  of  the  Quartermaster's 
Department  (only  three  in  all)  working  fully  eighteen  hours  a  day  to  accomplish 
it.  The  Quartermaster-General  can  judge  by  the  amount  of  clothing  sent  what  a 
task  it  must  have  been  to  issue  it  to  green  troops,  wholly  unaccustomed  to  forms 
and  usages.  It  is  easy  for  regiments  to  complain  and  inspectors-general  to 
criticise,  but  I  venture  to  say  that  if  they  had  it  to  do  they  would  understand  it 
better.  It  takes  long  enough  to  issue  now,  but  if  a  general  exchange  business 
were  gone  into  it  would  be  months  instead  of  weeks  before  the  regiments  would  be 
uniformed.  Later  on,  when  first  issues  are  well  advanced,  it  may  be  possible  to 
make  exchanges,  but  not  now. 
Yours,  respectfully, 

J.  G.  C.  Lee, 
Colonel  and  Assistant  Quartermaster- General,  U.  S.  Army, 

Chief  Quartermaster. 


Exhibit  L. 

Statement  showing  in  detail  the  amounts  available  for  ivar  expenditures  April  1, 
1898,  the  appropriations  made  thereafter,  and  the  amounts  available  by  August 
31,  1898. 


At  command 
of  Depart- 
ment for 
war  expend- 
itures 
Apr.  1,1898. 

Appropriated  for  war  expenditures. 

Appropriations. 

Fiscal  year 
1899,  act 
Mar.  15, 

1898. 

Deficiency 

act  May  4, 

1898. 

Deficiency 

act  July  7, 

1898. 

Total  appro- 
priated. 

$671, 183. 14 
150,929.51 

24,570.39 
214, 227. 96 
825,158.20 

771,387.67 

$1,800,000.00 
600,000.00 

130,000.00 

750,000.00 

2,300,000.00 

975,000.00 

$1,000,000.00 
750,000.00 

1,500,000.00 

300,000.00 

6,000,000.00 

10,000,000.00 

$12,500,000.00 
5,250,000.00 

4,000,000.00 

2,450,000.00 

53,000,000.00 

26,000,000.00 

$15,300,000.00 

Incidental  expenses 

6,600,000.00 

Horses,  cavalry  and  artil- 

5,630.000.00 

Barracks  and  quarters 

Army  transportation 

Clothing    and    camp    and 

3,500,000.00 
61,300,000.00 

36,975,000.00 

National  -defense  allot- 
ments,  approved  April  1 
and  19, 1898 

1,500,000.00 

Bringing  home  the  remains 
of   officers    and   soldiers 
who  die  abroad,  act  July 
8,1898    .            

200,000.00 

Total 

2,657,456.87 

131,005,000.00 

542        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH   SPAIN. 

Statement  showing  in  detail  the  amounts  at  command  of  the  Department  April  1, 
1898,  not  available  for  war  expenditures. 


Appropriations. 


Fiscal  years  ending  June  30— 


1897. 


1898. 


Regular  supplies 

Incidental  expenses 

Horses,  cavalry  and  artillery 

Barracks  and  quarters 

Army  transportation 

Clothing  ana  equipage 

National  cemeteries 

Pay  of  superintendents  national  cemeteries. 

Construction  and  repair  hospitals 

Shooting  galleries  and  ranges 

Suarters  for  hospital  stewards 
ead  stones  for  graves  of  soldiers 

Military  posts 

Repairing  roads  to  national  cemeteries 

Burial  of  indigent  soldiers 


$453. 
46, 


KB 
89 


128.25 
275. 46 

668. 60 

600. 61 
074.93 
501.88 
389. 96 
152.99 
&53.21 
768.40 

8.18 
203.81 
393  22 
225.17 
366.50 


$442,289.97 

29,274.78 

13.51 

86,566.81 

209,142.80 

33,392.33 

602.04 

2.17 

313. 89 

250.62 

49.87 

60.14 

79,882.02 

.08 

1,000.00 


$30,509.56 

10,258.17 

31,624.86 

308.77 

206.79 

14,473.27 

190,981.90 

3,245.21 

1,000.00 


830,901.17 


Fort  "Wayne  Military  Reservation 

Military  post,  Fort  Riley,  Kans 

Military  post,  Spokane,  Wash. 

Military  post,  Bismarck,  N.  Dak 

Target  range,  Jefferson  Barrac  ks,  Mo 

Road  to  the  national  cemetery,  Presidio  of  San  Fran- 
cisco  -. 

Road  to  the  national  cemetery,  Springfield,  Mo 

Sewerage  system,  Fortress  Monroe 

Improvement  of  Yellowstone  National  Park 


160.07 

108.66 

74,526.17 

40,000.00 


18,000.00 


18.80 


570.00 
3,393.88 


Total. 


1,001,559.40 


304,572.31 


Appropriations. 


Indefinite. 


Road  to  the  national  cemetery  at  Hampton,  Va 

Road  to  the  national  cemetery,  Springfield,  111 

Military  road,  Fort  Washakie,  Wyo 

Military  storehouse,  Omaha,  Nebr 

Road  to  the  national  cemetery,  Presidio,  San  Francisco  . 
Purchase  of  land  for  target  range,  Fort  McPherson,  Ga. 

Purchase  of  buildings  at  military  posts 

Post-office,  Fortress  Monroe,  Va 

Hospital,  Fort  Meade,  S.  Dak 

Payment  to  John  Finn » 

National  cemetery,  Fort  Smith,  Ark 

Relief  of  people  in  mining  regions  of  Alaska 


$2,000.00 

3,500.00 

5,000.00 

11,019.13 

100.27 

3.20 

9,977.48 

406.67 

423.63 

543.11 

14,458.60 

190,000.00 


Total 


237,432.09 


Total  indefinite $237,432.09 

Total  fiscal  year  1896 830,901.17 

Total  fiscal  year  1897 1,001,559.40 

Total  fiscal  year  1898 304,572.31 


Grand  total 2,374,464.97 


REPLY  OF  THE  COMMISSARY-GENERAL,  U,  S.  A,  TO  QUESTIONS 
PROPOUNDED  BY  THE  COMMISSION. 


543 


REPLY  OF  THE  COMMISSARY-GENERAL,  U.  S.  A.,  TO 
QUESTIONS  PROPOUNDED  BY  THE  COMMISSION. 


War  Department, 

Washington,  October  6,  1898. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  hand  you  herewith  answers  to  interrogations  pro- 
pounded to  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence. 
Very  respectfully, 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 

The  Chairman  of  the  Commission  to  Investigate  the  War  Department,  etc. ,  Lemon 
Building,  Washington,  D.  C. 


War  Department, 
Office  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence, 

Washington,  September  30, 1898. 
The  Honorable  the  Secretary  of  War, 

(Through  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army.) 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  answers  to  the  queries  of  the  com- 
mission appointed  by  the  President  to  investigate  the  conduct  of  the  War  Depart- 
ment in  the  war  with  Spain,  transmitted  under  cover  of  letter  from  the  Adjutant- 
General  of  27th  instant,  viz: 

1.  What  was  the  organization  of  the  Subsistence  Department  April  1,  1898;  the 
number  and  rank  of  officers,  and  number  of  commissary-sergeants'? 
Answer.  The  organization  on  the  date  mentioned  was  as  follows: 


Number. 

Rank. 

1 
2 
3 
8 
8 

Brigadier-general . 

Major. 
Captain. 

Total 

22 

There  were  then  96  commissary-sergeants  in  service. 

2.  What  additions  in  number  and  rank  of  regular  officers  and  what  number  of 
volunteer  officers  were  appointed  in  the  Subsistence  Department  between  April  1 
and  August  31? 

Answer.  There  were  no  additions  to  the  number  of  regular  officers  of  the  Sub- 
sistence Department  made  between  April  1  and  August  31 ,  1898.  Additions  to  the 
rank  of  those  officers  were,  however,  made  under  the  operation  of  the  first  section 
of  the  act  of  July  7,  1898  (30  Stat.  L.,  715),  which  prescribed: 

11  That  during  the  existence  of  the  present  war,  and  for  not  exceeding  one  year 
thereafter,  every  commissary  of  subsistence,  of  whatever  rank,  who  shall  be 
assigned  to  the  duty  of  purchasing  and  shipping  subsistence  supplies  at  impor- 
tant depots  shall  have  the  rank  next  above  that  held  by  him  and  not  above  colonel, 

7833— vol.  1 35  545 


546         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

but  the  number  so  assigned  shall  only  be  such  as  may  be  found  necessary,  not 
exceeding  twelve;  also,  that  the  two  commissaries  of  subsistence  who  may  be 
detailed  as  assistants  to  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence  shall  have  the 
rank  of  colonel,  provided  that  when  any  such  officer  is  relieved  from  such  duty 
his  temporary  rank,  pay,  and  emoluments  shall  cease,  and  he  shall  return  to  his 
lineal  rank  in  the  department." 

There  were  five  regular  officers  of  the  Subsistence  Department  commissioned 
in  the  volunteer  service  under  the  act  of  April  22, 1898  (30  Stat.  L.,  361) ,  by  which 
they  secured  additional  rank  over  their  regular  rank.  They  were  also  subject  to 
a  further  increase  of  this  volunteer  rank  by  an  assignment  to  the  duties  specified 
in  section  1  of  the  act  of  July  7, 1898,  above  quoted. 

Under  the  second  section  of  the  act  of  July  7, 1898,  above  referred  to,  8  majors 
and  12  captains  were  added  to  the  Subsistence  Department  in  the  volunteer  service 
during  the  existence  of  the  war  with  Spain  and  not  to  exceed  one  year  thereafter. 

There  were  appointed  under  the  act  of  April  22, 1898  (30  Stat.  L. ,  361) ,  101  volun- 
teer subsistence  officers  up  to  the  date  of  August  31.  Of  these  9  never  qualified 
under  their  commissions. 

3.  On  April  1, 1898,  an  army  of  what  size  was  the  Subsistence  Department  pre- 
pared to  fully  supply  with  officers  and  the  necessary  field  rations,  and  of  what 
does  that  ration  consist? 

Answer.  The  number  of  subsistence  officers  in  service  April  1, 1898,  including 
the  Commissary-General  and  his  office  assistants,  was  22.  This  number,  if  they 
had  all  been  ordered  in  the  field,  would  have  been  sufficient  to  properly  officer 
with  subsistence  officers  one  army  corps,  consisting  of  the  maximum  enlisted 
strength  authorized  by  section  9,  act  of  April  22,  and  one  army  corps  of  two-thirds 
maximum  enlisted  strength  authorized  by  that  section.  From  the  stores  on  hand 
in  the  storehouses  at  the  various  military  posts  at  the  time,  and  with  such  stores 
as  they  could  have  hurriedly  purchased  before  quitting  the  duties  they  were 
engaged  upon,  the  officers  of  the  Subsistence  Department  could  probably  have 
supplied  an  army  of  75,000  or  80,000  men  with  field  rations  for  a  period  of  sixty 
days.  The  duties  which  they  left  behind  would  have  had  to  be  taken  up  and  dis- 
charged by  others  before  the  lapse  of  that  period,  however,  as  the  duties  of  pur- 
chasing and  shipping  stores  for  an  army  engaged  in  active  operations  can  not  be 
left  unprovided  for  nor  efficiently  performed  by  officers  who  are  integral  parts  of 
the  active  moving  forces. 

A  "  field  ration,"  as  understood  in  the  Army,  consists  of  the  following  compo- 
nent articles: 

Bacon _ pound. .    £ 

Hard  bread  _ do 1 

Beans do ■£$ 

Potatoes,  onions,  and  canned  tomatoes,  when  possible do 1 

Coffee,  roasted . do ^ 

Sugar .do ^ 

Vinegar ...gallon..    ^ 

Candles pound. .    ffo 

Soap _ do ^ 

Salt. do....    ^ 

Pepper do....    Tfo 

4.  Between  April  1,  1898,  and  August  31,  what  arrangements  were  made  for 
fully  supplying  with  food  an  army  of  250,000  men  serving  in  the  field  and  in  camp; 
what  was  the  field  ration  and  what  was  the  ration  in  camp? 

Answer.  The  purchasing  commissaries  on  duty  in  the  principal  purchasing  cen- 
ters of  the  country  were  already  established  on  April  1 ,  and  received  their  orders 
from  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence  on  the  breaking  out  of  hostilities 
for  the  procurement  and  shipment  of  all  subsistence  supplies,  except  fresh  beef 


REPLY    OF    COMMISSARY-GENERAL.  547 

and  fresh  bread,  needed  by  the  various  camps  and  in  the  field.  These  supplies 
were  forwarded  to  subsistence  field  depots  located  contiguous  to  the  troops  assem- 
bled in  large  bodies,  the  officers  in  charge  of  which  purchased  the  fresh  beef  and 
fresh  bread  needed.  These  depots  were  placed  in  charge  of  officers  of  the  regular 
establishment  who  had  had  experience  in  the  purchase  and  handling  of  supplies 
in  large  quantities.  The  laws  and  regulations  governing  the  purchase  and 
accountability  for  supplies  are  intricate  and  exacting,  and  the  full  duties  con- 
nected with  this  branch  of  the  business  of  the  Subsistence  Department  are  not 
properly  to  be  intrusted  to  newly  appointed  officers,  especially  to  those  devoid  of 
previous  military  training  or  wanting  in  experience  in  the  transaction  of  govern- 
mental business  connected  with  the  Army. 

The  duty  of  obtaining  from  the  field  depots  the  specific  articles  of  food  which 
the  enlisted  men  are  entitled  to  belongs  to  those  subsistence  officers  who  are 
assigned  to  duty  on  the  staffs  of  corps,  division  and  brigade  commissaries,  and  to 
the  commanders  of  companies  and  other  organizations.  It  is  their  duty,  as  an 
integral  part  of  the  combatant  forces,  to  look  out  for  the  wants  of  the  enlisted 
men  and  make  timely  requisitions  on  the  field  depots  for  the  food  supplies  to 
which  their  enlisted  men  are  entitled.  A  large  body  of  subsistence  officers  for 
staff  duty  was  added  to  the  Subsistence  Department  by  appointments  made  under 
the  act  of  Congress.  They  were  amply  supplied  from  the  field  depots,  and 
after  food  supplies  for  the  soldiers  had  been  drawn  by  them  from  the  depots  those 
supplies  were  under  the  control  of  the  commanding  generals  and  their  staffs  and 
were  as  much  in  possession  of  the  troops  as  were  the  wagons,  horses,  and  other 
facilities  necessary  for  their  distribution  among  the  men.  The  Commissary- 
General  of  Subsistence  could  exercise  no  direct  control  over  the  stores  nor  the 
officers  after  issue  except  to  require  the  officers  to  render  accountability  papers 
showing  whether  the  disposition  made  of  the  stores  was  warranted  by  law, 
regulations,  and  proper  orders,  and  to  cause  the  officers  to  be  charged  with  the 
money  value  in  case  of  any  improper  application  on  their  part  shown  by  the 
accountability  papers. 

The  "field  ration"  was  given  in  answer  to  question  3.  The  ration  in  camp, 
where. fresh  beef  and  fresh  bread  were  attainable,  was  as  follows: 

Meat: 

Pork  (TV) .pounds..    ^ 

Bacon  (T2^) do....     & 

Fresh  beef  (£>)  do |f 

or  ■£$  of  fresh  beef  in  canned  salmon do ^ 

Flour do....  li 

or  fresh  bread. do 1-J- 

Vegetables: 
Dry- 
Beans do ^ 

Rice .do ^ 

Fresh- 
Potatoes  _ .do ^ 

Onions . do ^ 

or  canned  tomatoes .do 1 

Coffee,  green do TV 

Sugar do 

Vinegar gallon.  _ 

Candles pound.  _ 

Soap _ _ do 

Salt do....     ^ 

Pepper.... do....    ^ 


Totf 


548         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Tho  proportions  of  the  meat  ration  are  subject  to  variations  by  commanding 
officers,  according  to  the  necessity  of  the  service  in  which  troops  are  engaged. 

5.  What  arrangements  were  made  for  supplying  the  army  in  Cuba,  the  army 
in  Porto  Rico,  and  the  army  in  the  Philippines,  and  of  what  did  the  ration 
actually  consist  in  each  case? 

Answer.  The  arrangements  made  were  the  same  as  for  supplying  other  troops, 
the  entire  facilities  of  the  Subsistence  Department  being  utilized  in  the  purchase 
and  shipping  of  subsistence  stores  to  the  points  of  embarkation.,  Troops  on  ship- 
board were  rationed  for  the  period  of  the  voyages,  and,  in  addition,  supplies  in 
bulk  were  forwarded  by  transports  to  places  of  destination,  amounting,  in  the 
case  of  the  army  in  Cuba,  to  a  four  months'  supply  for  the  entire  command;  in 
that  of  Porto  Rico,  to  a  three  months'  supply,  and  in  that  of  the  Philippine 
Islands  one  portion  of  the  expedition  was  furnished  with  a  four  months'  supply 
and  the  remainder  with  a  six  months'  supply.  In  the  case  of  the  army  which  went 
to  Cuba  the  rations  consisted  of  the  articles  enumerated  in  answer  to  question  4, 
with  the  exception  that  pork  was  omitted,  and  hard  bread  substituted  for  fresh 
bread,  and  roasted  coffee  added  in  large  quantities  for  the  convenience  of  troops 
when  engaged  in  field  operations.  The  fresh  beef  sent  was  fresh  roast  beef  in 
tins.  This  was  supplemented  at  the  earliest  practicable  date  with  cargoes  of 
refrigerated  fresh  beef,  which  reached  Santiago  the  next  day  after  the  port  was 
opened.    Large  quantities  of  stores  for  sales  were  also  sent. 

In  the  case  of  the  army  which  went  to  Porto  Rico  the  ration  consisted  of  the 
same  articles  which  composed  the  ration  sent  to  Cuba,  including  cargoes  of 
refrigerated  beef.     Stores  for  sales  were  also  sent. 

In  the  regiments  sent  to  the  Hawaiian  Islands  the  ration  was  essentially  the 
same  as  that  furnished  the  troops  in  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico,  except  that  where 
the  transports  were  furnished  with  refrigerating  apparatus  refrigerated  beef  was 
supplied  on  the  journey,  and  where  not  so  furnished  beef  cattle  to  as  great  an 
extent  as  possible  were  shipped  in  pens  on  the  transports  for  slaughter  and  use  on 
the  way.     Stores  for  sales  were  also  sent. 

In  the  case  of  the  army  sent  to  the  Philippine  Islands  the  ration  was  the  same 
as  that  of  the  troops  for  the  Hawaiian  Islands,  including  the  provision  for. fresh 
beef  on  the  way.  On  arrival  at  Manila  refrigerated  fresh  beef  was  purchased 
temporarily  from  the  supplies  of  the  navy  until  contract  could  be  made  with 
Australian  contractors  for  furnishing  the  army  in  the  Philippines  with  regular  sup- 
plies of  refrigerated  beef.  Ample  supplies  of  frozen  beef  and  cooled  vegetables 
are  now  on  hand  there.  Stores  for  sales  were  also  sent  in  abundance,  including 
dried  fruits. 

6.  Were  the  troops  in  the  field  and  those  in  camps  fully  supplied  at  all  times 
with  proper  food?    If  not,  why  not? 

Answer.  As  has  been  indicated  in  the  foregoing  answer  to  question  4,  the 
Commissary-General  of  Subsistence,  acting  through  his  purchasing  and  shipping 
officers,  has  been  expeditious  in  ordering  subsistence  supplies  in  ample  quantities 
to  be  placed  in  field  depots  near  every  large  assemblage  of  troops,  these  depots  being 
in  charge  of  experienced  officers  of  the  regular  establishment.  This  much  of  the 
task  of  supplying  food  to  the  enlisted  men  of  the  Army  has  been  performed  by 
the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence  and  his  purchasing  and  depot  officers 
wiijh  fidelity  to  their  trust  and  with  all  due  diligence  of  execution.  Upon  the 
first  moment  of  receipt  of  official  information  of  contemplated  movements  the 
orders  of  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence  have  been  sent  by  telegraph  to 
the  purchasing  and  shipping  officers,  and  in  no  individual  instance  has  delay  of 
transmission  of  supplies  to  the  points  of  concentration  occurred,  the  depots  thereat 
being  fully  supplied  at  all  times  with  proper  food. 

But  it  must  be  borne  continually  in  mind  that  after  food  in  bulk  has  been  put 
down  in  a  commissary  depot  located  in  contiguity  to  a  body  of  troops  the  remain- 


REPLY    OF    COMMISSARY-GENERAL.  549 

der  of  the  task  of  conveying  the  food  to  the  mouths  of  the  men  devolves  upon  a  set 
of  officers  acting  under  the  control  of  the  commanding  officer  of  the  troops.  The 
functions  of  these  officers  require  them  in  their  turn  to  take  the  initiative  and  apply 
to  the  depot.  They  can  not  be  said  to  be  under  the  orders  of  the  Commissary- 
General  of  Subsistence  in  matters  of  detail  and  of  routine.  These  officers  are  the 
chief  commissaries  of  corps  and  divisions,  the  commissaries  of  brigades,  and 
the  commanders  of  companies  and  other  organizations,  who  act  under  the  orders 
of  their  commanding  officers  in  rendering  ration  returns  and  in  making  requisi- 
tions on  the  depot  commissaries,  and  in  seeing  to  it  that  the  enlisted  men  of  the 
command  get  their  regular  daily  individual  allowances  of  food.  No  dereliction 
of  duty  on  the  part  of  these  staff  and  company  officers  in  the  matter  of  conveying 
the  food  to  the  mouths  of  the  men  is  cognizable  by  the  Commissary-General  of 
Subsistence  in  the  first  instance,  they  being  under  the  exclusive  jurisdiction  of 
the  commanders  present,  and  whose  orders  they  obey.  The  brigade  commander 
directs  the  kinds  of  rations  to  be  demanded  of  the  depot  commissary  and  orders 
the  necessary  transportation  for  its  distribution  to  the  company  officers  of  his 
command.  Once  in  the  hands  of  the  brigade  commissaries  for  issue,  the  only  juris- 
diction which  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence  has  over  the  stores  is  to 
see  by  the  official  returns  that  are  rendered  by  the  brigade  commissaries  that  the 
stores  have  been  issued  and  applied  in  accordance  with  the  laws,  regulations,  and 
proper  orders  relating  thereto. 

If  there  were  individual  instances  where  troops  in  the  field  and  those  in  camp 
,  failed  to  be  fully  supplied  with  proper  food,  the  reason  for  the  failure  is  properly 
to  be  furnished  by  those  who,  by  failure  to  take  the  initiative  at  the  proper  time, 
or  for  any  other  cause,  left  the  enlisted  men  under  their  charge  insufficiently  pro- 
vided for. 

Subject  to  these  qualifications,  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence  can  say, 
in  answer  to  the  sixth  question,  that,  so  far  as  his  jurisdiction  over  the  matter  is 
concerned,  troops  in  the  field  and  those  in  camps  have  been  fully  supplied  at  all 
times  with  proper  food. 

7.  What,  if  any,  complaints  in  writing  have  been  received  by  the  Commissary- 
General  in  reference  to  the  prompt  compliance  with  requisitions,  the  lack  of  food, 
poor  character  of  food,  or  complaints  of  any  character  whatever  in  reference  to 
furnishing  supplies  or  the  performance  of  any  duty  appertaining  to  the  Subsist- 
ence Department? 

Answer.  There  have  been  no  complaints  from  any  source  or  from  anyone  of  fail- 
ure or  delay  in  filling  requisitions,  or  lack  of  food,  or  complaints  of  any  character 
whatever,  in  reference  to  furnishing  supplies  or  the  performance  of  any  duty  apper- 
taining to  the  Subsistence  Department.  I  transmit  herewith  the  originals  of  all 
complaints  received,  except  a  few  now  undergoing  investigation,  which  will  be 
furnished  when  returned  to  this  office.  They  have  all  been  investigated,  as  the 
indorsements  show,  by  officers  wholly  disconnected  with  this  Department,  and 
the  results  are  shown  by  the  papers.  The  return  of  these  original  papers  to  the 
files  of  this  office  is  requested. 

8.  What  funds  were  under  the  command  of  the  department  on  April  1  and  what 
additional  funds  were  available  by  August  31  under  general  or  special  legislation? 
Answer.  There  were  on  deposit  to  the  credit  of  disbursing  officers 

of  the  Subsistence  Department  and  in  their  personal  possession  on 
April  1,  1898,  available  for  disbursement  for  subsistence  of  the 

Army $138,045.88 

There  was  undrawn  in  the  Treasury  on  that  date 314, 314. 50 

There  was  appropriated  by  the  act  of  May  4,  1898,  $2,739,643.50;  by 
the  act  of  June  8,  1898,  $5,000,000,  and  by  the  act  of  July  7,  1898, 
$15,367,112.28,  a  total  available  for  the  same  purpose  of 23, 106, 755. 78 

Total 23,559,116.16 


550         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

In  addition,  the  regular  annual  appropriation  for  the  support  of  the  Regular 
Army  during  the  fiscal  year  1891)  was  also  available  and  could  have  been  drawn 
upon,  amounting  to  $1,550,000.  It  has  been  drawn  upon  to  the  extent  of  $32,800 
for  the  purchase  of  supplies  to  be  used  in  Alaska  after  January  1,  1899. 

Having  answered  the  questions  of  the  commission  as  fully  as  they  seem  to  require, 
I  beg  to  inform  the  commission  that  I  am  ready  and  anxious  to  furnish  it  with  any 
further  information  it  may  desire  touching  each  and  every  act  performed  by  this 
department  up  to  the  present  moment.  There  is  no  question  that  can  be  asked 
by  the  commission  that  I  am  not  ready  to  answer;  any  and  every  document  in 
this  office  or  in  the  offices  of  any  officer  of  this  department  is  also  at  the  service 
of  the  commission.  In  further  explanation  of  the  operations  of  this  department 
it  seems  to  me  proper,  and  I  beg  to  make  the  following  observations  for  the 
information  of  the  commission  and  for  such  action  as  the  statements  may 
suggest. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  war  there  was  no  provision  for  baking  bread  in  the  field, 
or  roasting  coffee;  neither  was  there  any  proper  provision  for  tentage  for  the 
appropriate  shelter  of  the  small  quantities  of  subsistence  stores  issued  from  depots 
to  brigade  commissaries  for  immediate  use,  nor  for  sheltering  the  stores  issued  to 
brigade  commissaries  for  companies.  It  is  true  tarpaulins  were  to  be  provided 
and  were  expected  to  answer  this  purpose.  The  Commissary-General  presented 
this  matter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  who  promptly  authorized  the  purchase  of 
field  ovens  for  baking  bread,  and  coffee  roasters,  and  authorized  an  allowance  of 
tentage  for  each  company,  brigade,  division,  and  corps.  The  bake  ovens  have, 
proved  in  every  case  where  there  was  an  opportunity  to  use  them,  as  at  Jackson- 
ville, Camp  Alger,  Camp  Meade,  and  other  places,  a  great  success,  making  better 
bread  than  could  be  purchased  in  the  cities  or  towns,  while  at  the  same  time 
making  a  saving  in  money  which  went  to  the  companies  for  the  purchase  of  other 
articles  of  food.  The  supply  of  coffee  roasted,  or  roasted  and  ground,  was  con- 
sidered by  the  Commissary-General  undesirable,  because  in  the  case  of  roasted 
and  ground  coffee  its  quality  could  not  be  guaranteed,  and  in  the  case  of  both 
roasted,  and  roasted  and  ground,  its  strength  diminished  rapidly.  Coffee  roasters 
were  issued  to  each  company,  and  undoubtedly,  where  used,  furnished  the  troops 
excellent  coffee,  for  the  quality  of  green  coffee  furnished  was  first-class.  Field 
bake  ovens  and  coffee  roasters  were  never  supplied  to  an  army  before. 

COOKS. 

I  have  the  honor  to  attach  hereto  and  make  a  part  of  this  paper,  to  which  I 
invite  the  special  attention  of  the  investigating  commission,  extracts  from  the 
annual  reports  of  my  predecessors  which  show  that  for  about  twenty-five  years 
each  and  every  Commissary-General  has  urged,  every  year,  upon  Congress  the 
propriety  and  necessity  of  enlisting  a  cook  for  each  troop,  company,  and  battery 
in  the  Army.  No  action  wras  taken  upon  these  recommendations  nor  upon  the 
recommendations  to  enlist  a  baker  for  every  garrison  post.  When  the  present 
army  was  recruited,  no  provision  was  made  for  the  enlistment  of  cooks  nor  bakers, 
and  to  this  omission  I  ascribe  the  fact  that  the  food  was  frequently  presented 
in  an  unpalatable  condition,  both  before  Santiago  and  to  some  extent  in  all  the 
camps  in  the  country.  It  will  be  observed  that  the  recommendations  of  my 
predecessors  practically  state  in  advance  that  without  cooks  the  conditions  which 
have  prevailed  in  this  war  would  result. 

I  was  promoted  to  the  position  of  Commissary-General  on  the  3d  day  of  May, 
1898,  and  as  soon  thereafter  as  possible  I  drafted  a  bill  for  the  enlistment  of 
cooks,  realizing  as  I  did  the  paramount  importance  of  this  to  the  welfare,  the 
health,  and  comfort  of  the  troops.  The  bill  authorizing  the  enlistment  of  cooks 
was  approved  by  Congress  on  the  7th  day  of  July,  1898,  but  too  late  to  procure 


REPLY    OF    COMMISSARY-GENERAL.  551 

them  for  the  active  operations  in  the  field.  As  stated  by  my  predecessors,  and  as 
must  be  known  to  each  and  every  member  of  the  commission,  it  matters  not 
what  the  food,  quality  or  quantity,  if  not  properly  prepared  it  can  not  be  accept- 
able nor  properly  serve  the  ends  or  purposes  for  which  it  is  issued.  To  the  lack 
of  cooks  I  attribute  the  just  complaints,  to  the  lack  of  cooks  I  attribute  much  of 
the  sickness  and  ill-health,  and  the  lack  of  cooks  I  consider  the  one  weak  link  in 
a  chain  in  every  other  respect  of  great  strength. 

THE  RATION. 

The  ration  is  ample;  it  is  the  result  of  the  experience  of  one  hundred  years.  It 
has  stood  the  test  of  the  civil  war  and  the  necessities  of  the  army  under  all  con- 
ditions of  camp,  garrison,  and  the  arduous  service  on  the  frontier  after  Indians. 
Every  component  of  it  has  been  carefully  examined,  scrutinized,  and  approved  by 
the  Medical  Department.  It  combines  in  its  components  all  the  essentials  necessary 
to  a  man's  health  and  strength,  and  it  can  be  stated  here,  and  can  be  verified  by 
the  commission  upon  inquiry,  that  those  troops  who  limited  themselves  to  eating 
the  articles  of  the  ration  withstood  the  climatic  changes  and  the  fatigue  and 
exposure  far  better  than  those  who  on  each  pretext  and  opportunity  ate  anything 
and  everything,  including  fruits,  that  came  in  their  way.  It  is  susceptible  of 
proof,  and  can  be  readily  learned  by  the  commission,  that  the  Regular  Army 
found  the  ration  not  only  ample,  but  generally  made  savings  from  it  for  the 
purchase  of  other  articles  of  food. 

In  this  connection  it  may  be  stated  that  when,  by  direction  of  the  President,  a 
cablegram  was  sent  to  Manila  calling  upon  the  officers  there  to  state  if  they 
desired  a  change  in  the  ration,  they  replied  they  were  not  prepared  to  recommend 
a  change.  And  in  the  more  recent  case  of  one  regiment  at  Honolulu  asking  a 
change  General  Merriam,  with  his  knowledge  and  experience  as  an  old  army 
officer,  declines  to  recommend  any  change  in  the  ration.  But,  however  good  the 
quality,  however  large  the  quantity,  without  cooks  the  ration  is  and  always  will 
be  a  failure.  The  troops  will  not  be  well  fed,  and  dissatisfaction  will  be  the 
inevitable  result. 

CONCENTRATED  FOODS. 

Numberless  concentrated  foods  have  been  presented  to  this  office  to  be  pur- 
chased for  the  Army.  In  many  cases  they  have  been  submitted  and  tested  in 
camps,  found  agreeable  to  the  taste  and  palate,  and  many  officers  expressed  their 
willingness  to  have  them,  but  in  no  case  has  any  officer  ever  stated  his  willingness 
that  any  component  of  the  ration  should  be  given  up  and  any  of  these  concen- 
trated foods  substituted  therefor.  The  ration  is  defined  by  law,  and  no  addition 
to  it  is  authorized  by  law,  nor  is  it  legally  within  anyone's  authority  to  add  to  it. 
I  am  not  a  believer  in  feeding  American  soldiers  with  concentrated  foods  nor  with 
emergency  rations.  My  experience  as  a  line  officer,  serving  with  troops  for 
thirteen  years,  and  my  knowledge  of  the  requirements  of  the  soldier,  does  not 
incline  me  to  adding  expense  and  unnecessary  additions  to  the  ration.  Great 
pressure,  very  great  pressure,  has  been  brought  to  bear  upon  this  office  to  pur- 
chase these  foods.  'Some  of  the  owners  of  these  articles  have  evidenced  their 
hostility  to  me  because  I  did  not  purchase  them.  They  have  sought  by  agents 
and  others  to  press  the  purchase  of  their  foods  upon  me.  I  have  considered,  and 
do  consider,  that  the  Government  is  entitled  to  some  consideration  in  this  matter. 
And  while  this  department,  as  I  will  show,  has  gone  beyond  the  law,  purchased 
and  gratuitously  issued  to  soldiers  what  was  never  contemplated  by  law,  it 
preferred  to  incur  the  hostility  of  the  parties  referred  to  rather  than  waste  the 
money  unnecessarily  of  the  Government  even,  if  it  had  the  power  in  law  so  to  do. 


552         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

REQUISITIONS. 

The  plan  adopted  by  me  for  the  supply  of  the  Army  was  to  place  as  near  the 
large  camps  as  possible  a  depot  commissary,  to  the  end  that  the  line  officers,  from 
the  commanding  general  down  to  the  lieutenant,  should  not  be  embarrassed  or 
hampered  with  impedimenta  of  any  kind,  or  with  the  care  of  subsistence  supplies 
beyond  the  few  days'  rations  issued  to  them  for  immediate  use,  and  also  prevent 
duplication  and  excessive  accumulations.  This  relieved  these  officers  of  the  neces- 
sity for  making  requisitions  other  than  on  the  depot  commissary  for  a  few  days' 
supply,  and  the  Commissary-General,  in  close  touch  and  weekly  report  with  the 
depot  officers,  anticipated  their  requisitions  and  in  advance  of  their  being  made 
supplied  them  abundantly.  When  any  of  the  components  of  the  ration  or  articles 
for  sale  became  depleted,  a  telegraphic  notice  to  the  Commissary-General  to  that 
effect  by  the  depot  commissary  was  almost  instantly  filled,  by  direction  of  the 
Commissary-General,  by  one  or  more  of  the  purchasing  commissaries  stationed 
in  the  large  centers  and  markets  of  the  country.  In  such  cases  they  were  shipped 
frequently  within  twenty-four  hours,  and  rarely  was  forty-eight  hours  required 
for  their  procurement  and  shipment. 

In  this  connection  it  is  but  fair  to  state  that  from  the  beginning  of  the  war  to 
the  present  date  there  has  not  been  a  single  assemblage  of  troops,  great  or  small, 
in  all  parts  of  the  country,  in  every  State  and  Territory  of  this  vast  geographical 
area,  that  has  not  been  promptly  and  amply  supplied  with  subsistence  stores, 
and,  when  they  were  gathered  into  the  large  camps,  were  promptly  supplied  with 
articles  for  sale  in  addition.  I  invite  the  special  attention  of  the  commission  to 
this  statement. 

COMPLAINTS. 

From  the  beginning  of  the  war  to  the  31st  of  August  there  has  never  been 
received  by  the  War  Department  a  single  complaint  of  subsistence  supplies,  quan- 
tity or  quality,  from  any  officer  of  the  Regular  or  Volunteer  armies.  When  it  is 
considered  that  it  is  not  only  the  privilege,  but  the  duty  of  an  officer,  no  matter 
what  his  grade,  to  make  complaint  if  ample  supplies  are  not  furnished,  and  no 
complaints,  as  I  have  stated,  were  made,  it  would  seem,  if  the  stories  of  starva- 
tion and  lack  of  supplies  were  true,  that  each  and  every  officer,  from  commanding 
general  to  lieutenant,  must  either  have  grossly  neglected  their  duties  or  been  in 
collusion  with  the  Subsistence  Department  to  starve  the  soldiers.  Of  course, 
either  supposition  is  preposterous,  but  it  serves  to  show  to  the  commission  that 
this  office  was  not  acquainted  with  nor  informed  of  any  deficiency  of  supplies. 
Such  complaints  as  were  received  are  forwarded  to  the  commission  herewith,  with 
the  action  taken  on  them,  the  examination  in  each  case,  as  the  papers  themselves 
show,  being  made  by  line  officers,  officers  wholly  disconnected  with  this  depart- 
ment, and  the  results  show  there  was  no  proper  cause  for  the  complaints,  nor  were 
they  based  upon  truth. 

TRANSPORTATION. 

It  seems  proper  to  invite  the  attention  of  the  commission  to  the  fact  that  this 
department  is  not  authorized  by  law  to  procure  transportation  for  its  supplies.  It 
purchases  the  supplies  and  turns  them  over  to  the  Quartermaster's  Department 
for  delivery  to  the  commissary  officers  on  duty  with  the  troops.  Neither  has  this 
department  the  privilege  or  authority  for  loading  transports. 

RETURN   OF  THE  SICK   FROM  SANTIAGO  TO  THE   UNITED  STATES. 

Grave  complaints  have  been  published  in  the  papers  that  the  transports  for  the 
sick  from  Santiago  to  the  United  States  were  not  properly  provisioned.  If  there 
is  any  truth  in  these  published  statements,  then  the  fault  should  be  placed  wher- 
ever it  belongs;  it  should  not  be  laid  at  the  door  of  the  Subsistence  Department, 


REPLY    OF    COMMISSARY-GENERAL.  553 

for  there  was  no  time  when  there  were  not  ample  supplies  at  Santiago,  not  only 
for  the  transports,  but  for  the  troops,  the  Spanish  prisoners,  and  the  poor  and  des- 
titute. Indeed,  so  great  was  the  abundance  of  supplies  that  many  of  the  trans- 
ports bringing  back  the  sick  were  fully  or  partially  loaded  with  subsistence 
supplies  intended  for  Santiago  which  were  never  taken  out  of  the  ships  there. 
In  the  case  of  one  transport — The  Grand  Duchess — there  were  over  1 ,000  tons  of 
subsistence  stores  brought  back  by  her  without  being  unloaded  at  Santiago,  and 
even  then  Lieutenant-Colonel  Osgood,  the  depot  commissary  there,  under  recent 
date  cables  this  office:  "There  are  supplies  enough  on  hand  at  Santiago  for  ten 
times  the  number  of  troops  here."  This,  too,  while  the  Subsistence  Department 
was  feeding  all  the  Spanish  prisoners  and  such  of  the  destitute  as  the  commanding 
general  there  deemed  fit  to  feed.  In  face  of  this  condition  of  affairs,  the  officers 
in  command  of  the  transports,  or  of  the  troops  on  the  transports,  are  responsible 
for  any  failure  to  have  drawn  an  abundant  supply  for  the  troops  on  board. 

GENERAL  ORDERS  116  AND  136. 

Very  shortly  after  the  fall  of  Santiago,  General  Shafter  telegraphed  to  the  Sec- 
retary of  War  asking  for  $2,000  for  the  purchase  of  chickens  for  the  sick.  A  copy 
of  this  dispatch  was  furnished  the  Commissary-General,  who  upon  its  receipt 
instantly  waited  upon  the  Secretary  of  War  and  informed  him  his  department 
could  furnish  the  money  and  very  much  more — as  much  as  was  required — for  such 
purposes.  The  Secretary  of  War  expressed  surprise,  as  he  had  just  directed  that 
the  amount  asked  for  by  General  Shafter  should  be  furnished  out  of  his  own 
pocket.  The  Commissary-General  stated  to  the  Secretary  of  War  that  the  rations 
for  the  sick  could  be  commuted,  if  approved  by  him,  at  75  cents  a  day,  which 
would  be  ample  to  furnish  all  kinds  of  delicacies  of  food,  solid  and  liquid, 
required  by  the  sick  and  as  designated  by  the  surgeons.  This  authority  to  com- 
mute the  ration  at  "75  cents  was  immediately  telegraphed  General  Shafter,  who 
personally  expressed  to  me  afterwards  his  appreciation  of  the  action. 

In  anticipation  of  the  requirements  of  the  sick  coming  from  Santiago  to  Mon- 
tauk  Point,  I  framed  General  Order  116  (cppy  herewith),  providing  for  the  com- 
mutation of  the  rations  of  the  sick  at  60  cents  per  day,  an  amount  three  times 
greater  than  the  cost  of  the  entire  ration,  and  ample  for  the  purchase  in  New 
York  of  all  delicacies — articles  of  food,  solid  and  liquid — that  might  be  needed  by 
the  surgeons  of  hospitals  in  feeding  the  sick.  This  order  was  submitted  to  the 
Secretary  of  War,  who  promptly  approved  it.  It  was  afterwards  amended  by 
General  Order  136  (copy  herewith) ,  extending  its  benefits,  as  will  be  noted  in  the 
order.  General  Wheeler,  who  was  then  in  command  of  Montauk  Point,  was  also 
informed  that  the  benefits  of  General  Order  116  could  be  extended  not  only  to 
the  sick  in  hospitals,  but  to  those  men  who,  while  convalescent  and  not  in  hos- 
pitals, might  be  considered  as  not  well  and  strong  enough  for  the  hearty  food  of 
the  ration,  and  who  could  be  borne  as  "sick  in  quarters."  In  fact,  there  was 
practically  no  limit  placed  upon  the  extent  to  which  the  order  might  be  carried. 
This  order  is  now  in  force  wherever  there  are  troops  of  the  United  States.  In 
addition  to  the  articles  supplied  under  this  order,  the  Subsistence  Department,  by 
direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  purchased  and  gratuitously  issued  to  the  sick 
at  Montauk,  in  addition  to  the  ration — in  addition  to  all  the  benefits  flowing  from 
General  Order  116 — the  following  articles  and  amounts  of  food: 

Ice .pounds__  1,085,200 

Milk _ _ gallons.  _        54,860 

Halibut .pounds.  _  8, 000 

Lima  beans do 47, 047 

Tea do 250 

Apples  (canned)  _ 3-pound  cans_.  6, 020 


554  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Apples  (canned) gallon  cans. .  1, 774 

Apples  (evaporated) -  -  .pounds. .        21 ,  550 

Apricots  (evaporated) do 14, 500 

Butter do....        34,799 

Corn  (canned) cans..        13,889 

Cocoa pounds. .  1, 080 

Soda  crackers - --do 9,950 

Hani  (sugar  cured) do 19,927 

Evaporated  cream cans.  _        31, 140 

Oatmeal. pounds. .        31, 985 

Peaches  (evaporated) .do 18, 025 

Peaches  (canned) .cans. .        14, 973 

Pears  (canned) .  _ do 14, 869 

Pease  (canned) .do 16,128 

Prunes  _ .pounds. .  9, 925 

Beef  soup cans.  _  7, 500 

Chicken  soup do 11, 490 

Pickles gallons. .  7, 100 

Oranges crates. .  300 

Lemons do 150 

Eggs dozen. .        53, 070 

It  may  be  stated  in  this  connection  that  there  is  no  authority  in  law  for  the 
purchase  or  gratuitous  issue  of  these  articles  of  food.  This  fact,  however,  was 
well  known  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  who  nevertheless  insisted  that  anything 
whatsoever  necessary  for  the  comfort  and  health  of  the  troops  should  be  provided, 
whether  authorized  by  law  or  not.  I  invite  the  special  attention  of  the  commis- 
sion to  these  facts  in  connection  with  the  published  stories  in  the  papers  of  starva- 
tion of  the  troops  at  Montauk  Point.  It  may  be  appropriate  to  say  here  that  the 
sick  were  hungry,  but  it  is  a  well-known  fact  that  typhoid  patients  are  always 
hungry,  and  that  to  feed  them  is  to  murder  them. 

PERISHABLE   STORES. 

In  the  vast  quanity  of  perishable  stores  purchased  by  this  department,  sub- 
jected to  exposure  to  the  summer  suns  of  Southern  climates,  detained  in  hot  rail- 
road cars,  and  often  exposed  to  the  sun  before  being  warehoused  because  of  lack 
of  them,  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  some  of  the  articles  should  deteriorate 
and  at  time  of  issue  some  parts  of  them  be  unfit  for  issue.  This  occurred  in 
some  instances,  not  many,  but  in  each  and  every  case  where  any  article  was 
found  not  absolutely  of  good  quality  the  deteriorated  articles  were  promptly 
replaced,  and  no  command  was  at  any  time  obliged  to  keep  what  was  not  entirely 
fit  for  use.  Indeed,  so  anxious  was  I  upon  this  point  that  some  bacon  only 
slightly  deteriorated  was  ordered  sold  by  me  in  Chattanooga,  and  I  have  it  from 
merchants  of  that  place  that  the  very  bacon  was  being  sold  to  citizens  and  used 
by  them.  In  the  same  way  some  flour  which,  from  being  stored  in  warehouses 
where  grain  had  been,  became  slightly  weevily,  was  also  ordered  sold,  so  that 
there  could  be  no  possible  complaint  on  the  part  of  the  volunteers.  Had  it  been 
a  case  of  the  Regular  Army  the  Government  would  not  have  been  subjected  to 
any  loss  entailed  by  the  sale  of  these  articles.  The  flour  would  have  been  sieved 
and  used,  the  bacon  overhauled  and  the  good  parts  issued. 

REGIMENTAL  AND  COMPANY   OFFICERS  AND   THE   RATION. 

From  statements  and  reports  that  have  reached  this  office  it  is  evident  that  due 
attention  to  the  cooking  and  care  of  the  ration  was  not  paid  by  many  regimental 
and  company  officers.    In  one  case  that  has  come  to  the  knowledge  of  this  office 


REPLY    OF    COMMISSARY-GENERAL,  555 

a  command  moving  from  Camp  Alger,  which  had  drawn  its  supplies,  moved  off 
in  the  train,  leaving  behind  them  their  rations,  packed  and  ready  for  them  on  the 
platform  of  the  railroad  station.  In  consequence,  they  had  nothing  to  eat  that  day 
nor  part  of  the  next  day,  which  fact  was  fully  exploited  in  the  newspapers  as  a 
case  of  starvation. 

While  I  am  led  to  believe  from  what  I  have  heard  from  officers  that  due  and 
proper  care  of  the  ration  and  cooking  was  not  given  by  the  regimental  and  com- 
pany officers,  I  am  still  firmly  of  the  belief  that  no  amount  of  care  or  attention 
on  their  part  could  overcome  the  lack  of  cooks,  could  overcome  the  inability  of 
the  men  to  cook — men  who  never  cooked  before,  did  not  wish  to  cook  then  or  now, 
do  not  expect  to  cook  when  they  leave  the  service — men  who  look  upon  it  as  offen- 
sively objectionable  to  cook,  and  who,  even  when  they  tried,  failed  utterly  to 
either  cook  proper  quantities  or  to  present  the  food  in  anything  like  acceptable  or 
palatable  shape.  Nevertheless,  this  condition  might  have  been  improved  if  that 
same  attention  to  the  care,  preservation,  and  cooking  of  the  ration  had  been  given 
by  the  volunteer  officers  that  is  considered  in  the  Regular  Army  one  of  the  first  and 
imperative  duties  of  an  officer.  I  can  not  too  strongly  impress  my  firm  convic- 
tion that  most  of  the  trouble  lies  in  this  want  of  cooks,  and  the  fact  that  there 
have  been  practically  no  complaints  from  the  Regular  Army  of  food,  and  large 
savings  made,  emphasizes  this  view  of  the  situation.  While  it  is  a  well-estab- 
lished fact  that  volunteer  troops  threw  away  they  rations  before  Santiago,  there 
are  no  reports,  that  I  have  heard,  of  the  regulars  having  done  so.  It  is  believed, 
however,  that  if  this  war  had  continued  for  three  or  four  months  longer,  these 
inexperienced  officers  and  soldiers  would  have  learned  to  care  for  their  rations 
and  for  themselves. 

SUPPLYING  TROOPS  IN  CAMPS. 

At  all  the  camps  in  the  United  States  prompt  provision  was  made  for  the  sup- 
ply of  fresh  beef,  fresh  bread,  and  fresh  vegetables.  These  articles  were  furnished 
in  each  case,  though  in  one  or  two  instances,  I  am  informed,  volunteer  officers 
failed  to  call  on  the  depot  for  them  until  reminded  by  the  depot  officer  that  they 
should  do  so.  As  an  illustration,  at  Camp  Alger,  I  am  informed,  a  colonel  com- 
manding excused  his  failure  to  call  for  or  receive  fresh  beef  by  stating  that  he 
had  no  saw  with  which  to  cut  the  beef.  There  are  many  instances  of  ignorance 
or  negligence  somewhat  similar  to  this. 

The  travel  ration  was  used  only  when  absolutely  necessary,  and  fresh  beef, 
fresh  bread,  and  vegetables  supplied  instantly  when  the  troops  went  into  camp. 
While  the  Subsistence  Department  was  providing  in  this  way  for  the  very  many 
large  camps  in  the  United  States,  Santiago,  Porto  Rico,  Manila,  and  Hawaii,  it 
was  also  supplying  135  military  posts  in  the  United  States,  from  which  a  complaint 
has  never  been  heard. 

MOVEMENTS  OF  TROOPS. 

I  take  pleasure  and  satisfaction  in  the  positive  statement  that  from  the  begin- 
ning of  the  war  to  the  present  moment,  however  short  the  notice — and  many 
times  it  was  very  short — there  has  never  been  a  movement  of  troops,  never  a 
body  of  troops,  great  or  small,  retarded  or  delayed  one  single  moment  by  reason 
of  lack  of  subsistence  supplies.  I  ask  the  closest  examination  of  this  statement, 
and  as  an  illustration  of  the  promptness  with  which  troops  were  supplied  and 
fitted  out,  I  beg  to  state  that  this  department  was  notified  on  Wednesday  that  the 
ships  would  leave  New  York  for  Porto  Rico  on  Saturday,  touching  at  Newport 
News,  and  in  that  time  the  Subsistence  Department  purchased,  shipped,  and 
placed  on  transports  the  entire  supply  for  the  expedition  to  Porto  Rico,  and, 


556         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

indeed,  some  of  the  supplies  were  left  by  the  ships  on  the  wharves  becauie  they 
had  not  space  for  them.  I  mention  this  as  an  illustration  of  how  work  was  done 
by  this  department  in  this  war. 

FITTING  OUT  EXPEDITIONS. 

The  expeditions  to  Manila,  Porto  Rico,  and  Hawaii  were  fitted  out  by  the  Sub- 
sistence Department,  under  the  special  instructions  of  the  Commissary-General,  in 
such  a  manner  that  the  commanding  generals  and  the  officers  under  them  were 
not  subjected  to  any  trouble,  responsibility,  or  inconvenience  of  any  sort.  These 
expeditions  drew  merely  the  rations  to  last  them  to  their  point  of  destination. 
The  Subsistence  Department  did  the  rest;  shipped  in  bulk  and  delivered  at  their 
destinations  ample  supplies  for  the  periods  of  time  already  stated  in  this  paper,  so 
that  on  arrival  they  had  simply  to  draw  again  their  stores  as  required.  The  views 
and  wishes  of  the  commanding  generals  were  solicited  by  the  Commissary-Gen- 
eral and  complied  with,  to  the  end  that  there  should  be  as  complete  satisfaction 
as  possible. 

FRESH  VEGETABLES. 

Some  of  the  shipments  of  potatoes  and  onions  spoiled  by  undue  exposure  to  the 
excessive  heat,  but  were  promptly  replaced  as  fast  as  transportation  could  be 
procured. 

HARD  BREAD. 

It  appears  that  some  of  the  hard  bread  issued  at  Santiago  was  not  in  good  con- 
dition. This  was  due  to  exposure  to  rains,  coupled  with  excessive  heat.  The 
bread  was  fresh,  and  if  it  had  not  been  wet  by  rains  would  not  have  deteriorated. 
There  was,  however,  an  ample  supply  of  it  that  was  not  injured  by  rain,  but 
limited  transportation  prevented  its  being  brought  up  to  the  firing  line  to  replace 
that  damaged. 

VOLUNTEER  COMMISSARIES. 

There  has  been  a  great  deal  said  in  the  newspapers  about  the  inefficiency  of  the 
inexperienced  staff  officers.  I  desire  to  state  for  the  information  of  the  commis- 
sion that  with  a  few  exceptions,  I  have  found  the  volunteer  commissaries  to  be 
zealous,  painstaking,  and  anxious  to  perform  their  duties.  Indeed,  it  is  with 
pleasure  that  I  testify  to  their  general  devotion  to  duty.  Considering  that  they 
were  just  from  civil  life,  without  any  previous  experience  in  military  matters,  I 
take  pleasure  in  stating  that  I  think  they  have  done  marvelously  well.  Some  of 
them  have  worked  from  early  until  late  and  under  most  trying  circumstances. 
One,  Capt.  Morton  J.  Henry,  was  shot  while  on  the  firing  line  discharging  to  the 
utmost  of  his  ability  his  duties  as  a  commissary.  Others  of  them  were  close  up 
to  the  firing  line  distributing  as  best  they  could  subsistence  supplies  to  the  troops, 
and  thereby  incurring  quite  as  much  danger  as  any  of  them. 

SUBSISTENCE   OFFICERS   OF  THE   REGULAR  ESTABLISHMENT. 

The  officers  of  the  regular  establishment  have  worked  faithfully,  and  at  times 
day  and  night.  Some  of  them  are  now  broken  down  and  on  sick  leave  because  of 
their  labors.  There  is  no  language  at  my  command  to  do  justice  to  their  efforts 
in  promptly  carrying  out  the  orders  of  the  Commissary-General,  in  the  perform- 
ance of  which  duty  they  knew  no  such  thing  as  office  hours  or  Sundays.  When 
the  commission  stops  to  consider  the  vast  amount  of  supplies  purchased  by  them, 
the  marvelous  rapidity  with  which  troops  were  enrolled,  mustered,  concentrated, 
and  moved,  the  hundreds  of  places  of  rendezvous  in  each  State  and  Territory  of 
this  vast  geographical  area,  and  the  success  which  attended  the  meeting  of  the 
requirements  of  these  troops,  the  commission  can  judge  for  itself  the  extent  of 


REPLY    OF    COMMISSARY-GENERAL.  557 

labor  performed  by  the  few  officers  of  the  regular  establishment.  So  important 
was  the  work  performed  by  each  of  them  that  the  Commissary-General  has  been 
unable  to  spare  any  from  his  post  of  duty  and  has  been  obliged  because  thereof 
to  carry  on  the  vast  business  of  his  office  with  but  one  assistant,  whereas  in  times 
of  peace,  with  but  25,000  men  in  the  Army,  all  located  at  well-regulated,  perma- 
nent posts,  his  predecessors  have  had  generally  three,  and  never  less  than  two 
assistants. 

I  consider  the  work  of  these  officers  the  highest  possible  form  of  patriotism. 
They  quietly,  honestly,  and  successfully  met  every  demand  made  upon  them,  and 
I  profoundly  trust  their  labor  may  be  appreciated. 

QUALITY  OF   FOOD  FURNISHED  BY  THE  SUBSISTENCE  DEPARTMENT. 

I  desire  to  state  to  the  commission  that  the  quality  of  food  furnished  the  troops 
was  not  only  good,  but  without  going  into  fancy  articles  was  first-class.  I  would 
respectfully  suggest  that  the  commission  causes  to  be  brought  before  it  from  any 
or  all  of  the  camps  or  posts  in  the  United  States  where  the  food  now  is  samples 
of  each  and  every  article  of  the  components  of  the  ration  and  of  the  articles  for 
sale.  I  further  suggest  that  this  be  done  by  the  commission  itself,  to  the  end 
that  the  samples  shall  come  to  them  direct,  and  from  such  camp  or  camps  as  they 
may  see  fit  to  select  from,  to  the  end  that  they  shall  have  positive  knowledge 
beyond  peradventure  of  doubt  that  the  articles  they  receive  are  precisely  such  as 
are  and  have  been  issued  to  the  troops. 

In  regard  to  the  canned  roast  beef,  it  is  respectfully  suggested  that  it  is  largely 
used  by  the  armies  in  Europe  and  is  the  best  substitute,  everything  considered, 
that  is  known  for  fresh  beef .  Canned  corned  beef  is  used  only  for  short  journeys 
on  railroad  cars.  It  is  not  considered  fit  for  troops  on  a  march,  as  it  engenders 
thirst.  It  is,  however,  supplied  in  large  quantities,  and  when  preferred  can  be 
obtained  by  the  troops. 

In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  I  am  quite  ready  to  furnish  any  information  in 
this  office  or  the  offices  of  any  of  the  commissaries  that  may  be  desired  by  the 
commission.  I  have  not  deemed  it  necessary  or  appropriate  to  refer  to  the  diffi- 
culties encountered  in  the  prompt,  ample  supply  of  the  troops  by  this  department. 
The  fact  that  they  were  supplied  and  the  difficulties  were  successfully  surmounted 
seems  to  me  sufficient. 

I  attach  hereto  and  make  a  part  of  this  paper  a  statement  showing  the  amount 
of  subsistence  supplies  purchased  by  this  department  and  distributed  to  the  various 
commands  in  the  United  States  and  elsewhere  from  the  1st  of  April,  1898,  to  the 
31st  of  August,  1898. 

Very  respectfully,  Chas.  P.  Eagan, 

Commissary-General,  United  States  Army. 


558         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


MEMOBANDUM  TO  ACCOMPANY  REPORT  OF    COMMISSARY-GENERAL   CHARLES  P. 
EAGAN  TO  INVESTIGATING  COMMITTEE. 

ARMY  COOKS  AND  BAKERS. 

On  November  8,  1876,  the  Commissary-General  submitted  the  following  views 
and  suggestions  upon  the  subject  of  army  cooks  and  bakers,  stated  that  the  effi- 
ciency of  the  Army  would  be  increased  and  desertions  lessened  were  a  cook 
enlisted  for  each  company,  with  extra  pay — say  $4  in  excess  of  the  pay  of  a 
private — and  schools  for  the  instruction  of  cooks  established  at  recruiting  depots 
at  Fort  Columbus,  N.  Y.,  and  Columbus  Barracks,  Ohio,  and  that  bakers  should 
be  especially  enlisted  with  extra  pay — say  $4 — and  assigned  to  posts  as  commissary 
sergeants. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1877,  the  Commissary- 
General  called  attention  to  the  above  remarks  on  army  cooks  and  bakers,  with 
the  view  that  the  attention  of  Congress  might  be  invited  to  it,  and  also  recom- 
mended that  should  schools  for  cooks  be  established  at  recruiting  depots,  bakers 
should  also  be  instructed  at  the  same  schools. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1878,  he  mentioned  the 
fact  that  a  board  had  been  appointed  to  make  the  experiments  in  army  cooking 
and  prepare  a  manual  for  army  cooks. 

Again  in  his  annual  report  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1879,  attention 
was  called  to  the  subject  above  mentioned,  urging  the  Secretary  of  War  to  invite 
the  attention  of  Congress  to  the  fact  that  the  Army  needed  the  enlistment  of  men 
who  have  an  aptitude  for  cooking,  and  the  establishment  of  a  school  for  their 
education  in  the  economy  of  the  kitchen. 

"An  important  aid  to  good  soldiering  is  good  cooking.  This  can  not  be 
obtained  without  good  cooks,  and  good  cooks  can  not  be  obtained  without  educa- 
tion and  adequate  compensation.  If  one  company  cook,  while  actually  perform- 
ing duty  as  such,  were  allowed  50  cents  advance  on  his  clothing  allowance  and 
a  monetary  compensation  of  30  per  cent  per  day,  to  be  paid  either  from  the  Sub- 
sistence Department  or  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  a  class  of  men  would  be 
secured  to  the  Army  who  would  economically  use  the  ration,  cook  it  acceptably, 
and  be  anxious  to  retain  their  position  for  the  extra  compensation  brought,  whilst 
at  present  they  are  only  glad  to  be  relieved  from  kitchen  duty  for  lighter  work." 

The  Commissary-General  believes  the  subject  one  of  the  utmost  importance  in 
connection  with  the  health,  comfort,  and  efficiency  of  enlisted  men  of  the  Army. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  fiscal  year,  dated  October  11,  1880,  he  stated  that 
the  Manual  of  Army  Cooks  had  been  printed  and  distributed  to  the  army,  and 
invited  the  attention  of  the  Secretary  of  War  to  his  remarks  made  in  the  annual 
report  for  the  preceding  year,  and  urgently  recommended  that  the  attention  of 
Congress  be  invited  to  the  subject  as  one  of  the  utmost  importance,  both  in  an 
economical  and  sanitary  point  of  view.  He  also  suggested  that  at  the  annual 
encampments  of  the  State  militia  it  would  be  well  if  the  troops  were  furnished 
with  the  army  ration  by  the  States  and  cooked  for  the  companies  by  men  detailed 
from  the  companies  for  the  purpose,  to  be  done  by  the  assistance  and  under  the 
supervision  of  army  cooks  from  the  army  cooking  schools,  should  such  be  estab- 
lished and  the  State  authorities  so  desire.    He  also  stated  that  at  some,  if  not  all, 


REPLY    OF    COMMISSARY-GENERAL.  559 

the  encampments  of  State  militia  tb.e  food  of  the  troops  was  furnished  by  caterers 
especially  employed  for  that  purpose,  and  the  cost  in  some  cases  was  stated  to 
have  been  $1.50  per  day,  while  the  cost  of  the  army  ration  was  less  than  20  cents. 
Disregarding,  however,  the  cost  of  the  food,  he  considered  it  a  matter  of  great 
importance  that  militia  in  camps  of  instruction  should  learn  what  the  army 
ration  is  and  how  it  should  be  cooked  and  served,  especially  in  the  field. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  year,  dated  October  10,  1881,  he  again  repeated  his 
recommendation  contained  in  his  report  for  1879,  and  submitted  a  draft  of  a  law 
intended  to  accomplish  the  object  desired,  to  wit: 

"  That  there  shall  hereafter  be  enlisted,  for  each  battery  of  artillery,  troop  of 
cavalry,  and  company  of  infantry  in  the  service,  under  such  regulations  as  the 
Secretary  of  War  shall  prescribe,  a  competent  person  as  cook,  whose  clothing 
allowance  shall  be  those  of  a  private  soldier,  but  whose  pay  proper  shall  be  at  the 
rate  of  $22  per  month,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  cook  the  rations  of  the  battery, 
troop,  or  company,  under  such  regulations  as  may  be  prescribed  under  section 
1174,  Revised  Statutes:  Provided,  That  cooks  so  enlisted  shall  not  be  entitled 
under  any  circumstances  to  extra-duty  pay:  And  provided  further,  That  the 
introduction  of  the  grade  into  the  Army  shall  not  have  the  effect  of  increasing 
the  strength  of  the  Army  beyond  the  number  of  men  now  authorized  by  law." 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  year  ending  June  30, 1883,  he  pays  particular  atten- 
tion to  cooks  and  bakers,  and  in  speaking  of  flour  he  says  that  it  is  often  required 
for  use  in  a  company  kitchen,  but  under  existing  regulations  all  the  flour  rations 
drawn  by  companies  must  be  turned  into  the  post  bakery,  the  savings  of  which 
do  not  go  to  the  company,  but  to  the  post  fund,  and  what  flour  is  required  in  the 
kitchen  has  to  be  purchased  out  of  the  company  fund,  raised  by  savings  on  other 
parts  of  the  ration.  It  is  well  known  that  the  ration  of  flour  allowed  by  law  and 
issued  by  the  Subsistence  Department  is  ample,  but  only  about  two-thirds  of  it 
reaches  the  soldier.  Referring  to  the  matter  of  cooks  and  bakers,  he  states  they 
are  essential  for  preserving  the  health  and  securing  the  comfort  and  efficiency  of 
the  troops.  It  matters  not  how  great  in  quantity  or  how  good  in  quality  may  be 
the  raw  articles  of  food  furnished  by  the  Subsistence  Department,  the  soldier  will 
not  be  sufficiently  or  properly  and  wholesomely  subsisted  if  the  articles  are  not 
properly  cooked.  The  best  flour  in  the  hands  of  a  bad  baker  will  produce  bad 
bread,  and  the  best  of  meat  and  vegetables  will,  from  the  hands  of  a  poor  cook, 
afford  the  soldier  only  unwholesome  and  unpalatable  food.  He  favored  special 
enlistment  of  men  as  cooks  and  bakers,  and  of  cooks  he  favored  one  for  each  com- 
pany, troop,  or  battery,  and  of  bakers  one  for  each  garrison,  military  post,  or 
station. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1884,  he  again  ventured 
to  invite  attention  to  the  importance  of  providing  for  the  enlistment  of  cooks 
and  bakers  for  the  Army,  as  the  year  before.  The  present  system  of  temporary 
details  from  the  small  company  strength,  subject  to  frequent  changes,  for  cooks 
and  bakers,  is  vicious  in  the  extreme  for  garrison  service.  The  men  so  detailed 
are  inexperienced,  and,  from  the  temporary  nature  of  the  employment,  they  take 
but  little  interest  in  it  and  frequently  look  upon  the  work  with  disgust.  The 
natural  result  is  good  materials  transformed  into  absolutely  unwholesome  food 
by  bad  baking  or  cooking.  He  further  recommended  that  the  net  proceeds  of  the 
savings  on  flour  in  post  bakeries  be  divided  among  the  troops  contributing  the 
flour  in  proportion  to  their  contributions,  and  that  none  of  such  savings  be 
diverted  to  post  funds. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1885,  he  reiterates  what 
he  has  heretofore  said  in  preceding  reports. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1886,  he  again  invites 
attention  to  the  subject  of  cooks  and  bakers  for  the  Army,  and  urges  the  enlist- 
ment of  cooks  and  bakers,  as  in  the  report  for  1881.     That  the  Army  of  the  United 


560         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

States  is  provided  with  a  ration  ample  in  quantity  and  excellent  in  quality  has 
been  demonstrated  in  war  as  well  as  in  peace,  but  the  articles  composing  it  are 
furnished  in  the  raw  state,  and  must  be  further  prepared  by  the  cook  or  the 
baker.  Bake  ovens,  kitchens,  ranges,  cooking  stoves,  and  utensils  are  now  pro- 
vided by  the  Government,  but  no  adequate  provision  has  been  made  for  their 
use  in  the  best  manner.  Everything  is  provided  save  one,  and  that  one  is  the 
skilled  hand  absolutely  necessary  to  transform  the  raw  materials  into  good, 
wholesome,  palatable  food — the  cook  or  the  baker. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30, 1888,  he  renewed  his 
recommendations  made  in  his  several  preceding  reports  for  the  enlistment  of 
cooks  and  bakers.  He  did  not  favor  large  and  expensive  cooking  establishments 
at  military  posts,  but  believed  that  each  company  should  do  its  own  cooking  and 
that  the  company  messes  should  be  continued,  and  that  it  would  not  be  wise  to 
substitute  for  them  post  messes,  where  the  cooking  would  be  done  on,so  large  and 
different  a  scale  that  it  would  all  have  to  be  changed  in  time  of  war  or  in  field 
service.  The  company  mess  in  garrison  is,  and  should  be,  a  school  preparatory 
to  the  field  mess,  while  a  large  and  expensive  post  mess  would  be  preparatory  to 
no  other,  but  would  take  away  the  important  school  and  training  inherent  in  the 
company  mess. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  year  ending  June  30,  1889,  he  reiterated  what  he 
had  stated  in  his  annual  report  of  the  preceding  year. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  year  ending  June  30, 1890,  he  again  called  the  atten- 
tion of  the  Secretary  of  War  to  the  matter  of  enlistment  of  cooks  and  bakers,  as 
heretofore. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1891,  he  again  renewed 
the  recommendations  so  frequently  made  by  his  predecessors,  and  commended 
the  matter  to  the  special  attention  of  higher  authorities,  believing  it  to  be  one  of 
the  greatest  importance  for  the  welfare,  comfort,  and  efficiency  of  enlisted  men 
of  the  Army  for  the  enlistment  of  cooks  and  bakers  for  the  Army. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1892,  he  again  renewed 
the  recommendations  made  by  preceding  Commissaries-General  for  the  enlistment 
of  cooks  and  bakers,  and  cited  the  reasons  heretofore  given  for  their  enlistment. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30, 1895,  he  called  attention  to 
recommendations  made  in  the  years  from  1876  to  1892  for  legislation  which  would 
authorize  the  enlistment  of  cooks  and  bakers  for  the  military  service,  and  hoped 
that  the  Secretary  of  War  might  find  it  consistent  to  urge  upon  Congress  the  de- 
sirability of  passing  the  necessary  laws  for  the  enlistment  and  payment  of  cooks 
and  bakers  needed  for  the  service.  He  cited  the  fact  that  in  the  Navy  stewards, 
cooks,  and  boys  are  enlisted  for  the  service  of  officers  and  crew,  and  suggested  that 
to  perform  similar  work  in  cooking  and  baking  for  the  enlisted  force  of  the  Army 
skilled  cooks  and  bakers  should  be  enlisted  for  these  special  services  whose  pay 
should  be  fixed  by  law.  For  instance,  there  should  be  a  cook  and  assistant  cook 
for  every  company,  and  at  posts  at  which  general  messes  are  established  or  main- 
tained a  chief  cook  at  every  post,  and  one  baker  and  assistant  baker,  with  addi- 
tional assistant  bakers  not  exceeding  one  for  every  200  rations  of  bread  baked  per 
day  in  excess  of  300.  The  pay  of  the  chief  cook  and  the  baker  should  be  $30  each; 
the  cook,  $25;  assistant  baker,  $18,  and  assistant  cook  $16  per  month.  The  expenses 
of  managing  bakeries  have  become  greater  from  the  fact  that  the  bakers  and 
assistants  are  now  allowed  extra-duty  pay  at  the  increased  rates  now  paid  to  all 
classes  of  extra-duty  men.  This  extra  pay  is  paid  out  of  the  money  received  from 
the  sale  of  flour  and  bread. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1896,  he  again  renewed 
his  recommendations  for  the  enlistment  of  cooks  and  bakers,  and  cited  pay  as  in 
1895. 


REPLY    OF    COMMISSARY-GENERAL.  5G1 

ARMY  COOKS. 

After  many  unsuccessful  attempts,  covering  a  period  of  twenty  years,  to  secure 
the  passage  of  a  law  in  the  interest  of  cooks  and  bakers,  Congress  at  its  last 
session  enacted  a  law,  approved  July  7,  1898,  authorizing  and  directing  the  enlist- 
ment of  cooks  for  every  company,  battery,  and  troop  in  the  Regular  and  Volunteer 
armies  of  the  United  States,  as  a  part  of  the  authorized  enlisted  strength  thereof, 
and  to  have  the  rank  and  pay  of  a  corporal  of  the  army  of  the  service  to  which  he 
belonged,  and  accordingly  on  the  12th  day  of  July,  1898,  instructions  governing 
their  enlistment  were  published  in  G.  O.  94,  H.  G.  A. ,  of  1898. 

BAKERS. 

The  recommendation  for  appointment  of  bakers  failed  to  receive  due  considera- 
tion by  Congress  at  its  last  session,  but  upon  his  request  to  the  honorable  the 
Secretary  of  War,  July  9,  1898,  authority  was  given  him  to  employ  such  number 
of  civilian  bakers  as  might  be  necessary  to  bake  the  bread  for  the  Army,  and  to  be 
paid  out  of  the  appropriation ' '  Subsistence  of  the  Army. "  Accordingly,  on  the  13th 
day  of  July,  a  circular  letter  was  issued  by  this  office  and  sent  to  all  officers  of  this 
department  giving  them  detailed  instructions  governing  the  duties  of  bakers.  On 
the  12th  day  of  July,  1898,  12  were  appointed  at  salaries  ranging  from  $50  to  $60 
per  month,  and  sent  to  Santiago,  Cuba,  for  duty.  On  July  24,  6  were  appointed 
and  sent  to  Porto  Rico.  Many  of  them  returned  to  the  States  after  two  months' 
service  and  were  discharged. 

SECRETARIES  REPORTS  FROM   1876  TO   1898. 

In  the  annual  report  of  Secretary  of  War  J.  D.  Cameron,  for  the  year  1876,  no 
mention  is  made  of  cooks  and  bakers. 

In  the  annual  report  of  Secretary  of  War  George  W.  McCrary,  for  the  year  1877, 
no  mention  is  made  of  cooks  and  bakers. 

In  the  annual  report  of  Secretary  of  War  George  W.  McCrary,  for  the  year  1878, 
no  mention  is  made  of  cooks  and  bakers. 

In  the  annual  report  of  Secretary  of  War  George  W.  McCrary,  for  the  year  1879, 
he  repeats  the  Commissary-General's  recommendation  with  regard  to  previous 
recommendations  that  cooks  and  bakers  should  be  specially  enlisted,  extra  pay 
given  them,  and  schools  established  for  their  instruction.  Also  invites  attention 
to  that  portion  of  the  report  of  the  Board  of  Officers  on  Army  Cooks,  which  relates 
to  this  subject. 

In  the  annual  report  of  Secretary  of  War  Alexander  Ramsey,  for  the  year  1880, 
he  repeats  the  recommendation  of  the  Commissary-General  that  army  cooks  and 
bakers  should  be  enlisted  and  cooking  schools  established,  and  recommends  an 
appropriation  of  $1,000  for  printing  Manual  of  Army  Cooks.  Also  states  that 
in  the  annual  encampments  of  State  militia  the  militiamen  should  accustom 
themselves  to  the  use  of  the  army  rations,  the  importance  of  which  will  be  appre- 
ciated by  those  who  have  had  experience  with  volunteers  during  their  first  service 
in  the  field. 

In  the  annual  report  of  Secretary  of  War  Robert  T.  Lincoln,  for  the  year  1881, 
he  invites  attention  to  the  remarks  of  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence  in 
reference  to  the  introduction  of  cooks  into  the  Army  to  prepare  the  rations  of  the 
companies,  troops,  and  batteries,  under  such  regulations  as  may  be  prescribed 
under  section  1174,  Revised  Statutes,  and  recommends  same. 

In  the  annual  report  of  Secretary  of  War  Robert  T.  Lincoln,  for  the  year  1882, 
1882,  no  mention  is  made  of  army  cooks  and  bakers. 
7833— VOL.  1 36 


562         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR   WITH    SPAIN. 

In  the  annual  report  of  Secretary  of  War  Robert  T.  Lincoln,  for  the  year  1883, 
he  states  that  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence  renews  previous  recom- 
mendations looking  to  improvement  in  the  cooking  of  the  food  supplied  by  the 
Subsistence  Department  to  the  Army,  and  suggests  that  if  provision  were  made 
by  law  for  the  special  enlistment  of  men  for  cooks  and  bakers  the  health,  comfort, 
and  efficiency  of  the  troops  would  be  materially  benefited  thereby. 

In  the  annual  report  of  Secretary  of  War  Robert  T.  Lincoln,  for  the  year  1884, 
he  states  that  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence  again  invites  attention  to 
the  importance  of  providing  for  the  enlistment  of  cooks  and  bakers  for  the  Army, 
and  concurs  with  him  in  his  belief  that  such  a  course  would  add  much  to  the 
comfort  as  well  as  the  health  of  the  soldiers,  who  must  now  in  many  instances 
depend  upon  the  cooking  of  enlisted  men  who  have  no  special  aptitude  for  the 
work. 

In  the  annual  report  of  Secretary  of  War  William  C.  Endicott,  for  the  year  1885, 
he  states  that  the  Commissary-General  renews  his  recommendation  for  a  resolu- 
tion authorizing  the  enlistment  of  a  cook  for  each  troop  and  battery  and  for  each 
general  depot  for  recruits  and  a  baker  for  each  garrison  post  in  the  service.  Is 
convinced  that  skilled  men  of  this  character  are  necessary  for  preserving  the 
health  and  promoting  the  health,  comfort,  and  efficiency  of  the  enlisted  men  of 
the  Army,  and  the  Secretary  most  heartily  concurs  in  this  recommendation  and 
trusts  that  the  necessary  authority  will  be  granted  by  Congress,  as  it  is  of  the 
first  importance  to  the  health  and  contentment  of  the  men  that  their  food  is  well 
cooked  and  properly  served. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  year  1886  Secretary  of  War  William  C.  Endicott 
states  that  the  army  ration  is  ample  in  quantity,  excellent  in  quality,  and  the 
utensils  for  cooking  are  all  provided,  but  it  is  not  cooked  as  it  should  be  for  want 
of  proper  skill.  It  is  one  of  the  great  wants  of  the  service,  as  reported  both  by 
the  Commissary-General  and  the  Surgeon-General,  and  nothing  would  add  as 
much  to  the  comfort  of  the  troops  as  a  corps  of  good  cooks.  Accordingly  the 
Secretary  unites  with  the  Commissary-General  in  recommending  that  legislative 
authority  be  granted  for  the  enlistment  of  one  cook  for  each  troop,  battery,  and 
company,  and  each  general  depot  of  recruits,  and  a  baker  for  each  garrison  post. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  year  1887  Secretary  of  War  William  C.  Endicott 
makes  no  mention  of  cooks  and  bakers. 

In  his  annnal  report  for  the  year  1888  Secretary  of  War  William  C.  Endicott 
renews  former  recommendations  that  authority  be  obtained  from  Congress  for 
the  enlistment  of  a  cook  for  each  troop,  battery,  and  company,  and  each  general 
depot  of  recruits,  and  of  a  baker  for  each  garrison  post. 

In  his  annual  reports  for  the  years  1889-90  Secretary  of  War  Redfield  Proctor 
makes  no  mention  of  army  cooks  and  bakers. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  year  1891  Secretary  of  War  Redfield  Proctor  makes 
no  mention  of  army  cooks  and  bakers. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  year  1892  Secretary  of  War  S.  B.  Elkins  again 
invites  attention  to  the  great  importance  of  having  cooks  and  bakers  enlisted  for 
the  Army,  considering  them  essential  to  the  health,  comfort,  and  efficiency  of  the 
troops.    Recommends  that  their  enlistment  be  authorized  by  law. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  years  1893,  1894,  and  1895  Secretary  of  War  Daniel 
S.  Lamont  makes  no  mention  of  army  cooks  and  bakers. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  year  1896  Secretary  of  War  Daniel  S.  Lamont 
states  that  the  consolidated  mess  for  all  the  men  of  a  garrison  has  many  features 
to  recommend  it,  but  it  has  not  met  with  general  approval.  For  two  years  past 
all  new  barracks  built  or  planned  provide  for  company  cooking  and  messing. 

In  his  annual  report  for  the  year  1897  Secretary  of  War  R.  A.  Alger  makes  no 
mention  of  army  cooks  and  bakers. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Chas.  P.  Eagan, 
Commissary-General  of  Subsistence,  United  States  Army. 


REPLY    OF    COMMISSARY-GENERAL.  5G3 

GENERAL  ORDERS  116  AND  136. 

^  War  Department, 

General  Orders,  >  Adjutant-General's  Office, 

No-  116,  '  Washington,  August  10,  1898. 

The  following  is  published  to  the  Army  for  the  information  and  guidance  of  all 
concerned: 

Medical  officers  in  charge  of  general  hospitals,  hospital  trains,  hospital  trans- 
ports, and  the  hospital  at  the  camp  at  Pablo  Beach,  Fla.,  and  at  the  hospital  at 
the  camp  at  Montauk  Point,  N.  Y.,  will  be  allowed  to  expend  from  the  appro- 
priation "  Subsistence  of  the  Army,"  for  the  diet  of  the  enlisted  men  undergoing 
medical  treatment  under  their  charge,  at  the  rate  of  not  exceeding  60  cents  per 
man  per  day  for  the  period  each  is  undergoing  treatment.  The  allowance  so  made 
will  constitute  a  special  fund  in  the  hands  of  the  medical  officer  in  charge,  from 
which  will  be  purchased  the  entire  diet  of  the  enlisted  men  while  undergoing 
medical  treatment.  These  purchases  will  be  restricted  to  articles  of  food,  solid 
and  liquid,  the  quantities  and  varieties  of  which  will  be  determined  by  the  medical 
officer  in  charge. 

Chief  commissaries  of  departments  will  transfer  to  medical  officers  in  charge 
such  subsistence  funds  as  may  be  estimated  for  by  the  latter  for  carrying  out  the 
objects  of  this  order. 

There  will  be  rendered  monthly  to  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence,  by 
the  medical  officers  concerned,  regular  accounts  current  supported  by  vouchers 
showing  the  application  of  these  funds,  and  regular  returns  of  subsistence  stores 
accounting  for  the  articles  of  food  purchased  and  issued.  There  will  be  submitted 
with  each  monthly  return  a  tabular  statement  showing  the  number  of  patients 
present  during  the  month  as  shown  by  the  hospital  records,  and  the  money  value 
of  the  articles  issued  to  and  consumed  by  them.  The  statement  will  be  so  arranged 
as  to  show  the  actual  cost  of  subsistence  per  man  per  day  for  the  month. 

Transfers  of  subsistence  funds  from  one  hospital,  train,  or  transport  to  another 
without  authority  of  the  Commissary-General  of  Subsistence,  and  the  purchase 
from  subsistence  funds  of  articles  other  than  food  intended  for  diet  of  the  sick, 
are  prohibited. 

This  order  will  go  into  effect  at  once,  and  all  surplus  funds  in  the  hands  of 
medical  officers  in  charge,  arising  from  the  commutation  of  rations  heretofore 
allowed  to  enlisted  men  undergoing  treatment  under  their  charge,  will  be  taken 
up  on  their  accounts  current  for  the  month  of  August,  and  all  articles  purchased 
from  such  commutation  remaining  on  hand  unconsumed  on  receipt  hereof  will 
be  taken  up  on  their  returns  of  subsistence  stores  for  that  month. 

By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War: 

H.  C.  Corbin,  Adjutant-General. 


War  Department, 
General  Orders,  >  Adjutant-General's  Office, 

No-  136,  >  Washington,  September  3,  1898. 

The  following  is  published  to  the  Army  for  the  information  and  guidance  of  all 
concerned: 

The  provisions  of  General  Orders,  No.  116,  War  Department,  Adjutant-General's 
Office,  August  10, 1-898,  are  hereby  extended  to  include  all  field  and  post  hospitals. 

In  this  connection  it  is  to  be  understood  that  General  Orders,  No.  116,  does  not 
do  away  with  the  hospital  fund,  but  applies  to  patients  who,  in  the  opinion  of  the 
surgeon,  are  too  sick  to  use  the  ration.  For  patients  that  can  use  the  ration  and 
for  the  Hospital  Corps  savings  can  be  made  as  heretofore.  Nor  does  the  order 
take  away  the  privilege  of  using  funds  and  supplies  furnished  by  aid  societies,  the 


564  INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    AVAR     WITH     SPAIN. 

using  of  which  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  surgeon,  as  is  also  the  question 
whether  or  not  there  should  be  separate  tables,  kitchens,  etc. ,  having  in  mind  the 
fact  that  the  subsistence  fund  is  to  be  used  for  those  patients  who  need  special 
articles  of  diet.  General  Orders,  No.  116,  is  further  intended  to  place  in  the  hands 
of  the  surgeon  a  fund  from  which  necessary  articles  of  diet  for  patients  too  sick 
to  use  the  ration  can  be  purchased,  without  waiting  for  the  formation  of  a  hospital 
fund,  and  at  the  same  time  to  prevent  a  large  hospital  fund  accruing  from  those 
too  sick  to  use  the  ration. 

To  sum  up,  the  allowance  of  subsistence  funds  is  intended  to  furnish  the  sur- 
geon with  the  necessary  funds  for  the  purchase  of  such  articles  of  the  diet  as  in 
his  discretion  he  may  find  necessary.  It  is  not  intended  for  those  well  enough  to 
use  the  ration,  nor  is  it  intended  to  furnish  the  Hospital  Corps  with  delicacies  and 
special  articles  of  the  ration  which  could  not  be  purchased  from  their  own  savings. 

By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War: 

H.  C.  Corbin,  Adjutant-General. 

ENCLOSURES. 

No.  26864.  Letter  from  Charles  H.  Dickson,  Washington,  D.  C,  dated  May  25, 
1898,  stating  that  many  soldiers,  notably  District  of  Columbia  and  Sixth  Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers,  complain  that  rations  served  at  Camp  Alger,  Va.,  were 
insufficient,  poor,  and  very  poorly  cooked.  Complaint,  he  understands,  is  general 
at  the  camp.     (One  inclosure.) 

No.  27086.  Letter  from  Hon.  Rowland  B.  Mahany,  M.  C,  dated  Washington, 
May  24,  1898,  in  regard  to  suffering  of  members  of  the  Sixty-fifth  New  York  Vol- 
unteers at  Camp  Alger.  Great  privation  from  want  of  food  and  water.  (Press 
copy  letter  Secretary  of  War  inclosed. ) 

No.  28462.  Letter  from  Hon.  Peter  J.  Otey,  M.  C,  dated  Washington,  D.  C, 
June  11, 1898,  and  June  23,  1898.  (One  inclosure.)  In  regard  to  rations  of  Third 
Virginia  Volunteers  at  Camp  Alger,  Va.,  insufficient,  consisting  of  only  hard 
bread  and  salt  pork,  with  beans  occasionally. 

No.  28730.  Secretary  to  President,  dated  June  15,  1898,  sends  telegram  from  E. 
B.  Carey,  stating  that  his  brother,  a  member  of  the  Sixty-ninth  New  York  at 
Tampa,  is  being  slowly  starved.     (Three  inclosures.) 

No.  28783.  Letter  of  Hon.  Morris  Page,  M.  C,  dated  June  16,  1898,  inclosing 
letter  from  Julia  E.  L.  Moore,  dated  Duluth,  Minn.,  June  8,  1898,  regarding  the 
poor  quality  of  food  furnished  troops  at  Chickamauga,  Ga.     (Two  inclosures.) 

No.  29680.  Letter  from  Mrs.  M.  D.  Blake,  Chicago,  111.,  dated  July  27,  1898, 
with  regard  to  rations  at  Fort  McPherson,  Ga.  Thanks  the  President  and  Secre- 
tary of  War  for  their  prompt  action,  and  says  that  the  soldiers  are  now  well  satis- 
fied with  their  food  and  have  no  complaint  to  make. 

No.  30156.  Mrs.  George  Hopkins,  Savoy,  111.,  June  29, 1898,  complains  that  men 
of  the  Fourth  Illinois  Volunteers  are  being  starved  through  the  negligence  of  the 
officers  in  charge  of  the  provisions  at  Jacksonville,  Fla.  (Copy — original  having 
been  returned  to  Mrs.  Hopkins  by  the  Secretary  of  War. ) 

No.  31518.  Letter  of  Lieut.  Henry  Roach,  Thirty-fourth  Michigan,  dated  at  sea, 
June  27, 1898,  referring  to  statement  made  in  Detroit  paper  that  the  Thirty-fourth 
Michigan  were  fed  on  moldy  bread  and  rotten  beef,  and  that  upon  examination 
officers  and  men  of  regiment  found  no  just  cause  for  complaint  to  exist. 

No.  32159.  Letter  from  M.  L.  Tanner,  Red  Cross  Society,  dated  Washington, 
August  3,  1898,  complaining  of  the  quality  of  food  served  troops  at  Camp  Alger. 

No.  32279.  Letter  from  Charles  H.  Adams,  dated  Pasadena,  Cal.,  June  17,  1898, 
regarding  insufficiency  of  rations  furnished  the  Seventh  California  Volunteer 
Infantry  at  Camp  Merritt. 

No.  27422.  Copy  of  telegram  from  Maj.  Gen.  John  R.  Brooke,  to  Secretary  of 
War,  dated  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.,  May  31,   1898,  stating  there  is  no  reason 


REPLY    OF    COMMISSARY-GENERAL. 


565 


whatever  for  ccmplaint  as  to  quantity  and  kind  of  food  furnished  the  troops  in 
this  camp.  This  in  answer  to  Secretary  of  War's  telegram  asking  what  are  the 
facts.  Press  copy  of  Secretary's  telegram  and  General  Brooke's  telegram  inclosed. 
(Two  inclosures.) 

No.  31174.  September  7  telegram  from  Commissary-General  to  Smith,  commis- 
sary: "It  has  been  reported  that  the  Sixteenth  Pennsylvania  has  been  receiving 
weevilly  bread.  Is  that  so?"  To  which  Colonel  Smith  replies  on  the  8th:  "All 
commissaries  instructed  to  exchange  any  bread  found  spoiled,  and  only  ten  cases 
have  been  turned  in.    Half  fresh  bread  issued  since  August  14." 

No.  27494.  Letter  from  C.  W.  Rhodes,  dated  New  York,  May  29, 1898,  protesting 
to  the  President  about  troops  at  Camp  Black  being  compelled  to  go  without  butter 
and  sugar.    Press  copy  of  Commissary-General's  reply  inclosed.    (One  inclosure. ) 

No.  29759.  On  September  15,  1898,  the  Commissary-General  telegraphs  Osgood, 
commissary  at  Santiago,  Cuba:  "  Has  been  reported  to  the  President  there  is  a 
very  great  deal  of  actual  starvation  and  a  very  great  deal  of  sickness  among 
troops."  Asks  if  there  is  any  truth  whatever  in  the  statement  that  there  has  been 
starvation.  On  September  16  Osgood  telegraphs  the  Commissary-General  that 
men  in  great  numbers  sick,  but  not  from  lack  of  food.  Rations  sufficient  for  ten 
times  as  many  troops.  Stories  of  starvation  stupid  rot.  On  September  16  the 
Commissary-General  telegraphed  Osgood  at  Santiago  concerning  complaints 
about  meat  supplied  by  Swift  &  Co.  Asks  if  damaged  meat  is  being  issued. 
September  18,  1898,  Osgood  informs  Commissary-General  that  unfit  meat  neither 
accepted  nor  issued.    Anything  to  contrary  false. 

No.  31830.  Letter  from  C.  Atkinson,  Norristown,  Pa.,  complaining  that  men  at 
Camp  Alger  are  on  half  rations.    Refers  to  Pennsylvania  regiment. 

No.  35046.  From  C.  T.  Madison,  Second  Louisiana  Volunteers,  Jacksonville, 
Fla.,  September  13, 1898,  protests  against  the  unjust  criticisms  against  the  Sub- 
sistence Department,  and  states  that  the  department  has  always  been  punctual  in 
supplying  his  regiment. 

No.  34901.'  Letter  from  J.  Lee  Adams,  M.  D.,  Washington,  September  7, 1898, 
complains  that  commutation  of  rations  was  refused  his  son,  Arthur  B.  Adams, 
Company  G,  First  District  of  Columbia  Volunteers,  journeying  from  Montauk 
Point  to  Washington,  D.  C. 

General  Orders  116  and  136. 

Extracts  from  reports  of  former  Commissaries-General. 


Abstract  of  subsistence  stores  purchased  by  Subsistence  Department  in  the  months 
of  April,  May,  June,  July,  and  August,  1898,  at  the  various  purchasing  stations. 


Pork pounds.  _  330, 919 

Bacon do._.  7,038,389 

Fresh  beef do. . .  10, 330, 486 

Beef,  corned do.  _  _  2, 044, 355 

Fish,  fresh,  dried,  and  pick- 
led  pounds..  52,352 

Boiled  beef do._.  97,001 

Mutton do...  2,259 

Flour  for  issue. do. . .  17, 898, 299 

Hard  bread do...  11,512,608 

Corn  meal _do._.  945,276 

Baking  powder _do_  _ .  1, 434, 829 

Beans do...  '  3,732,934 

Beans,  baked .cans..  2,321,125 

Peas pounds..  56,712 

Soft  bread ...do...  2,610,187 

Rice. do...  1,086,644 


Hominy pounds . 

Potatoes do. . 

Onions _  _do. . 

Ice do. . 

Roast  beef do. . 

Milk,  fluid quarts. 

Tomatoes .3-lb.  cans. 

Coffee: 

Green  _ pounds. 

Roasted ._ do.. 

Ginger  ale bottles. 

Teas,  assorted pounds. 

Sugar do. . 

Molasses gallons. 

Vinegar do. . 

Salt,  issue pounds. 

Pepper,  black do. . 


255, 028 
9, 197, 882 
1,396,783 

296,130 

4,896,854 

48,380 

20,837,224 

1,603,054 

1,438,829 

93, 770 

19,477 

3,441,505 

6,461 

289, 059 

1,444,317 

105, 676 


56()         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


Abstract  of  subsistence  stores  purchased  by  Subsistence  Department,  etc. — Cont'd. 

Foods — Continued. 
Sardines — 

One-fourth  boxes 35, 899 

One-half  boxes. 13, 292 

Shrimps. cans..  2,854 

Soups qt.cans..  90,616 

Starch,  corn pounds.  _  15,331 

Maple  sirup gallons . .  2, 295 

Sugar,  white — 

Cut-loaf pounds. .  97, 397 

Granulated do . . .  343, 752 

Powdered do...  25,275 

Tapioca do...  4,511 

Tongue,  beef... do...  12,286 

Eggs dozen..  32,070 

Dried  fruits pounds. .  80, 000 

Spices,    seasonings,   sauces, 
jams,  jellies,  etc.: 
Cinnamon,  ground, 

pounds 1,096 

Cloves,  ground .  .pounds. .  365 
Flavoring  extracts — 

Lemon bottles..  6,978 

Vanilla.... do...  11,612 

Ginger ,  ground .  _  pounds .  _  691 

Cloves,  whole do...  5 

Jam,  blackberry  (cans  and 

jars) pounds..  68,746 

Jelly,  currant   (cans  and 

jars).. pounds..  76,217 

Lime  juice bottles. .  41 ,  415 

Mustard — 

Ground pounds..  4,251 

French bottles. .  9, 645 

Nutmegs pounds..  210 

Oil ,  olive  _  _  quart  bottles .  _  6 ,  304 

Olives do...  13,040 

Pepper,  red — 

Cayenne pounds . .  684 

Chile  Colorado . . . .  do . . .  153 
Pickles,  assorted,  pint 

jars.... 88,444 

Salt,  table pounds. .  102, 113 

Sauce — 

Cranberry cans..  7,731 

Worcestershire,  bot- 
tles  -. 12,056 

Cigars,  tobacco,  and  pipes: 

Cigars,  assorted,  number.  _  826, 165 
Pipes,  brier  wood,  assorted, 

number 70,073 

Pipestems number..  4,218 


Soap,  issue pounds. . 

1,500,638 

Candles do... 

529,972 

Candles,  lantern do... 

40,195 

Foods: 

Apples — 

3-pound  cans. .  

13,092 

1-gallon  cans 

5,722 

Evaporated  . ..pounds __ 

25, 046 

Apricots  ..3-pound  cans.. 

37,290 

Bacon, breakfast,  pounds.  _ 

128, 194 

Butter. do. . . 

55,857 

Cheese — 

American do... 

16,439 

Edam number. . 

3,659 

Chocolate — 

Plain .pounds. . 

8,122 

Vanilla do... 

5,153 

Coffee,  extra    (Java  and 

Mocha) pounds.  _ 

104,278 

Corn,  green,  2-pound 

cans 

127,901 

Crabs — 

Pony  cans 

720 

2-pound  cans. 

600 

Cra ckers,  assorted, 

pounds 

128, 596 

Flour pounds. . 

329, 153 

Gelatin. 2-ounce  packets.  . 

7,791 

Ham — 

Deviled,  .^-pound  cans. . 

62,580 

Sugar-cured.  _  .pounds.  _ 

121,781 

Lard  _ do. .  _ 

178,473 

Lobster  ...1-pound  cans.. 

4,426 

Macaroni pounds. . 

23,292 

Milk 1-pound  cans.  _ 

286, 620 

Oatmeal  _ pounds. . 

1,187,722 

Oysters  ...1-pound  cans.. 

8,358 

Peaches — 

3-pound  cans. 

96,438 

Evaporated  . .  .pounds.  _ 

25,080 

Pears 2-pound  cans. . 

69,209 

Peas,  green — 

American. pound  cans.. 

111,312 

French.  .one-half  cans. . 

8,237 

Pigs'  feet — 

Fresh pound  cans. . 

2,274 

Pickled  .15-pound  kits.. 

1,389 

Pineapples .  2-pound  cans .  _ 

12,068 

Preserves,  damson, 

2-pound  cans 

8,610 

Prunes pounds.  _ 

123, 998 

Salmon cans. . 

2,016,469 

REPLY    OF    COMMISSARY-GENERAL. 


567 


Abstract  of  subsistence  stores  purchased  by  Subsistence  Department,  etc. — Cont'd. 


Cigars ,  tobacco ,  etc . — Cont'd. 

Tobacco,  plug  _ .  _  pounds.  _ 

Tobacco,  smoking,  as- 
sorted   pounds. . 

Toilet  soaps,  kitchen  and 
laundry  materials: 

Soap,  toilet  and  kitchen, 
cakes 

Bluing,  powdered, 
2-ounce  boxes 

Starch, laundry  _  .pounds. . 

Borax...  1-pound  papers.  _ 

Electro  silicon,  3 -ounce 
boxes 

Metal  polish,  3-ounce 
tins 

Tripoli   flour,  4-ounce 


Tailors'  materials: 

Buttons,  trousers,  as- 
sorted  .dozen.  _ 

Needles papers.  _ 

Needles,  darning,  .dozen.  _ 

Needle  books,with  needles, 
dozen 

Pins papers.  _ 

Thread,  assorted,  .spools. . 
Stationery: 

Envelopes,  assorted, 
number 

Ink,  black,  3-ounce  bot- 
tles   

Paper,  assorted. .  .quires. . 

Pencils,  lead,  assorted, 
number 

Penholders number.  _ 

Pens,  fine,  coarse,  and 
stub number.. 

Indelible  pencils,  n  u  m  - 
ber 


178,971 
227, 085 

295,804 

7,700 

16, 209 

4,199 

8,161 

17,775 
7,162 


10,366 

3,078 
2,182 

1,254 

4,858 
33,215 


1,322,727 

8,828 
66, 570 

23,021 
9,426 

31,200 

15,000 


Sundries: 

Basins,  hand  _  _  .number. .  49, 616 
Blacking,  shoe,  assorted, 

boxes 30,868 

Brooms,  whisk,  assorted, 

number 19,288 

Brushes — 

Blacking number..  18,233 

Hair,  large  and  small, 

number 10,571 

Nail number..  .      3,706 

Tooth,  assorted  _ .  .do. . .  32, 546 
Buttons,  collar,  with  and 

without  hinge .  number  _  _  17, 704 

Can  openers do. _ _  26, 411 

Chamois  skins do. .  _  1 ,  059 

Clotheslines feet. .  181, 452 

Clothespins number..  136,664 

Combs,  assorted do...  51,251 

Handkerchiefs,  linen  and 

silk number. .  13, 168 

Ink,  indelible bottles. .  1, 800 

Matches ,  safety . . .  boxes  _  _  1 ,  769 ,  079 
Paper,  toilet. .  .packages. .  133, 907 
Razor  strops,  No.  1,  num- 
ber   861 

Shoestrings,  porpoise  and 

linen pairs..  82,258 

Towels,  assorted,  num- 
ber  124,991 

Toweling,  bleached  and 

unbleached yards .  _  25 ,  687 

Razors number.  _  316 

Cocoa. pounds.  _  1,080 

Lemons boxes. .  100 

Oranges .do. .  _  200 

Lima  beans pounds  _  _  31 ,  975 

Evaporated  apricots .  do .  _  _  10 ,  000 

Exceptional  articles $20, 282. 87 


In  addition  to  these  articles  41,500,000  pounds  of  subsistence  supplies  were 
purchased  and  issued  to  troops  before  and  after  muster  in  and  before  being  sent 
to  camps. 

Emergency  ration — 5,000  from  American  Compressed  Food  Company,  of  Passaic, 
N.  J.;  5,000  from  Freud  Milling  Company,  of  Detroit,  Mich.;  529,980  rations 
f-pound  tins  bacon;  900,000  rations  each  of  hard  bread,  coffee,  sugar,  pepper,  and 
salt;  30,000  twilled  bags,  with  compartments,  purchased  in  Chicago,  111.;  4,992 
rations  standard  emergency,  purchased  in  New  York  City,  N.  Y. 

Total  weight  of  articles  purchased,  156,343,248  pounds. 

I  certify  that  the  foregoing  abstract  is  correct. 

Chas.  P.  Eagan, 
Commissary-General  United  States  Army. 


ANSWERS  TO  QUESTIONS  PROPOUNDED  BY  THE  COMMISSION  OF 
INVESTIGATION  TO  THE  SURGEON-GENERAL,  U.  S.  A. 


[Questions  Nos.  lO,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  and  17.] 


REPLY  OF  THE  SURGEON-GENERAL,  U.  S.  A.,  TO 
QUESTIONS  PROPOUNDED  BY  THE  COMMISSION. 


Headquarters  op  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Washington,  D.  C,  September  30 ,  1898. 
The  Surgeon-General  United  States  Army. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  your  verbal  instructions,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit 
the  following  replies  to  questions  10,  11, 12,  and  13,  from  the  committee  investi 
gating  the  War  Department,  so  far  as  relates  to  the  medical  department  under  my 
immediate  supervision: 

Question  10.  In  compliance  with  instructions  from  the  Surgeon-General,  all 
vessels  used  in  transporting  sick  and  wounded  from  the  troops  in  Porto  Rico  were 
thoroughly  inspected  by  a  medical  officer  before  the  disabled  were  permitted  to 
embark  and  were  as  fully  supplied  with  surgeons,  surgical  instruments,  medical 
supplies,  potable  water,  and  proper  food  as  circumstances  would  permit,  the  con- 
dition of  the  transports  and  sick  upon  their  arrival  in  the  United  States  showing 
that  this  equipment  was  amply  sufficient  for  their  needs.  My  orders  and  other 
correspondence  on  this  subject  are  hereunto  attached,  marked  "Question  10,  A 
to  — ." 

Question  11.  The  personnel,  excepting  privates  of  the  hospital  corps,  with  the 
Porto  Rican  expedition  was  sufficient  for  an  ordinary  campaign,  but  owing  to  the 
large  increase  in  the  number  of  sick,  from  climatic  conditions,  the  supply  was 
insufficient  later  on.  The  deficit  was,  however,  promptly  met  by  the  Surgeon- 
General,  so  soon  as  I  reported  it,  and  by  details  from  regiments,  on  my  applica- 
tion. The  same  remark  applies  to  material  which,  in  regard  to  medical  supplies 
and  comforts,  such  as  delicacies  for  the  sick,  was  supplemented  by  liberal  contribu- 
tions from  the  Pennsylvania  National  Relief  Association  and  from  the  National 
Red  Cross  Association.  There  was  a  temporary  deficit  of  medical  supplies  for  some 
days  after  the  troops  landed  and  until  the  transports  were  unloaded,  but  this  was 
made  good  by  purchases  in  quantities  to  meet  all  requisitions  from  medical 
officers. 

Of  regular  medical  supplies  an  abundance  was  sent  by  the  Surgeon-General  on 
the  hospital  ship  Relief  in  anticipation  of  and  without  any  requisition  from  me. 
He  also  furnished  me  with  $500  hospital  fund  to  use  at  my  discretion,  and  $4,780 
of  medical  and  hospital  appropriation. 

Question  12.  Yes.    Attention  is  invited  to  copies  of  orders  on  this  subject. 

Question  13.  Regimental  hospitals  have  not  existed  as  a  military  organization 
in  the  United  States  Army  since  October  30,  1862,  at  which  time  they  were  abol- 
ished by  orders  from  headquarters  of  the  army  in  the  field. 

When  I  assumed  medical  charge  as  chief  surgeon  of  the  troops  in  the  field,  May 
3, 1898, 1  formulated  a  plan  for  their  sanitary  organization,  a  copy  of  which  is 
hereunto  attached.  This  plan  was  based  upon  the  sanitary  organization  of  our 
Army  during  the  civil  war  and  comprised  a  division  field  hospital  of  three  brigade 
sections  to  accommodate  200  beds,  a  division  ambulance  company,  and  a  dispen- 
sary service  for  each  regiment.  Provision  was  also  made  for  a  reserve  division 
field  hospital  of  200  beds  and  a  reserve  ambulance  company  for  each  corps.  The 
personnel  was  drawn  partly  from  medical  officers  appointed  by  the  President, 
partly  from  those  belonging  to  regiments,  and  partly  from  civilian  physicians 
employed  under  contract  by  the  Surgeon-General.  Two  lieutenants  of  the  line 
were  detailed  for  each  division  hospital  to  act  as  quartermaster  and  commissary. 

571 


572         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  medical  material  was  supplied  by  the  Surgeon-General,  and  the  mounts  for 
the  hospital  corps  wheeled  transportation,  tentage,  hand  litters,  and  working 
tools  were  drawn  from  the  Quartermaster's  Department.  As  these  organizations 
were  not  complete  when  I  left  the  country  with  General  Miles  for  Cuba  and 
Porto  Rico  I  am  unable  to  state  whether  or  not  their  results  in  this  country  were 
satisfactory,  but  I  can  state  that  so  far  as  the  field  operations  in  Porto  Rico  are* 
concerned  the  results  were  satisfactory. 

The  act  of  Congress  approved  April  22,  1898,  did  not  provide  for  the  enlistment 
of  privates  of  the  hospital  corps  into  volunteer  regiments,  or  for  the  appointment 
of  commissioned  medical  officers  for  service  in  division  hospitals  and  at  other 
places  where  their  services  might  be  needed,  and  the  expedient  of  transferring 
private  soldiers  from  volunteer  regiments  to  the  hospital  corps  of  the  United 
States  Army  was  adopted,  but  with  very  unsatisfactory  results. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  tlie  Field. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  573 


DATA  RELATING  TO  QUESTION  10-INSPECTION  OF  TRANSPORTS. 

Surgeon-General's  Office, 
*  Washington,  June  12,  1898. 

Col.  Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 

Tampa  Bay  Hotel,  Tampa,  Fla. 
Sir:  Your  telegrams  of  June  11  have  been  received.  I  expect  to  have  the 
hospital  train  at  Tampa  on  Thursday,  fully  equipped  to  receive  from  150  to  200 
patients.  Cases  of  serious  illness,  and  such  as  are  likely  to  require  protracted 
treatment,  should  be  put  on  the  hospital  train.  I  will  give  orders  for  their  trans- 
fer to  the  hospital  at  Fort  McPherson,  or  elsewhere,  upon  information  conveyed 
to  me  by  the  surgeon  in  charge  of  the  train  or  by  yourself. 

The  Relief  will  follow  the  expedition  to  Santiago  as  soon  as  she  is  ready  for 
service,  which,  I  hope,  will  be  within  a  week  or  ten  days. 

The  navy  ambulance  ship  Solace  will,  I  understand,  be  ordered  at  once  to  San- 
tiago, and  will  receive  the  sick  and  wounded  both  from  the  army  and  navy  for 
transportation  home. 

******* 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 

Surgeon-General. 


Adjutant-General's  Office, 

Washington  June,  25,  1898. 
Major-General  Shafter, 

Play  a  del  Este,  Cuba: 
******* 

Return  the  wounded  on  ships  that  are  able  to  travel,  using  preferably  the  Har- 
vard and  Yale,  returning  to  Newport  News. 

*  *  *  *        -  *  *  * 

H.   C.    CORBIN. 


[Telegram.] 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Guantanamo  Bay,  Cuba,  July  18,  1898. 
Pope,  Chief  Surgeon,  Fifth  Army  Corps: 

General  Miles  has  authorized  transfer  to  medical  department  of  transport  for 
yellow-fever  floating  hospital.  La  Garde  will  select  it  and  outfit  it  as  far  as  pos- 
sible; also  has  quarantined  all  transports.  When  immune  doctors  and  nurses 
arrive  make  detail  from  them  for  ship-  also  for  yellow-fever  camp,  and  same  at 
Siboney.  I  go  to  Porto  Rico  with  the  General.  Keep  in  touch  with  me  until  you 
know  of  his  departure  from  here. 

Ten  ambulances  are  on  Louisiana.  Take  them  for  your  service;  others  are 
provided  for  Porto  Rican  expedition. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon, 


574         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

[Telegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Ghiantanamo  Bay,  July  18,  189S. 
La  Garde,  Siboney: 

General  Miles  has  authorized  the  transfer  of  the  Clinton,  now  at  Siboney,  to 
you  for  a  yellow-fever  hospital.  The  doctors  and  nurses  coming  from  Washing- 
ton can  furnish  ultimate  personnel,  but  use  what  you  have  for  present  service. 
I  telegraphed  Sternberg  for  a  disinfecting  plant. 

Orders  quarantining  transports  have  been  sent  to  General  Shafter.    Put  a 
doctor  at  the  dock  and  give  him  your  sanitary  orders. 
If  Clinton  or  other  transport  won't  do,  wire  me  and  I  will  wire  Sternberg. 
Transports  will  all  soon  go  to  Santiago  Bay. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  on  Board  U.  S.  S.  Yale, 

En  route  to  Porto  Rico,  July  22, 1898. 
Medical  Officer  in  Charge, 

Transport  steamer  Specialist: 
You  will  at  once  transfer  all  the  sick  of  your  command  to  the  transport  Lam- 
pasas, sending  with  them  a  complete  list,  giving  name,  rank,  and  regiment,  with 
diagnosis  and  descriptive  lists;  also  sufficient  quantity  of  medical  supplies  and 
rations  to  last  them  during  the  voyage  from  here  to  Fortress  Monroe.  You  will 
retain  a  duplicate  of  this  list  so  that  you  may  account  for  the  men  transferred  on 
your  proper  report.  The  hospital  transport  will  be  supplied  with  doctors  and 
nurses. 

Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 

This  letter  was  sent  to  the  medical  officer  in  charge  of  the  steamers  Comanche, 
Rita,  Nueces,  Unionist,  and  to  Major  Crile,  division  surgeon. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  on  Board  U.  S.  S.  Yale, 

En  route  to  Porto  Rico,  July  22, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army: 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  there  are  quite  a  number  of  sick  on  this  and 
other  transports  of  our  fleet,  probably  in  the  neighborhood  of  100.  They  are  prin- 
cipally typhoid  and  other  fevers.  I  recommend  that  so  soon  as  we  reach  our  des- 
tination that  one  of  the  transports  most  suitable  for  the  purpose  be  placed  at  my 
disposal  to  receive  these  sick  and  take  them  to  Fortress  Monroe  for  assignment 
into  the  general  hospital  at  that  point.  I  will  place  on  board  2  doctors  and  15 
nurses  belonging  to  the  Red  Cross  association  now  on  the  steamer  Lampasas,  and 
will  require  the  medical  officers  on  the  different  transports  to  furnish  medical 
supplies  sufficient  for  the  use  of  the  sick  until  they  reach  Fortress  Monroe.  In 
this  way  I  hope  to  clear  the  army  before  it  lands  of  all  its  sick. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  575 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  on  Board  U.  S.  S.  Yale, 

En  route  to  Porto  Rico,  July  22,  1898. 
Lieut.  Col.  W.  M.  Black, 

Chief  Engineer,  United  States  Volunteers,  Transport  Steamer  Lampasas. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  request  you  to  inform  Dr.  Vogel  and  Miss  Rutty,  in 
charge  of  the  Red  Cross  detachment  on  board  your  steamer,  that  a  transport  will 
be  selected  immediately  upon  our  arrival  at  Porto  Rico  for  the  purpose  of  receiv- 
ing all  the  sick  of  this  command  and  proceeding  with  them  to  Fortress  Monroe, 
so  that  they  may  be  admitted  to  the  general  hospital  at  that  place.  I  should  like 
to  have  Dr.  Vogel  designate  two  doctors,  and  Miss  Rutty  fifteen  nurses,  to  goon 
board  of  this  ship  to  take  charge  of  the  sick  until  their  arrival  in  the  United 
States.  The  remaining  doctors  and  nurses  I  should  like  to  have  on  duty  in  the 
provisional  hospital  about  to  be  established  at  our  base  of  supplies,  wherever  it 
may  be.  So  soon  as  the  hospital  transport  is  selected  and  the  transfer  of  the  sick 
is  ready  I  will  notify  you,  so  that  the  detachment  may  be  also  transferred  from 
the  Lampasas  to  the  hospital  ship. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Asssistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  July  30, 1898. 
The  Surgeon-General  United  States  Army. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  000  sick  leave  this  port  to-day  for  the  United 
States  on  the  transport  Obdam.  As  information  regarding  her  departure  was 
received  only  a  few  hours  ago,  preparation  for  sending  the  sick  has  been  of  the 
most  meager  character.  I  have  placed  Maj.  H.  E.  Bradley,  surgeon  of  the  Second 
Wisconsin  Regiment,  Acting  Asst.  Surg.  C.  Brewer,  and  ten  hospital  corps  men 
on  board  and  furnished  them  with  the  necessary  food  and  medicines  for  the  trip; 
the  latter  I  have  had  to  purchase,  promising  to  pay  as  soon  as  funds  are  received 
from  you.  There  is  a  very  large  sick  report  here,  principally  of  typhoid  fever  and 
malarial  disease,  brought  from  camps  of  instruction.  The  means  of  caring  for 
patients  is  limited;  tentage,  medical  supplies,  and  doctors  are  lacking,  and  it  is 
necessary  to  relieve  the  army  at  once  of  as  many  cases  of  this  nature  as  possible. 
The  men  now  sent  were  already  on  transports,  having  fallen  sick  en  route  from 
the  United  States. 

A  transport,  the  Lampasas,  is  now  in  the  harbor  with  119  cases  of  typhoid  on 
board  and  waiting  only  to  unload  her  cargo  of  supplies  necessary  for  the  army 
before  starting  north. 

I  trust  there  will  be  no  delay  in  sending  the  hospital  ships  requested  by  my 
telegram  and  letters;  they  are  badly  needed  now  and  will  be  indispensable  in  a 
short  time. 

Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-Ceneral,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon,  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Play  a  del  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  July  31, 1898. 
The  Surgeon-General  United  States  Army. 

Sir:  The  headquarters  expedition  for  Porto  Rico  and  five  transports  loaded  with 
troops  and  general  supplies  left  Guantanamo  Bay  on  the  21st  instant,  to  be  joined 
by  transports  now  on  their  way  from  the  United  States,  all  to  be  rendezvous  at 
Cape  San  Juan.    On  each  of  the  transports  a  number  of  cases  of  illness  developed 


f)7(J         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

after  leaving  Charleston,  most  of  them  being  typhoid  fever.  En  route  from 
Guantanamo  Bay  the  number  of  cases  on  the  Yale  increased  very  rapidly  until  on 
arrival  at  Guanica  there  were  89  cases.  One  death  occurred  on  the  Yale,  one  on 
the  Comanche,  one  at  Guanica,  and  two  at  this  port,  the  two  former  being  buried 
at  sea.  Such  medical  supplies  as  were  on  the  Yale  were  inaccessible,  being  packed 
in  the  hold,  and  the  cases  were  so  severe  that  I  was  obliged  to  call  on  the  ship's 
officers  for  mattresses  and  other  bedding. 

Arriving  at  Guanica  July  25,  the  general  commanding  directed  me  to  transfer 
to  the  transport  Lampasas  all  the  sick.  On  this  ship  there  was  quartered  a  detach- 
ment of  4  doctors,  2  undergraduates,  2  pharmacists,  and  30  female  nurses  belonging 
to  the  Red  Cross  Association,  who  had  been  given  passage  for  the  purpose  of  join- 
ing Miss  Barton  at  Santiago.  Miss  Barton  had  left  that  port,  which  was  under 
rigid  quarantine,  as  was  also  Guantanamo  Bay,  and  there  was  no  place  where 
they  could  be  landed.  They  were,  therefore,  permitted  to  remain  on  the  trans- 
port, and  I  utilized  their  services  in  caring  for  the  sick.  This  was  particularly 
necessary,  as  the  troops  were  immediately  landed,  engaged  with  the  enemy,  and 
the  services  of  all  the  medical  officers  and  hospital  corps  men  were  demanded  at 
once.  The  commanding  officer  of  the  Yale  transferred  to  me  certain  medical  sup- 
plies for  use  on  the  Lampasas,  which  was  without  any.  I  inclose  a  list  of  them, 
with  a  list  of  bedding  and  fresh  meat  furnished  by  the  Yale.  Proper  food  could 
not  be  obtained  for  the  fever  cases  on  the  Lampasas,  because  it  was  impossible  to 
unload  the  transports  to  get  at  hospital  stores,  and  the  ordinary  commissary  sup- 
plies were  not  suitable  for  men  in  their  condition.  I  had  no  funds  from  which 
payment  to  the  ship  could  be  made,  and  therefore  arranged  with  Miss  Rutty,  the 
representative  of  the  Red  Cross  nurses,  to  pay  for  the  subsistence  of  the  patients 
until  their  arrival  at  Fortress  Monroe.  No  rations  have  been  drawn  for  them  by 
the  medical  department,  and  I  have  so  notified  the  respective  company  com- 
manders. The  money  value  of  the  rations  that  are  due  from  the  time  they  came 
on  to  the  ship,  July  25,  1898,  until  they  leave  it  at  Fortress  Monroe  is,  therefore,  a 
credit  due  from  the  Subsistence  to  the  Medical  Department. 

There  are  now  on  board  the  Lampasas  119  cases,  as  will  appear  from  the  list 
inclosed,  and  she  has  been  ordered,  as  soon  as  her  freight,  consisting  of  engineering 
material,  is  unloaded,  to  proceed  to  Fortress  Monroe,  the  captain  of  the  ship  being 
directed  to  report  his  arrival  by  telegraph  to  the  Adjutant-General  for  instructions 
regarding  the  place  at  which  patients  shall  be  unloaded.  As  we  have  no  telegraphic 
communication  with  the  United  States,  I  could  not  inform  you.  I  have  placed 
Acting  Asst.  Surg.  H.  C.  Cline,  U.  S.  A.,  in  charge  of  her. 

The  service  rendered  by  the  members  of  this  detachment  of  Red  Cross  people 

has  been  invaluable,  and  they  are  entitled  to  great  credit  for  their  devotion  to  duty, 

their  zeal,  and  their  unremitting  care  of  the  sick  under  circumstances  that  were 

peculiarly  trying.     They  have  obeyed  implicitly  every  order  given  to  them  and 

have  never  murmured  through  the  real  hardship  to  which  they  have  been  exposed. 

I  shall  be  glad  indeed  to  welcome  them  should  they  return,  and  I  can  always  find 

suitable  work  for  them  in  the  base  field  hospital. 

Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 

Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Playa  del  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  1,  1898. 
Acting  Assistant  Surgeon  Cline,  U.  S.  A. 

Sir:  You  are  hereby  placed  in  charge  of  the  administrative  care  of  the  steamer 
Lampasas  and  will,  in  addition  to  this  duty,  render  professional  service  to  the  sick. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  577 

On  the  arrival  of  the  steamer  at  Fortress  Monroe  you  will  be  subject  to  such 
orders  as  you  may  receive  from  the  Surgeon-General  or  proper  military  authorities. 
The  captain  of  the  ship  has  already  received  orders  to  report  to  the  Adjutant- 
General  of  the  Army.  In  your  administrative  work  it  is  your  duty  to  keep  a 
correct  record  of  all  the  sick  on  board  in  order  that  you  may  furnish  the  Surgeon- 
General  with  the  necessary  information  about  the  patients.  This  duty  you 
should  perform  personally  at  such  time  as  may  be  at  your  disposal  in  your  pro- 
fessional work. 

You  will  also  take  charge  of  the  enlisted  men  detailed  for  duty  as  attendants, 
preserving  discipline  among  them  and  giving  an  oversight  to  their  food  and  other 
comfort.  The  ladies  belonging  to  the  Red  Cross  Association  should  have  entire 
charge  of  the  comforts  and  care  of  the  sick,  every  consideration  being  given  to 
their  humane  efforts  in  behalf  of  our  men. 

I  inclose  a  copy  of  the  orders  under  which  the  men  of  the  Sixth  Massachusetts 
are  serving;  you  will  deliver  this  to  Corporal  Gunter. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army. 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


[Cable.— From  General  Sternberg  to  Colonel  Greenleaf,  chief  surgeon  United   States  troops  in  the 

field,  Ponce,  Porto  Rico.] 

August  3,  1898. 
Relief  sails  for  Ponce  to-day.    Do  not  send  any  sick  on  transports  unless  there 
is  ample  accommodation,  medical  supplies,  suitable  diet,  and  competent  medical 
attendance.    Acknowledge  receipt. 


[Cablegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

Ponce,  Porto  Pico,  August  4,  1898. 
Sternberg,  Washington: 

Had  decided  not  to  send  sick  except  on  hospital  ships.  Establishing  shore  trans- 
fer hospital.  Purchased  outfit.  Funds  required.  Was  compelled  to  send  those 
on  Obdam  and  Lampasas. 

Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  of  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  4,  1898. 
The  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army. 

Sir:  Referring  to  your  cable  message  of  this  date  regarding  the  transfer  of 
sick  by  transports  returning  to  the  United  States,  I  have  the  honor  to  invite 
attention  to  my  two  letters  of  July  30  and  July  31  regarding  the  Obdam  and  the 
Lampasas.  The  methods  by  which  transports  were  loaded  in  the  United  States 
made  the  process  of  unloading  a  tedious  affair,  and  our  medical  officers  have  been 
unable  to  get  promptly  after  landing  the  proper  quantity  of  either  tentage  or 
medical  supplies  for  the  care  of  the  sick.  I  therefore  directed  that  the  sick 
remain  on  board  the  transports,  where  they  at  least  had  shelter,  food,  and  such 
medicines  as  the  doctors  and  attendants  could  carry  on  their  persons,  until 
arrangements  could  be  made  on  shore  for  their  care.  After  arrival  at  Guanica 
7833— VOL.  1 37 


578         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAK    WITH    SPAIN. 

the  number  increased  rapidly  and  many  of  the  cases  developed  typhoid  symp- 
toms, so  that,  even  with  all  the  tentage  that  could  be  unloaded,  there  was  not 
sufficient  shelter  for  them.  The  unsanitary  condition  of  the  buildings  in  the 
town  of  Ponce  deterred  me  from  taking  any  of  them  for  hospital  purposes  until 
after  thorough  cleansing  and  disinfection.  It  seemed,  therefore,  to  be  for  the  bes^. 
interest  of  the  sick  that  this  surplus,  for  which  no  provision  was  available,  should 
be  sent  to  the  North  at  once,  and  they  were  made  as  comfortable  as  possible  with 
the  means  at  hand  for  the  journey.  I  had  decided,  after  leaving  Siboney,  not  to 
permit  any  sick  to  be  sent  North  except  on  hospital  ships,  and  it  was  with  this  in 
view  that  I  telegraphed  you  from  that  place  for  them;  but  the  conditions  here 
made  it  imperatively  necessary  to  take  prompt  action,  and  therefore  I  had  no 
hesitancy  in  departing  in  these  two  instances  from  my  decision.  In  preparing  the 
Lampasas  at  this  port  for  her  journey  to  the  North  I  was  very  much  embarrassed 
by  a  quarantine,  which,  in  my  opinion,  was  entirely  unnecessary,  that  was  placed 
upon  her  by  the  naval  people  because  of  a  convalescing  case  of  measles  she  had 
on  board.  Valuable  time  and  several  opportunities  to  secure  delicacies  for  the 
sick,  particularly  ice,  were  lost  while  I  was  endeavoring  to  have  some  of  the 
restrictions  released;  but  in  spite  of  my  protests  the  quarantine  was  maintained 
until  her  departure. 

There  is  in  the  town  of  Ponce  a  large  military  hospital,  in  which,  at  the  time  of 
capture,  there  were  48  sick  Spaniards,  who  had  been  abandoned  by  their  people. 
The  cases  were  principally  venereal,  and  many  of  them  were  convalescing.  These 
latter  have  been  disposed  of  by  parole,  leaving  only  a  few  who  need  hospital 
treatment.  I  have  had  the  building  thoroughly  policed  and  disinfected  and  the 
ward  that  was  in  use  by  the  Spaniards  fumigated,  and  expect  by  to-morrow  to 
be  able  to  fit  it  up  for  use  as  a  transfer  hospital  for  our  people,  placing  Assistant 
Surgeon  Ten  Eyck  in  charge.  As  the  medical  supplies  here  are  only  sufficient  for 
use  with  the  troops,  I  have  purchased  the  necessary  articles  for  fitting  up  this 
hospital,  and  will  at  a  later  date  furnish  you  with  a  complete  list  of  them.  It  is 
my  intention  to  transfer  from  camps  to  this  hospital  cases  that  appear  to  demand 
shipment  to  the  North,  holding  them  for  observation  until  the  arrival  of  a 
hospital  ship. 

Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


[Cable.— General  Sternberg  to  Colonel  Greenleaf,  chief  surgeon  United  States  troops  in  the  field, 

Ponce,  Porto  Rico.] 

August  12, 1898. 
Use  tent  hospitals.     Send  sick  and  convalescents  home  on  Relief  and  properly 
equip  transports.    Will  send  money.    Experienced  hospital  stewards  not  avail- 
able.    Competent  male  nurses  hard  to  find.    Do  you  want  trained  female  nurses? 
Acknowledge  receipt. 


[Cablegram. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  20,  1808* 
Sternberg,  Washington : 
When  will  Relief  sail?    Is  any  other  hospital  ship  coming?    Can  load  two. 

Greenleaf. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  579 

[Cablegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  23,  1898. 
Sternberg,  Washington  : 

Number  sick  increasing— intestinal  disorders  and  malarial.  A  properly 
equipped  transport  to  return  sick  should  be  here  every  week.  Add  Warburg's 
tincture  to  relief  supplies. 

Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  24, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  In  view  of  the  approaching  transfer  of  sick  and  convalescents  to  the 
United  States,  I  have  the  honor  to  recommend  that  the  following  instructions  be 
sent  to  the  various  commanding  officers,  so  that  the  preparation  for  the  comfort 
of  the  men  may  be  secured. 

The  generals  of  the  several  commands  of  this  army  will  at  once  organize  a 
board  of  medical  officers  in  their  respective  commands  to  examine  into  the  con- 
dition of  the  men  now  reported  as  sick  in  quarters,  with  a  view  of  selecting  those 
who  should  be  transferred  to  the  United  States.  In  making  this  selection  no 
one  will  be  included  who  is  liable  to  severe  illness  during  the  voyage  or  unable 
to  bear  transportation  to  the  ship.  Men  with  slight  ailments,  who  will  probably 
recover  within  seven  days,  will  not  be  included.  The  convalescents  belonging  to 
regiments  that  are  ordered  north  will  be  sent  with  their  regiments.  Of  those 
belonging  to  regiments  that  are  to  remain  on  the  island  the  aggregate  number 
will  be  reported  to  the  chief  surgeon,  awaiting  at  their  camps  orders  for 
transportation. 

Such  of  the  sick  in  the  hospitals  as  are  able  to  bear  the  journey  will  be  sent  to 
the  north  on  the  first  regular  hospital  ship  that  arrives  in  port. 

Great  care  must  be  exercised  in  the  selection  both  of  the  sick  and  convalescents 

to  avoid  the  transfer  of  men  who  are  unable  to  bear  the  journey  or  are  likely  to 

die  on  the  road,  or  of  men  who  are  not  proper  subjects  for  transfer  as  convalescents. 

Transfer  slips  will  be  made  in  all  cases  and  forwarded  with  the  men  when 

transferred. 

The  officers  who  will  be  placed  in  charge  of  the  convalescent  ship  will  make 
provision  for  rations  and  descriptive  lists,  and  be  personally  responsible  that  the 
ship  and  supplies  are  in  good  condition  before  she  sails.    Medical  officers  will  be 
detailed  for  service  with  the  command. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 
Note. — These  recommendations  were  approved  and  embodied  in  a  general 
order  that  was  issued  the  same  day  by  General  Miles. 

C.  R.  G. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  25, 1898. 
The  chief  surgeons  of  the  several  commands  of  this  army  will  at  once  organize 
a  board  of  medical  officers  in  their  respective  commands  to  examine  into  the  con- 
dition of  the  men  now  reported  as  sick  in  quarters,  with  a  view  of  selecting  those 


580        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

who  should  be  transferred  to  the  United  States.  In  making  this  selection  no  one 
will  be  included  who  is  liable  to  severe  illness  during  the  voyage  or  unable  to  bear 
transportation  to  the  ship.  Men  with  slight  ailments  that  will  probably  recover 
within  seven  days  will  not  be  included.  The  convalescents  belonging  to  regiments 
that  are  ordered  north  will  be  sent  with  their  regiments.  Of  those  belonging  to 
regiments  that  are  to  remain  on  the  island  the  aggregate  number  will  be  reported 
to  the  chief  surgeon,  awaiting  at  their  camps  orders  for  transportation. 

Such  of  the  sick  in  hospital  as  are  able  to  bear  the  journey  will  be  sent  to  the 
north  on  the  first  regular  hospital  ship  that  arrives  in  port. 

Great  care  must  be  exercised  in  the  selection  both  of  the  sick  and  convalescents 
to  avoid  the  transfer  of  men  who  are  unable  to  bear  the  journey  or  are  likely  to 
die  on  the  road,  or  of  men  who  are  not  proper  subjects  for  transfer  as  convalescents. 

Transfer  slips  will  be  made  in  all  cases  and  forwarded  with  the  men  when 
transferred. 

Officers  of  the  line  will  be  placed  in  charge  of  the  convalescent  ship,  make  pro- 
vision for  rations  and  descriptive  lists,  and  be  personally  responsible  that  the  ship 
and  supplies  are  in  good  condition  before  she  sails.  Medical  officers  will  be 
detailed  for  service  with  the  command. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  27,  1898. 
Major  Crile, 

Chief  Surgeon,  General  Henry's  Command,  Utuado: 
Hospital  ship  Relief  expected  to  arrive  on  Sunday.    How  many  sick  will  you 
have  to  transfer  to  her,  and  from  what  point  had  they  better  be  loaded?    Very  sick 
should  not  be  allowed  to  make  the  journey. 

Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  27,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  the  plumbing  arrangements  on  the  steam- 
ship Obdam  are  very  much  out  of  order  and  should  be  attended  to  before  she  sails. 
The  water-closets  are  reported  to  me  as  being  offensive  in  odor  and  uncleanly.  I 
recommend  that  the  necessary  steps  be  taken  to  put  this  part  of  the  ship  in  per- 
fect order. 

Very  respectfully,  Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  28,  1898. 
General  Brooke,  Guayama: 

Thanks  for  your  good  words.  With  our  limited  transportation  an  allotment  of 
numbers  for  the  several  commands  is  essential,  both  as  to  the  sick  and  convales- 
cents. Am  preparing  the  Panama  for  the  latter  and  the  Relief  is  expected  to-day 
for  the  former.  Will  send  both  to  Arroyo  for  you.  I  agree  with  you  as  to  buildings 
for  troops,  which  should  be  of  double  wall,  brick,  or  of  concrete  with  iron  roofs. 
No  wooden  buildings  should  be  permitted.  Until  proper  buildings  are  constructed 
wall,  hospital,  or  Sibley  tents  should  be  used  or  buildings  in  towns  appropriated. 
Have  made  notes  of  all  your  suggestions  and  will  lay  them  before  the  President 

on  arrival. 

Greenleaf. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  581 

MEMORANDUM   OF  SUGGESTED  TELEGRAMS  SENT  TO  COMMANDING  GENERALS. 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  29, 1898. 
Immediate  information  desired  of  number  of  proper  cases  of  sick  for  transfer  to 
the  hospital  ship  Relief.    No  case  must  be  sent  to  her  that  is  likely  to  die  on  the 
road  or  to  be  injured  by  removal. 
By  command  of  Major-General  Miles: 

J.  C.  Gilmore, 


Sent  to — 

General  Brooke  (Guayama). 
General  Wilson  (Ponce). 
General  Garretson  (Utuado). 
Colonel  De  Russey  (Mayaguez). 


Brigadier-Qeneral  of  Volunteers. 


Headquarters  op  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  31,  1898. 
Major  Woodbury, 

Surgeon,  United  States  Volunteers,  Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico. 
Sir:  Dr.  Gloninger,  of  the  Fourth  Pennsylvania,  came  to  see  me  this  evening 
about  certain  cases  that  he  desired  transferred  to  the  Relief.  These  cases  are  now 
on  the  Chester.  From  his  description  of  them  I  think  that  the  majority  ought  not 
to  be  permitted  to  go  north  with  the  regiment,  but  should  be  sent  to  the  general 
hospital.  This  suggests  to  me  the  propriety  of  your  making  or  having  made  by 
some  reliable  assistant  a  very  close  inspection  of  the  sick  that  are  shipped  with 
regiments  in  transit  to  the  north.  While  the  original  examining  board  may  have 
fully  performed  its  duty,  certain  cases  that  appeared  mild  in  nature  when  the 
troops  left  their  camp  may  have  developed  into  serious  cases  by  the  time  they 
reached  Ponce,  and  should  therefore  be  stopped  right  here.  A  lack  of  vigilance 
in  this  particular  can  very  easily  lead  to  serious  trouble  at  the  other  end  of  the 
route,  when  the  troops  are  inspected  by  the  authorities  at  New  York  or  Montauk 
Point. 

Very  truly,  yours, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


MEMORANDUM. 

I  was  called  at  midnight  of  the  31st  of  August  to  provide  for  17  convalescents 
belonging  to  the  Second  Wisconsin  Volunteers,  who  had  been  dumped  on  the 
wharf  at  Ponce  and  left  there  to  take  care  of  themselves.  They  had  no  food 
and  no  comforts  for  sleeping.  The  orders  from  the  general  commanding  to  place 
them  in  the  convalescent  camp  were  well  understood  by  the  officers,  but  were 
simply  disregarded.  I  placed  the  men  on  board  the  steamship  Panama  for  the 
night,  and  the  next  morning  sent  them  to  the  general  hospital  at  Ponce  for  care 
and  such  further  disposition  as  the  chief  surgeon  could  see  proper  to  make  of 
their  cases. 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce.  Porto  Rico,  August  81,  1898. 
Maj.  George  H.  Torney, 

Surgeon,  United  States  Army,  Commanding  Relief. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  prior  to  the  arrival  of  the  hospital 
ship  Relief  orders  were  issued  by  General  Miles  at  my  request  for  boards  to  con- 
sist of  three  medical  officers  to  be  convened  at  hospitals  in  the  command  of 


582         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDI  < 'T    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

General  s  Brooke  and  Schwan,  for  the  purpose  of  examining  the  sick  in  hospital 
and  determining  who  of  them  should  be  transferred  to  the  Relief  for  shipment 
north.  The  board  was  instructed  to  select  only  such  men  as  could  bear  the 
journey  without  prospect  of  permanent  injury  or  prospect  of  death  during  the 
voyage,  and  to  reject  all  men  liable  to  be  fit  for  duty  within  seven  days.  Similar 
instructions  were  given  to  the  surgeon  in  charge  of  the  general  hospital  at  Ponce. 
Due  precautions  have  therefore  been  taken  to  select  proper  cases  to  be  trans- 
ferred to  the  north,  and  I  have  to  request  that,  should  you  find  that  these  orders 
have  been  disregarded,  you  will  report  the  facts  to  the  Surgeon-General  of  the 
Army  in  order  that  the  responsibility  for  such  disobedience  of  orders  may  be 
fixed.    A  copy  of  this  letter  will  be  forwarded  to  the  Surgeon-General. 

Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


Camp  near  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  25,  1898. 
Colonel  Woodbury, 

Deputy  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army,  Ponce,  Porto  Rico. 

Sir:  Pursuant  to  your  verbal  order  of  to-day  I  inspected  the  transports  in  the 
harbor  of  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  with  a  view  of  selecting  one  for  the  transportation 
of  convalescent  soldiers  homeward  bound.  I  have  the  honor  of  submitting  the 
result  of  the  inspection,  together  with  some  recommendations,  as  requested  by 
Colonel  Greenleaf  and  yourself. 

The  following  ships  were  inspected:  Rita,  Uto,  Panama,  Oussie,  Concho, 
Alamo,  Chester,  Mississippi,  and  Obdam. 

1.  The  Rita  arrived  on  the  23d  instant  loaded  with  miscellaneous  supplies, 
which  are  to  be  issued  at  various  ports  from  the  ship.  She  will  not  be  unloaded 
in  this  harbor. 

2.  The  Uto  is  unavailable.  She  is  loaded  with  engineers'  supplies,  and  has  no 
possible  accommodation  for  troops — especially  convalescents. 

3.  Panama.    Not  available. 

4.  Gussie.  An  old-fashioned  side-wheeler.  Slow,  and  totally  unfit  for  the  pur- 
pose desired. 

5.  The  Concho  (transport  No.  14) .  Will  not  be  available  for  two  weeks.  Ven- 
tilation between  decks  is  wretched.  Has  capacity  for  40  officers  in  staterooms 
and  150  men  in  hammocks.  Tank  capacity,  20,000  gallons.  Has  no  condenser. 
No  fans  for  artificial  ventilation.  No  cooking  facilities  except  for  first-class 
cabin.    Soldiers  would  have  to  subsist  entirely  on  travel  rations. 

6.  Alamo  (transport  No.  35,  Quartermaster's  Department).  Formerly  belonged 
to  the  Mallory  Line.  Will  not  be  unloaded  for  six  days.  Capacity  in  cabin,  first- 
class,  75;  troops  in  hammocks,  400.  Tank  capacity,  10,000  gallons.  Also,  ballast 
tank  20,000  gallons  (ordinarily  filled  with  salt  water,  but  could  be  used  for  fresh 
water) .  Not  provided  with  condenser  or  ventilating  fans.  Has  no  accommoda- 
tions for  cooking.  Troops  would  be  compelled  to  subsist  on  travel  rations.  Has 
two  small  copper  boilers  for  preparing  coffee.  General  sanitary  condition  of  lav- 
atories good.    Ship  is  clean. 

7.  Chester  (transport  No.  32) .  Now  ready  for  sea.  Brought  nearly  1 ,500  passen- 
gers and  crew,  together  with  230  mules  on  last  trip.  Is  in  excellent  sanitary  con- 
dition. Could  easily  accommodate  1,000  troops  of  the  type  referred  to,  also  100 
officers.  Has  tank  capacity  of  19,000  gallons  and  (distilling)  condensing  plant  of 
3,000  gallons  daily.  Good  cooking  facilities  for  extra  diet.  Has  four  large  Fergu- 
son ventilating  fans  in  first-class  order,  which  keep  the  atmosphere  between  decks 
clear  and  pure.  Has  a  ship's  hospital — 20  beds  in  good  sanitary  condition — located 
on  upper  deck,  well  ventilated.    All  stabling  has  been  removed  and  sent  ashore. 

8.  Mississippi.    An  old  Atlantic  cattle  ship,  now  heavily  loaded.    Not  available 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  583 

for  from  ten  days  to  two  weeks.  Capacity,  800  troops,  with  deck  room  or  venti- 
lated quarters.  Tank  capacity,  18,000  gallons.  Condenser,  2,000  gallons  daily. 
She  is  dirty,  has  poor  lavatories,  badly  located.  No  cooking  facilities  except  for 
crew.  Her  unsanitary  condition  renders  her  totally  unsuitable  for  the  purposes 
desired. 

9.  Obdam  (transport  No.  30) .  Will  require  six  days  to  complete  unloading.  Has 
accommodations  for  75  first,class  and  500  convalescent  troops.  Tank  capacity, 
14,000;  condenser,  4,000  gallons  daily.  Has  small  hospital  with  four  beds.  Poor 
cooking  facilities  for  extra  diet.  Could  make  home  passage  in  five  and  one-half 
days  with  favorable  weather.    No  ventilating  fans.    Sanitary  condition  good. 

There  can  be  no  question  as  to  which  ships  are  most  available  from  a  sanitary 
standpoint.  The  Chester  ranks  first;  the  Obdam  second.  The  Chester  will  accom- 
modate a  much  greater  number  and  has  better  ventilation  between  decks  and 
better  facilities  for  preparation  of  delicacies  or  foods  for  the  weak  convalescents. 

Regarding  the  class  of  patients  to  be  taken  to  the  United  States  I  would  respect- 
fully recommend  that  such  as  are  convalescing  from  insolation,  low  fevers,  and 
gastro-intestinal  disturbances  be  selected. 

Respectfully,  L.  L.  Seaman, 

Major  and  Surgeon,  First  Regiment  United  States  Volunteer  Engineers. 


Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  26, 1898. 
Major  Woodbury,  Chief  Surgeon. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  orders,  I  have  inspected  the  Panama,  with  a  view  of 
ascertaining  her  qualifications  as  a  transport  for  convalescent  troops,  and  beg  to 
report  as  follows: 

The  ship  will  be  entirely  unloaded  to-day.  She  is  coaled  and  can  be  ready  for 
sea  in  twenty-four  hours.  She  has  all  her  tanks  (capacity,  14,000  gallons)  full; 
also  100  casks  of  Croton  water,  200  gallons  in  each  cask.  She  has  no  condenser 
and  fans  for  ventilation.  Her  sanitary  condition  is  good;  excellent  lavatories  and 
shower  bathroom  for  troops;  also  good  washing  accommodations.  Is  lighted 
throughout  with  electricity.  Cooking  accommodation  for  300  troops.  Can  run 
to  New  York  in  six  and  one-half  days.  Three  hundred  is  full  number  I  would 
recommend  her  taking.  Also  good  accommodation  for  24  officers.  Total  capac- 
ity, 324. 

If  this  ship,  the  Panama,  is  selected,  2  barrels  of  lime  should  be  sent  to  her  cap- 
tain at  once  (also  6  whitewash  brushes) ,  with  directions  to  have  all  spaces  between 
decks  thoroughly  whitewashed.  The  captain  should  also  be  directed  to  retain  the 
100  casks  of  Croton  water  on  the  ship. 

Respectfully,  Seaman, 

Major,  Surgeon  First  United  States  Volunteer  Engineers. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon,  on  board  S.  S.  Obdam, 

En  route  to  New  York,  September  6, 1898. 
Capt.  Walter  Allen,  U.  S.  V.,  Quartermaster. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  invite  your  attention  to  certain  unsanitary  conditions 
of  this  ship  which,  in  my  opinion,  should  be  corrected  before  she  goes  again  to  sea. 
First.  The  plumbing  in  connection  with  the  water-closets  and  urinals.  This  is 
very  defective,  the  pipes  clogging  frequently  and  the  flush  being  faulty.  The  cap- 
tain of  the  ship  informs  me  that  the  whole  apparatus  is  old  and  not  worth  repair- 
ing. I  recommend  that  it  be  thoroughly  overhauled  and,  if  necessary,  replaced 
with  new  pipes. 


584         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Second.  Ventilation.  While  the  weather  is  good  and  the  ports  and  hatches  can 
be  kept  open  and  wind  sails  used,  the  air  between  decks  is  fairly  good;  but  if  any 
one  of  these  sources  of  supply  should  be  shut  off  in  consequence  of  stormy  weather 
the  atmospheric  conditions  would  be  unbearable.  This  applies  to  the  staterooms 
as  well  as  between  decks.  I  understand  that  there  is  sufficient  motor  power  and 
machinery  to  drive  the  requisite  number  of  electric  fans,  and  I  recommend  that 
they  be  supplied  to  all  parts  of  the  ship  and  used  systematically. 

Third.  Cleanliness.  This  is  essential,  but  particularly  with  reference  to  the 
toilet  boxes  in  the  staterooms,  the  water  containers  of  all  kinds,  the  filters,  and 
the  cold-storage  box,  in  which  food  is  kept.  I  do  not  know  whether  the  present 
force  of  ship's  company  is  sufficient  to  do  this  kind  of  work  thoroughly,  but  if  it 
is  not  it  should  be  increased,  since  it  is  very  inadequately  done  now.  The  water 
from  the  Pasteur  filter  is  exceedingly  malodorous  and  undrinkable,  and  the  toilet 
boxes  are  uncleanly.  Regarding  the  general  regulations  for  cleanliness  of  the 
quarters  occupied  by  the  troops  there  is  much  to  be  said,  and  I  propose  making 
this  the  subject  of  a  separate  communication  to  the  Quartermaster-General,  merely 
adding  that  the  passable  condition  of  cleanliness  among  the  troops  has  been 
obtained  only  through  the  greatest  difficulties  and  by  frequent  inspections  by  the 
medical  officers  and  myself. 

Very  respectfully,  Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  585 


DATA   RELATING   TO    QUESTION   11-SUPPLY   OF   PERSONNEL   AND 
MEDICAL  MATERIAL. 

Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C,  May  11, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  there  will  be  required  for  use  with  the  med- 
ical department  of  the  army  serving  in  the  field  the  following  articles  of  quarter- 
master property,  namely: 

150  Red  Cross  flags  (hospital) \ 

150  national  flags  (storm) I 

650  Red  Cross  guidons Of  bunting. 

650  national-flag  guidons j 

10,000  Red  Cross  brassards  (arm  badges). 

The  national-flag  guidon  should  be  of  the  same  size,  shape,  and  material  as  the 
Red  Cross  guidon. 

Very  respectfully,  etc.,  Chas.  R.  Greenleap,  Colonel,  etc. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C,  May  11, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headqua*  ters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  herewith  an  estimate  of  wheeled  transportation 
and  tentage  required  for  use  of  medical  department  in  the  field. 

Transportation:  Ambulances,  1  to  400  of  combatant  troops;  army  wagons,  1  to 
600  of  combatant  troops;  escort  wagons,  1  to  each  brigade. 

Tentage:  Hospital  tent,  1  to  300  of  combatant  troops;  common  tents,  1  to  1,200 
of  combatant  troops. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf,  Colonel,  etc. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C,  May  12, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that,  exclusive  of  the  animals  for  ambu- 
lance and  other  wagons  used  by  the  medical  department  in  the  field,  there  will  be 
required  for  mounts  and  pack  transportation:  Hospital  stewards  requiring 
mounts,  420;  1,038  horses,  viz,  acting  hospital  stewards  requiring  mounts,  152; 
privates  requiring  mounts,  466;  200  mules  (1  per  regiment)  and  the  necessary 
equipment. 
Also,  3,500  hand  litters,  with  slings  (one  per  company  and  two  per  ambulance). 


586         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  estimate  for  horses,  whicn  is  one-fourth  less  than  the  regulation  allowance 
(par.  1421,  A.  R.),  is  based  upon  what  is  believed  to  be  the  least  number  that  will 
do  the  work  of  the  department  under  the  present  field  organization,  Under  the 
law  the  Hospital  Corps  must  now  man  all  the  transportation  required  by  the 
Medical  Department. 

Very  respectfully,  etc.,  Chas.  R.  Greenleaf,  Colonel,  etc. 


[Telegram.] 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C,  May  11,  1898. 
Pope,  Chief  Surgeon,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

Make  local  inquiry  whether  200  horses  bought  for  Hospital  Corps  have  been 
sent  from  Chickamauga  to  Tampa.    Answer. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


[Telegram.] 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Washington,  D.  C,  May  16,  1898- 
Pope,  Chief  Surgeon,  Tampa,  Fla.: 

Quartermaster  Chickamauga  was  directed  to  distribute  hospital-corps  mounts 
with  troops  going  south.  If  your  quota  not  yet  received  request  depot  quarter- 
master to  wire  Chickamauga  regarding  them.  Field  desks  and  vaccine  virus 
have  been  forwarded. 

Greenleaf. 


United  States  Camp,  Florida,  May  18,  1898. 
The  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army: 

Authority  is  requested  to  provide  mounts  for  all  acting  assistant  surgeons,  also 
for  one  orderly  for  every  medical  officer  serving  with  foot  troops.  There  are 
more  than  enough  horses  for  the  Hospital  Corps  now  at  this  place.  We  have  167 
private  and  29  stewards  at  present  with  this  command. 

Pope,  Chief  Surgeon. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  May  20, 1898. 
The  Chief  Signal  Officer  of  the  Army. 

Sir:  Referring  to  joint  resolution  authorizing  the  printing  of  extra  copies  of  the 
military  publications  of  the  War  Department  (par.  2  G.  O.  42,  C.  S.,  A.  G.  O.) 
I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  following  will  be  required  by  the  medical  de- 
partment in  the  field,  viz: 

70  Cavalry  drill  regulations. 
28  Manual,  Judge- Advocate  Department. 
1,500  Manual  of  drill  for  the  Hospital  Corps. 
250  Arm  regulations. 
56  Manual,  Army  Corps,  cooks. 
28  Manual,  Subsistence  Department. 
675  Manual,  Medical  Department. 
5")  Manual,  Quartermaster's  Department. 
5(>  Manual,  Paymaster's  Department. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  587 

It  is  suggested  that  these  publications  be  held  in  stock,  subject  to  requisition 
that  will  be  made  from  time  to  time  from  the  field,  until  the  estimated  number 
is  exhausted. 

Very  respectfully,  etc.,  Chas.  R.  Greenleaf,  Colonel,  etc. 


[Telegram.] 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Washington,  D.  C,  June  1,  1898. 
Pope,  Chief  Surgeon,  Tampa,  Fla. : 

Brown  telegraphs  Surgeon-General  that  he  shipped  25  advance  medical  outfits 
to  you  on  May  23.     Ask  quartermaster  if  he  can  hurry  them. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


[Telegram.] 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Washington,  D.  C,  June  1, 1898. 
O'Reilly,  Chief  Surgeon,  Mobile,  Ala. : 

Wright  telegraphs  Surgeon-General  that  five  times  the  quantity  enumerated  in 
the  field-supply  table  was  shipped  to  you  by  freight  May  27.  Ask  your  quarter- 
master to  hurry  them,  if  possible. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


[Telegram.] 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Washington,  D.  C,  June  1,  1898. 
Hartsuff,  Chief  Surgeon,  Chickamauga,  Ga. : 

Wright  telegraphs  Surgeon-General  that  he  shipped  May  17  ten  times  the  quan- 
tity of  medical  supplies  noted  in  official  supply  table.  On  May  26  he  shipped  10 
advance  medical  outfits.  Medicines  and  stores  shipped  by  express;  furniture  by 
freight.  Fifty  more  outfits  have  been  ordered  to  follow.  Ask  Lee  if  he  can 
ascertain  cause  of  delay.  Advance  copy  of  order  regarding  transfers  to  hospital 
corps,  etc.,  will  be  mailed  you  to-night. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


[Telegram.] 

Camp  near  Mobile,  Ala.,  June  1, 
Colonel  Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon  : 

Supplies  just  arriving,  probably  from  Wright,  and  the  ones  about  which  you 
telegraphed. 

O'Reilly,  Chief  Surgeon. 


[Telegram. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Washington,  D.  C,  June  3,  1893. 
Hoff,  Chief  Surgeon,  Third  Corps,  Chickamauga,  Ga.: 

No  hand  litters  on  hand.     Surgeon-General  and  Quartermaster  will  ship  as 
soon  as  manufactured. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


588         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

ITelegram.] 

Chick  am  auga  Park,  June  ;/,  1898. 
Colonel  Greenleaf,  Washington: 
A  large  number  of  hand  litters  are  necessary  here.    None  to  be  had. 

Hoff,  Chief  Surgeon. 


[Telegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  July  5, 1898. 
Lient.  Col.  J.  V.  R.  Hoff,  U.  S.  V., 

Chief  Surgeon,  Chiekamauga: 
Quartermaster  has  shipped  (fast  freight)  600  each  Berkefeld  and  Maignen  niters 
for  troops  Chiekamauga. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


[Telegram.] 


Surgeon-General's  Office, 
Washington,  D.  C,  July  12, 1898. 
Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon,  Santiago  de  Cuba: 
Will  send  immune  assistance  as  rapidly  as  possible. 

Sternberg,  Surgeon-General. 


[Cable. — General  Sternberg  to  Colonel  Greenleaf,  chief  surgeon,  army  in  the  field,  Porto  Rico.] 

July  15, 1898. 
Will  send  forward  medical  supplies,  immune  nurses,  and  doctors  as  rapidly  as 
possible. 


Siboney,  Cuba,  July  15, 1898. 
Dr.  La  Garde,  Siboney,  Cuba. 

Sir:  There  is  only  one  battalion  of  volunteer  troops  so  far  as  I  know,  and  it  is 
impossible  to  get  the  details  from  them  that  we  require.  Have  been  informed  by 
the  commanding  officer  that  he  can  not  do  more  than  he  is  doing,  and  that  falls 
far  short  of  our  necessities. 

The  engineers  are  considered  as  a  separate  organization,  with  specific  duties, 

and  they  are  applying  to  the  volunteer  infantry  here  for  details.    The  trouble  with 

the  volunteers  is  that  they  do  not  know  what  to  do  and  do  not  care.    As  guards 

they  are  worth  little  or  nothing.    Complaints  here  from  commissary  in  charge  of 

stores  that  the  guards  do  not  protect  the  stores,  and  that  they  are  stolen  at  night 

and  even  by  day.     So  far  as  enforcing  any  orders  of  a  sanitary  character,  they  fall 

entirely  short.    Not  only  they,  but  the  horde  of  Cubans  here,  make  use  of  the 

grounds. 

Humphrey. 


[Cablegram.] 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  17, 1898. 
Colonel  Greenleaf,  Cuba: 

One  hundred  ambulances  can  not  be  sent  to  Cuba  without  taking  away  from 
those  required  at  Chiekamauga  and  Camp  Alger.  There  are  27  at  Tampa,  fully 
equipped,  belonging  to  Henry's  division;  at  manufacturers,  24,  will  be  ready  to 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  589 

ship  on  Tuesday.  No  others  available  now.  How  many  have  you  at  Santiago, 
and  what  number  must  you  have  additional?  Those  required  for  the  Porto  Rican 
expedition  will  be  supplied  from  other  points.  Ten  ambulances  were  shipped 
from  Tampa  on  Louisiana  the  first  of  the  month. 

Ludington  ,  Quartermaster -General. 


[Telegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Guantanamo  Bay,  Cuba,  July  18, 1898. 
Ludington,  Washington,  D  C: 

The  10  ambulances  on  Louisiana  will  answer  for  Santiago.  All  in  Cuba  will 
be  infected  and  not  available  for  Porto  Rico  expedition,  for  which  60  are  required. 
Those  with  Henry's  division  and  at  manufacturers,  with  9  additional,  will  be  suf- 
ficient.   Ship  travois,  also,  if  possible. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  on  Board  U.  S.  S.  Yale, 

En  route  to  Porto  Rico,  July  22, 1898. 
Maj.  G.  W.  Crile,  U.  S.  V., 

Second  Brigade,  First  Division,  Second  Army  Corps. 
Sir:  The  major-general  commanding  directs  that  as  soon  as  possible  after  the 
arrival  of  this  expedition  at  Porto  Rico  you  establish  at  our  base  a  provisional 
field  hospital  to  accommodate  as  many  patients  as  you  can  reasonably  shelter 
under  whatever  tentage  may  be  available.  You  will  furnish  its  materials  and 
supplies  by  drafts  upon  the  medical  department  of  the  several  regiments  consti- 
tuting this  command  until  such  time  as  the  reserve  medical  supplies  as  are  with 
the  expedition  can  be  landed.  Upon  your  recommendation  proper  medical  officers* 
members  of  the  hospital  corps,  will  be  detailed  to  form  the  personnel  of  the  hos- 
pital. Such  of  the  Red  Cross  doctors  and  nurses  now  on  the  Lampasas  as  are 
needed  for  the  hospital  transport  will  be  assigned  to  you  for  duty  in  this  hospital. 
In  connection  with  this  hospital  you  will  establish  a  medical  supply  depot,  where 
all  the  reserve  supplies  will  be  gathered,  placing  a  medical  officer  temporarily  in 
charge  of  it,  instructing  him  to  open  all  boxes  that  do  not  bear  a  mark  of  con- 
tents; an  inventory  of  the  medical  supplies  should  be  made.  Requisitions  for 
supplies  should  be  promptly  filled,  using  ambulances  for  the  purpose  of  transport- 
ing supplies  back  to  the  regiments.  No  transfer  papers  are  necessary  for  expend- 
ible articles,  but  wherever  possible  nonexpendible  articles  should  be  properly 
invoiced  and  receipted  for. 

Upon  completion  of  this  duty  you  will  report  to  me,  so  that  an  officer  may  be 
designated  to  relieve  you  of  the  charge  of  the  base  hospital,  and  you  will  pro- 
ceed toward  the  front  and  organize  a  field  hospital  as  near  to  the  lines  as  is 
consistent  with  safety. 

Very  respectfully,  , 

Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  4,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  request  that  the  sum  of  $50,  Porto  Rican  money,  be 
furnished  to  me  for  use  in  the  purchase  of  ice,  milk,  eggs,  and  other  delicacies  for 


590         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

the  sick  in  the  transfer  hospital,  which  is  established  in  Ponce.     I  append  below 
my  receipt  for  the  money. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Arm//. 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 
Approved. 
By  command  of  Major-General  Miles: 


Captain  and  Assistant  Adjutant-General. 

Received  at  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  5,  1898,  the  sum  of  $50  for  the  use  of 
the  sick  in  the  transfer  hospital. 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


[Cablegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  8,  1898. 
Sternberg,  Washington: 

Renew  Siboney  request  for  hospital  tents  and  another  hospital  ship.     Large 
number  typhoids.    Load  Relief  soon  as  possible. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  9, 1898. 
Captain  Williams, 

Quartermaster  Steamship  Panama. 
Sir:  Will  you  be  kind  enough  tc  let  Lieutenant  Crabbs,  quartermaster  hospital 
ship  Relief,  have  ten  laborers  un-ier  one  boss  stevedore  to  assist  in  unloading 
medical  supplies  from  the  Relief  to-morrow.  These  supplies  are  urgently  needed 
by  the  large  number  of  sick  now  in  the  soldiers'  hospital  and  for  issue  to  the 
troops. 

I  do  not  know  whether  this  communication  ought  properly  to  go  through  any 
other  headquarters,  but  I  take  chances  in  sending  it  direct  to  you,  and  feel  sure 
that  if  you  can  give  us  the  men  you  will  do  so. 
Very  truly,  yours, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  10, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  request  the  detail  of  10  enlisted  men  for  duty  as 
nurses  in  the  military  transfer  hospital  at  Ponce,  the  men  being  directed  to  report 
to  the  surgeon  in  charge  at  the  earliest  practicable  moment.  I  request  that  the 
officer  making  this  detail  will  select  intelligent,  willing  men,  preferably  men  who 
will  volunteer  for  the  service.     The  hospital  has  been  unexpectedly  overcrowded 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  591 

with  sick  from  the  troops  that  went  to  the  front,  and  our  means  of  caring  for 
them  are  exceedingly  limited.  The  men  are  very  ill  and  require  the  best  care  we 
can  give  them,  and  in  this  emergency  I  feel  that  I  am  not  aslrng  too  much  in 
making  an  appeal  to  the  humane  feelings  of  our  soldiers  for  prompt  nd  efficient 
response  to  my  call  for  this  aid. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 

Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  Stales  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 

Note. — Permanent  detail  made  at  once,  by  order  General  Miles,  from  the  Nine- 
teenth United  States  Infantry,  of  men  who  did  splendid  service  during  their  stay 

at  the  hospital. 

C.  R.  G. 


[Cable. — General  Sternberg  to  Colonel  Greenleaf,  chief  surgeon,  army  in  the  field,  Ponce,  Porto  Rico.] 

August  10, 1898. 
Ocean  voyage  very  trying  for  severe  typhoid  cases.    Can't  you  establish  general 
hospital  at  Ponce  in  suitable  buildings?    Call  on  me  for  all  you  need.    Will  send 
hospital  tents  by  first  transport.    Will  send  money  to  your  supply  officer  if  you 
will  telegraph  his  name.    Acknowledge  receipt. 


ICable.]    • 

Washington,  August  10, 1898— 4  p.  m. 
General  Miles: 

It  is  deemed  advisable  to  at  once  establish  a  large  hospital  at  Ponce.  Can  you 
get  the  lumber,  labor,  and  material  necessary  to  put  this  order  into  execution 
immediately?  Will  send  you  nurses  and  doctors,  as  many  as  desired.  This  is  of 
the  utmost  importance.  Answer,  giving  number  of  nurses  and  doctors  you  deem 
will  be  required. 

R.  A.  Alger,  Secretary  of  War. 

[First  indorsement.] 

Respectfully  referred  to  Col.  Charles  R.  Greenleaf,  chief  surgeon  army  in  the 
field,  etc. 

[Second  indorsement.] 

Respectfully  returned  to  Headquarters  of  the  Army,  inviting  attention  to 
inclosed  memorandum  of  conference  regarding  the  subject-matter  of  this  cable- 
gram. 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


[Telegram.] 

Headquarters  First  Army  Corps. 
Col.  C.  R.  Greenleaf, 

Chief  Surgeon,  Ponce : 
Some  money  is  badly  needed  here  for  the  purchase  of  milk  and  other  suitable 
food  for  the  hospital.     Can  you  not  furnish  some  and  send  it  up  by  my  aide,  Lieu- 
tenant McKenna,  who  will  arrive  in  Ponce  this  morning  with  detachment  of  men 
we  sent  from  here  to  the  hospital  at  Ponce. 

John  R.  Brooke,  Major  General. 


592         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

[Cablegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  12,  1S9S. 
Sternberg,  Washington : 

Am  depending  on  tents  and  transports  from  the  United  States.     Can  not  prop- 
erly equip  here.    Prefer  less  number  male  nurses  to  any  female  nurses. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


[Cable.— General  Sternberg  to  Colonel  Greenleaf,  cbief  surgeon  army  in  the  field,  Ponce,  Porto  Rico.] 

August  13,  1898. 
Two  hundred  hospital  tents  go  by  the  Concho,  leaving  New  York  to-day.    How 
many  more  do  you  want? 


[Telegram.] 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  14,  1898. 
The  Chief  Surgeon, 

General  Wilson's  Brigade : 
Wire  daily  to  me  number  of  sick  in  hospital  and  quarters.    Have  fresh  vaccine. 
How  many  points  do  you  want?    Medical  supplies  now  here.     Send  for  what  you 
want.     Official  list  of  wounded  required  at  once. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


[Telegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  14,  1898. 
Sternberg,  Washington  : 

No  more  hospital  tents  or  medical  supplies  than  those  sent  required  at  present. 
Will  wire  when  wanted.     Health  improving.     Received  money  from  Torney. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  14, 1898. 
Dr.  G.  G.  Groff,  National  Relief  Commission. 

My  Dear  Dr.  Groff:  In  looking  over  your  supplies  I  find  that  there  is  a  large 
quantity  of  stimulants,  brandy,  whisky,  wine,  etc.  I  do  not  think  it  is  advisable 
to  use  these  except  in  very  small  quantities,  since  the  Medical  Department  of  the 
Army  has  a  very  large  and  sufficient  supply.  An  excess  of  this  character  affords 
too  great  a  temptation  to  men  in  camp,  and  I  fear  that  it  would  be  misapplied, 
I  therefore  advise  that  most  of  it  be  returned  to  the  United  States  and  exchanged 
for  other  and  more  desirable  property.  One  or  at  most  two  packages  of  each 
kind  might  be  left  here. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  593 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  14,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  request  that  telegraphic  instructions  be  sent  to  the 
headquarters  of  Generals  Wilson,  Henry,  and  Schwan  that  no  more  sick  be  sent 
to  the  transfer  hospital  at  Ponce  without  first  obtaining  telegraphic  authority  from 
the  chief  surgeon  of  the  army. 

That  when  sick  are  sent  they  shall  invariably  be  accompanied  by  a  medical 
officer  and  necessary  attendants,  with  food  and  water,  and  that  company  com- 
manders be  instructed  to  send  their  descriptive  lists  and  medical  officers  their 
transcript  lists. 

At  present  the  sick  are  gathered  indiscriminately,  without  order  or  any  official 
records,  and  are  unloaded  unexpectedly  at  the  hospital,  where  confusion  and  often- 
times deprivation  of  food  for  a  while  is  unavoidable. 
The  above  orders  will  correct  this  abuse. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  H.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  15,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  In  view  of  the  change  in  the  military  situation  I  have  now  to  renew  my 
request  for  the  detachment  of  a  brigade  section  (or  as  much  from  the  corps  reserve 
hospital  of  the  First  Army  Corps  under  General  Brooke's  command  as  can  be 
spared)  for  duty  at  the  military  hospital  in  Ponce. 

The  large  number  of  typhoid  cases  gathered  in  the  hospital  require  the  services 
of  extra  nurses  and  there  are  none  to  be  had  from  the  troops  stationed  here. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  15,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  request  that  Maj.  William  H.  Daly,  chief  surgeon, 
United  States  Volunteers,  be  directed  to  proceed  from  this  place  to  General 
Schwan's  headquarters,  in  charge  of  medical  supplies  for  the  sick  of  that  command, 
and  deliver  them  to  the  chief  surgeon,  returning  to  these  headquarters  after  com- 
pletion of  that  duty.  Major  Daly  will  require  the  services  of  a  mounted  orderly. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 

7833— YOL.  1 38 


5!>4         INVESTIGATION    OP    CONDUCT    OF    \#AB    WITH    SPAIN. 

Hospital  supplies  sent  by  Major  Daly  to  General  Schwann  command  at  Mayaguez 

or  beyond. 


50  pajamas. 
1 ,000  quinine. 

1  box  housewives  and  bandages. 

2  boxes  tobacco  (large) . 
6  dozen  tobacco  (shorts). 
2  dozen  socks. 

18  dozen  pipes. 

25  towels. 

1  box  miscellaneous  groceries. 


8  boxes  groceries. 

I  ginger  ale. 

1  lime  juice. 

1  whisky. 

1  blackberry  brandy. 

1  brandy. 

1  port. 

1  vinegar  (raspberry). 

1  grape  juice. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  15, 1898. 
The  Surgeon-General  United  States  Army. 

Sir:  Referring  to  my  cablegram  of  the  14th  instant,  I  have  the  honor  to  state 
that  since  the  cessation  of  hostilities  and  the  probability  that  but  a  few  more 
troops  will  be  brought  to  Porto  Rico,  I  think  that  the  tent  accommodation  and 
the  medical  supplies  already  sent  and  on  the  way  will  be  sufficient  to  meet  all 
ordinary  conditions.  Should  there  be  a  change,  however,  I  can  cable  you  in  ample 
time  to  provide  for  anything  extraordinary. 

My  estimate  for  hospital  accommodation  sent  in  previous  telegrams  was  based 
partly  on  the  assumption  of  an  increase  in  force,  which  G-eneral  Miles  informed 
me  would  not  be  less  than  25,000  men,  and  the  order  of  the  Secretary  to  keep  all 
of  our  sick  in  this  country.  If  these  conditions  had  held,  a  very  large  hospital 
would  have  been  necessary  with  all  of  its  personnel  and  material.  Such  reports 
as  I  can  get  from  medical  officers  at  the  front  indicate  a  decided  abatement  in  the 
number  of  typhoid  cases  and  a  much  improved  condition  of  health  in  the  troops. 
Very  respectfully, 

CHAS.   R.   GREENLEAF, 

Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


[Telegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  IS,  1898. 
Chief  Surgeon,  First  Brigade,  First  Division, 

Coamo,  Porto  Rico : 
A  number  of  sick  from  the  Second  and  Third  Wisconsin  and  Sixteenth  Penn- 
sylvania arrived  at  the  military  transfer  hospital  yesterday  in  a  very  bad  condi- 
tion. They  had  neither  medical  officer,  medicine,  food,  descriptive,  or  transfer 
lists.  Ambulances  crowded  with  baggage.  Report  by  whose  authority  they  were 
sent  and  why  adequate  provision  was  not  made  for  them  for  the  journey. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


[Telegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  17,  1898. 
Surgeon  Eg  an, 

General  Schwan's  Headquarters,  Mayaguez: 
Employ  necessary  medical  attendants  for  the  sick,  reporting  your  action  to  me. 
Major  Daly  left  here  yesterday  with  medical  supplies  and  vaccine  virus  for  your 
command  and  with  orders  to  inspect  it.     You  had  better  await  his  arrival  unless 
prompt  action  is  indispensably  necessary. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


'  REPLY'  OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  595 

[Cable.— General  Sternberg  to  Colonel  Greenleaf,  chief  surgeon  army  in  the  field,  Ponce,  Porto  Rico.] 

August  17, 1898. 
Your  requisition  for  male  nurses  can  not  be  filled.     Can't  you  get  hospital-corps 
men  by  transfer?    If  not  have  enlisted  men  detailed  or  employ  civilians  under 
contract  at  $30  per  month  ration.    How  many  contract  doctors  do  you  want  now? 


[Telegram.] 


Headquarters  op  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  18, 1898. 
Gen.  John  R.  Brooke, 

Commanding  First  Army  Corps,  Guayama: 
Will  send  $50  to  your  command  by  Lieutenant  McKenna. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


[Telegram.] 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  18, 1898. 
Chief  Surgeon  Crile, 

General  Henry's  Headquarters: 
Can  you  get  any  men  for  hospital  corps  by  transfer  from  the  line?    If  so,  how 
many?    If  not,  can  you  get  details  for  hospital  service  from  the  line,  and  how 


many? 


Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


[Telegram.]- 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  18, 1898. 
Huidekoper, 

Chief  Surgeon  First  Army  Corps,  Guayama: 
Plenty  of  cots  and  supplies  here.    Will  send  all  I  can  with  General  Grant's  hos- 
pital train  that  leaves  here  on  Saturday.    Shall  I  load  entirely  with  cots?    Can 
you  send  wagons  here  for  supplies?    Do  not  learn  anything  about  cots  from  Mas- 
sachusetts.   None  on  wharf.    Wire  daily  your  condition. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  18, 1898. 
Lieut.  Col.  R.  Huidekoper, 

Surgeon,  United  States  Volunteers,  Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 
Sir:  There  is  a  great  need  in  this  command  of  nurses  for  the  sick  in  the  transfer 
hospital  at  Ponce.  Will  you  please  report  to  me  by  wire  as  soon  as  possible, 
first,  how  many  of  the  hospital  corps  you  can  spare  in  addition  to  the  brigade  sec- 
tion ordered  for  that  service;  second,  if  more  transfers  can  be  made  from  the  line 
to  the  hospital  corps,  and  if  so,  how  many;  third,  if  these  additional  transfers 
can  not  be  made,  how  many  men  are  available  for  detail  from  the  line  as  nurses? 
Also  wire  me  daily  the  general  condition  of  health  of  the  command,  aggregate 
sick,  and  character  of  disease. 

Respectfully,  . 

P.  S.—  If  you  have  not  sent  the  required  reports  from  the  First  Corps  to  the 
Surgeon-General  regarding  personnel  and  material,  please  do  so  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible and  notify  me. 


596         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  18,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  recommend  that  General  Henry  be  directed  to  detail 
two  medical  officers  and  six  members  of  the  hospital  corps  for  duty  with  Gen- 
eral Schwan's  command,  in  which  the  chief  surgeon  reports  a  large  number  of 
fever  cases. 

In  response  to  my  telegram  Major  Crile,  chief  surgeon  for  General  Henry's  com- 
mand, reports  Drs.  McGillicuddy  and  Gross,  with  six  hospital  corps  men,  as 
available. 

Very  respectfully,  Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


[Cablegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  18, 1898. 
Sternberg,  Washington: 

Am  trying  to  get  soldier  nurses  by  transfer  and  detail.     May  succeed  since 
armistice.     Civilians  here  undesirable.     Ten  good  doctors  will  answer  now. 

Greenleaf 


[Telegram.] 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  18, 1898. 
Surgeon  Eagan, 

Chief  Surgeon,  General  Schwan's  Division,  Mayaguez,  Porto  Rico: 
Have  requested  a  detail  of  two  medical  officers  and  six  hospital-corps  men 
from  Henry's  command  to  report  to  you.     Get  all  the  men  you  can  by  transfer  to 
Hospital  Corps.    If  you  fail,  ask  for  detail  to  care  for  the  sick. 

Greenleaf. 


[Telegram.] 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  18,  1898. 
Major  Woodbury, 

Sanitary  Inspector,  General  Wilson's  headquarters: 
Examine  into  advisability  of  establishing  a  tent  hospital  of  250  beds  in  the 
vicinity  of  General  Wilson's  command,  and  if  advisable  select  site.     Make  report 
to  me  in  person,  if  possible,  at  earliest  convenience. 

Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  19,  1898. 
Assistant  Surgeon  Hartsock, 

Medical  Supply  Officer. 
Sir:  Please  deliver  to  Lieutenant  McKenna  for  Lieutenant-Colonel  Huidekoper, 
chief  surgeon,  First  Army  Corps,  as  many  cots  as  the  ambulances  which  he  has 
will  carry. 

Greenleaf. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  597 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  19,  1898. 

The  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army. 

Sir: 
*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

The  peculiar  character  of  this  campaign  has  necessitated  the  detachment  of 
small  bodies  of  troops  from  the  main  commands,  which  requires  the  detail  of  a 
number  of  medical  officers  and  hospital-corps  men  whose  services  are  really- 
needed  in  the  field  hospitals.  Several  of  the  organizations  lately  arrived,  notably 
the  First  United  States  Volunteer  Engineers  and  the  New  York  cavalry,  have  no 
other  members  of  the  Hospital  Corps  than  their  hospital  stewards,  and  so  many 
objections  to  transfers  from  the  line  to  the  Hospital  Corps  are  made  by  other 
regimental  commanders  that  it  is  quite  impossible  to  supply  our  needs  from  that 
source.  I  am,  therefore,  having  the  services  performed  so  far  as  practicable  by 
details  from  the  line. 

Very  respectfully,  Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  19, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  three  bills  for  disinfectants,  one 
purchased  by  Major  Daly,  one  by  Major  Woodbury,  and  one  by  myself,  for  use 
in  disinfecting  the  buildings  used  as  headquarters,  the  military  barracks,  and  the 
military  hospital,  with  request  that  they  be  referred  to  the  Quartermaster's 
Department  for  payment. 

Under  Army  Regulation  1462,  and  paragraph  120,  Manual  of  the  Medical  Depart- 
ment, the  issue  of  disinfectants  by  the  Medical  Department  for  post  sanitation  is 
prohibited,  such  articles  being  considered  as  medicines  for  use  with  the  sick.      , 

The  conditions  under  which  they  were  ordered  were  those  of  an  emergency, 
immediately  upon  the  arrival  of  the  troops,  and  there  was  no  time  to  go  through 
the  routine  of  requisitions  or  special  authority  in  the  matter. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


[Cablegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  19, 1898. 
Sternberg,  Washington: 

No  new  typhoids  reported.  Sharp  increase  of  intestinal  disorders.  Can  secure 
detailed  nurses.  Send  by  Relief  hospital  mess  furniture  for  500  patients.  Also 
astringents,  disinfectants,  tonics,  strychnia,  farinaceous  hospital  stores,  condensed 
cream,  no  liquors,  clinical  thermometers,  pillow  cases,  thin  mattresses. 

Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  19, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  In  compliance  with  telegraphic  request  made  by  me  at  Siboney  to  Gen- 
eral Ludington,  quartermaster-general,  27  ambulances,  complete,  with  civilian 
drivers,  were  sent  from  the  United  States  as  a  headquarters  ambulance  train. 
Since  their  arrival  the  number  has  been  diminished  by  assignments  to  troops 
in  the  field  until  there  now  remains  but  15  attached  to  headquarters. 


f>!>8         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

[Telegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  20, 1898. 
Surgeon  Eg  an, 

Brigade  Surgeon,  Mayaguez,  Porto  Rico: 
Two  medical  officers  and  five  privates,  Hospital  Corps,  are  on  their  way  to  report 
to  you  from  General  Henry's  headquarters.    Dr.  Daly,  from  these  headquarters, 
should  reach  you  with  supplies  to-day.     Wire  me  when  he  arrives.    No  hospital 
ship  expected  under  ten  days. 

Greenleaf. 


[Telegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  20, 1898. 
Colonel  Huidekoper, 

Chief  Surgeon,  Guayama: 
Concho  has  arrived.     Tents  will  be  unloaded  probably  in  two  days.    Agent 
Red  Cross  here  with  plenty  of  groceries.    Will  send  him  to  you  as  soon  as  things 
are  off  ship.    Can  furnish  medicines  with  the  tents.    No  clinical  thermometers 

here. 

Greenleaf. 


[First  indorsement.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  21,  1898. 
Respectfully  forwarded  to  Headquarters  of  the  Army,  approved  and  recom- 
mended. 

It  is  particularly  desirable  to  use  all  of  the  hospital  tents,  which  will  be  pitched 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  transfer  hospital,  for  the  care  of  the  sick,  and  the  buildings 
mentioned  within  are  so  conveniently  located  that  their  use  will  be  very  desirable. 

Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  21, 1898. 
Major  Crile,  Chief  Surgeon,  Utuado: 

McGillicuddy  has  reported  and  will  be  sent  by  rail  and  carriage  to-day.  Gen- 
eral Gilmore  tells  me  that  General  Henry  has  full  authority  to  move  his  com- 
mand anywhere  within  the  lines  he  may  desire  on  account  of  health.  Use  your 
discretion  in  sending  Dr.  Gross  away.  Ample  medical  supplies  are  here.  Have 
filled  requisition  you  sent.  No  means  of  getting  it  to  you.  Can  you  not  send  for 
it  and  any  other  medical  supplies  you  require? 

Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  21, 1898. 
Major  Parkgill, 

General  Wilson's  Headquarters: 
Corps  reserve  have  been  drawn  on  for  transfer  hospital  to  their  limit.  Use 
men  from  ambulance  company  not  engaged  with  horses  for  hospital  service. 
Doctors  with  ambulance  company  must  do  duty  in  hospital  if  their  services  are 
needed  there.  Call  on  Sixteenth  Pennsylvania  for  details  as  nurses  if  you  need 
them.    Will  wire  later  about  contract  doctors. 

Greenleaf. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  599 

Headquarters  op  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  21,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  there  is  on  the  steamship  Concho,  now  in  this 
harbor,  200  hospital  tents,  sent  here  by  the  Surgeon-General  United  States  Army, 
for  the  purpose  of  establishing  tent  hospitals  ordered  to  be  erected  by  the  Secre- 
tary of  War.  The  necessity  for  the  erection  of  these  hospitals  is  very  great,  and 
I  ask  that  efforts  be  made  to  unload  these  tents  at  the  earliest  possible  moment 
and  that  the  quartermaster  be  directed  to  send  by  the  first  opportunity  20  of  them 
to  the  chief  surgeon  of  General  Brooke's  command,  50  to  the  chief  surgeon  of 
General  Wilson's  command,  and  the  remainder  to  be  sent  to  the  transfer  hospital 
at  Ponce. 

Very  respectfully,  Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  21,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General,  Headquarters  of  the  Army. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  Assistant  Surgeon  McGillicudy,  with  six 
privates  of  the  Hospital  Corps,  arrived  here  last  night  from  Utuado  (General 
Henry's  headquarters) ,  en  route  to  Mayaguez,  in  General  Schwan's  command. 

Their  servic.es  are  urgently  required  with  the  large  number  of  sick  at  that 
place,  and  I  request  that  authority  be  given  the  quartermaster  to  send  them  at 
once  by  train  to  Yauco  and  by  carriage  to  their  destination.    If  possible  to  send 
them  by  special  engine  this  morning  I  requested  this  to  be  done. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  22,  1898. 
The  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  the  steamship  Concho  arrived  at  this 
port  the  day  before  yesterday.  The  quartermasters  here  inform  me  that  the  200 
hospital  tents  you  sent  are  in  the  bottom  of  the  hold,  the  whole  ship's  cargo  being 
packed  on  top  of  them,  and  that  at  least  a  week  must  elapse  before  they  can  be 
reached,  since  the  ship  is  obliged  to  go  to  Arroyo  to  unload  forage  for  General 
Brooke's  command.  The  ground  upon  which  the  auxiliary  field  hospital  at  this 
point  is  to  be  pitched  has  been  prepared  by  the  engineers,  and  the  flooring  and 
frames  for  the  tents  prepared  by  the  quartermaster.  I  could  put  300  patients  into 
them  to-morrow  if  I  had  the  tents.  At  present  the  hospitals  here  and  at  the  front 
are  filled  to  overflowing,  but  we  are  compelled  to  put  up  with  the  existing  con- 
ditions until  these  tents  are  available. 

Very  respectfully,  Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  August  22,  1898. 
Col.  Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 

Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Troops  in  the  Field,  Porto  Rico. 
My  Dear  Colonel: 

******* 

I  hope  you  will  not  send  any  more  critical  cases  of  typhoid,  as  they  are  almost 
sure  to  die  at  sea.    I  have  endeavored  to  send  you  the  supplies  asked  for  in  your 


600         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

telegram,  but  the  Secretary  insists  that  the  Relief  must  sail  to-morrow,  and  it  is 
possible  that  Brown  will  not  succeed  in  getting  all  the  supplies  on  board.  If  you 
need  more  money  of  the  medical  and  hospital  appropriation,  Torney  will  turn 
over  to  you  that  which  he  has.  My  special  fund  is  exhausted,  but  there  is  scarcely 
anything  that  you  can  not  pay  for  on  proper  vouchers  from  the  medical  and  hos- 
pital appropriation.  I  have  already  sent  you  by  the  Obdam  a  number  of  contract 
doctors,  and  shall  send  some  more  by  the  Relief.  Upon  her  arrival,  if  you  still 
need  more,  let  me  know  by  cable.  I  also  hope  to  get  20  trained  male  nurses  from 
Boston  to  go  by  the  Relief,  but  in  view  of  the  positive  orders  that  she  must  sail 
to-morrow  it  is  possible  that  they  may  fail  to  get  on  board. 
Very  sincerely,  yours, 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg. 


SAMPLE  OF  REQUISITION  SENT   TO  CHIEF    SURGEON   OF   THE  ARMY  AT  PONCE 
PORTO  RICO,  AUGUST,  1898.    (THIS  IS  MORE  EXPLICIT  THAN  MANY  OTHERS.) 

Supplies  needed  at  field  hospital  near  Coamo,  First  Brigade,  First  Division,  First 

Corps,  August  19,  1898. 

Delicacies  for  the  sick  of  any  description,  tea  and  sugar  especially. 

Cots  for  sick. 

More  blankets. 

Thermometers. 

Tonic  medicines  especially. 

Tr.  Cinchon.  Comp. 

Ext.  Hydras.  Fid. 

Sheets,  pillows,  pillow  slips,  shirts  or  pajamas  (not  necessaries). 

Cups  for  medicines  and  drinks. 

Spoons  for  same  purpose. 

Platters  or  plates  of  any  sort  for  same  purpose. 

Surgeon's  needles.    Emergency  cases  for  sudden  sick  calls. 

Canvas  needles  and  twine  for  repairing  tents. 

Wash  basins. 

Large  sponges  for  bathing  sick. 

Soap. 

Towels. 


Headquarters  of  the  First  Army  Corps, 

Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 
Ouayama,  Porto  Rico,  August  24, 1898. 
Col.  Charles  R.  Green  leaf, 

Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 
Sir: 
******* 

In  the  confusion  of  rapid  transportation,  for  which  the  medical  department 
was  not  responsible,  of  leaving  Chickamauga,  loading  on  transport  at  Newport 
News,  and  unloading  by  lighters  at  Arroyo,  considerable  property  has  disap- 
peared. I  believe  much  of  it  never  reached  Newport  News,  and  some  there  was 
not  loaded  on  the  transports.  Our  tentage  issued  as  "  new  "  in  bales  just  before 
leaving  Chickamauga  proved  to  be  much  of  it  worthless.  This  has  been  replaced 
by  good  tents.  We  received  today  a  number  of  cots  from  the  Stillwater  and 
Concho  and  a  supply  of  useful  foods  and  some  medicines.  I  took  a  city  building 
in  Guayama,  and  after  thorough  cleansing  and  disinfecting  moved  in  those  cases 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  601 

of  fever  needing  special  bathing  and  attention — about  thirty — and  the  remainder 
of  hospital  sick  are  in  a  well-located  tent  camp.  I  have  built  furnaces  and 
burn  all  excreta,  even  in  the  city  hospital  to  that  of  the  attendants.  I  shall 
extend  this  to  the  field  hospital  to  replace  the  sinks.  On  June  25  I  telegraphed 
the  Surgeon-General  for  blanks  for  reports,  and  during  July  made  requisition 
in  writing  and  telegraphed,  but  received  none.  I  will  make,  however,  on  plain 
paper  a  complete  report  of  medical  officers,  First  Corps,  of  enlisted  men  so  far  as 
my  data  permit,  and  of  material.  We  have  but  200  enlisted  men,  Hospital  Corps, 
here.  Some  of  these  are  sick,  and  I  am  overworking  what  I  have,  and  could  not 
detach  any  without  serious  detriment  to  the  care  of  our  own  men. 

*  *  *  *     *  *  *  * 

.When  I  have  been  allowed  to  get  transfers  from  the  line  of  hospital-corps  men, 
I  have  been  obliged  to  name  the  men.  Some  good  ones  have  reached  me.  In 
other  cases  the  officers  have  recommended  worthless  men  they  wanted  to  get  rid  of. 
Throughout  I  have  had  the  opposition  of  the  commanding  officers  in  carrying  out 
the  organization  desired. 

******* 

We  need  clinical  thermometers.  No  amount  of  requisitions  at  Chickamauga 
could  procure  them. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Rush  S.  Huidekoper, 
Lieutenant-Colonel,  Chief  Surgeon,  United  States  Volunteers, 

Chief  Surgeon  First  Army  Corps. 


[Cable.— General  Sternberg  to  Colonel  Greenleaf,  chief  surgeon  army  in  the  field,  Ponce,  Porto  Rico.] 

August  26, 1898. 
Do  not  fail  to  make  timely  requisition  for  everything  needed  for  the  care  and 
comfort  of  the  sick. 


Headquarters  op  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  26,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  invite  attention  to  an  existing  and  growing  abuse  in 
the  use  of  ambulances  of  this  command,  more  particularly  with  reference  to  the 
transportation  of  supplies  of  all  kinds.  The  law  and  regulation  on  this  subject 
is  imperative  and  limits  the  use  of  an  ambulance  for  hauling  supplies  to  periods 
of  great  emergency.  I  recommend  that  the  attention  of  division  commanders  be 
called  to  this  matter,  and  that  officers  be  directed  to  call  upon  the  quartermaster's 
department  for  transportation  of  medical  supplies,  using  an  ambulance  only 
when  the  quartermaster  fails  to  meet  the  request. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


[Cablegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  27, 1898. 
Sternberg,  Washington: 

Requisition  for  necessary  articles  cabled  you  August  19. 

Greenleaf. 


602        INVESTIGATION    OP    CONDUCT    OV    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

MEMORANDUM  FOR  COLONEL  GREENLEAF. 

Major  Black,  quartermaster  at  Ponce,  reports  that  the  hospital  tents  sent  on 
the  Concho  are  in  the  bottom  of  the  hold  and  can  not  be  reached  until  all  the  rest 
of  the  cargo  is  unloaded. 

Concho  arrived  on  the  20th  of  August;  was  sent  to  Arroyo  to  partially  unload 
oats,  and  the  tents  were  finally  unloaded  at  Ponce,  August  27. 

C.  R.  G. 


[Cable — General  Sternberg  to  Colonel  Greenleaf,  cbie£ surgeon  army  in  tbe  field,  Ponce,  Porto  Rico.] 

August  28, 1898. 
When  you  have  list  of  supplies  sent  by  Relief,  cable  for  additional  articles 
required.    Acknowledge  receipt. 


[Cablegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  28, 1898. 
Sternberg,  Washington: 
Please  send  Miss  Rutty  and  30  female  nurses  to  general  hospital,  Ponce. 

REENLEAF. 


[Telegram.] 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  28, 1898. 
Snowden,  Chief  Surgeon,  Coamo: 

Have  you  arranged  for  transportation  of  hospital  tents,  flooring,  etc.  The 
matter  should  be  expedited  as  rapidly  as  possible.  Same  train  should  carry 
furniture  for  the  hospital  and  extra  supplies  if  you  need  them. 

Greenleaf. 


[Cable— General  Sternberg  to  Colonel  Greenleaf,  cbief  surgeon  army  in  tbe  field,  Ponce,  Porto  Rico.] 

August  29, 1898. 
If  you  need  more  money  let  me  know.     Buy  everything  necessary  for  the  care 
and  comfort  of  the  sick.    Acknowledge  receipt. 


[Cablegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  29, 1898. 
Sternberg,  Washington: 

Relief  here  unloading  supplies.  Plenty  of  money  for  present  use.  Have  arranged 
for  timely  renewal  of  supplies.  Nothing  leaves  here  except  in  good  order.  Field 
and  hospital  arrangements  satisfactory,  but  nurses  needed,  as  cabled  yesterday. 
Huidekoper  and  Woodbury  fully  competent  to  manage  affairs  here. 

Greenleaf. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  603 

APPLICATION  OF  THE  SURGEON   IN  CHARGE  OF  GENERAL  HOSPITAL  IN  PONCE  FOR 

FIFTY  NURSES. 

[First  indorsement.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  29, 1S98. 
Respectfully  forwarded  to  the  Surgeon-General  of  the  Army.  Every  effort  has 
been  made  to  obtain  male  nurses  for  this  hospital.  I  succeeded  in  getting  enough 
men  to  do  the  work  (indifferently)  before  the  addition  of  tents,  but  now,  with  a 
prospect  of  returning  home  before  them,  men  can  not  be  had  who  will  give  any- 
thing like  satisfactory  service.  I  therefore  cabled  you  to-day  for  Miss  Rutty  and 
30  female  nurses  to  be  sent  here.  I  know  her  to  be  a  good  administrator  and  a 
valuable  woman,  and  if  she  can  bring  with  her  the  nurses  who  were  on  the  Lam- 
pasas I  shall  be  much  pleased  and  you  may  be  sure  of  good  service. 

CHAS.  R.  GREENLEAF. 


[Cablegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  31, 1898. 
Sternberg,  Washington  : 

Request  that  provisions  of  general  order  be  extended  to  field  hospitals  in  Porto 
Rico.    General  Miles  concurs  and  urgently  recommends  it. 

Greenleaf. 


DATA  RELATING  TO  QUESTION  12-SANITATION  OF  CAMPS. 

Circular  )  War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

No.  1.      J  Washington,  April  25,  1898. 

In  time  of  war  a  great  responsibility  rests  upon  medical  officers  of  the  Army, 
for  the  result  of  a  campaign  may  depend  upon  the  sanitary  measures  adopted  or 
neglected  by  commanding  generals  of  armies  in  the  field.  The  medical  officer  is 
responsible  for  proper  recommendations  relating  to  the  protection  of  the  health  of 
troops  in  camp  or  in  garrison,  and  it  is  believed  that,  as  a  rule,  medical  officers  of 
the  United  States  Army  are  well  informed  as  to  the  necessary  measures  of  pro- 
phylaxis and  the  serious  results  which  infallibly  follow  a  neglect  of  these  meas- 
ures, especially  when  unacclimated  troops  are  called  upon  for  service  in  a  tropical 
or  semitropical  country  during  the  sickly  season.  In  Cuba  our  armies  will  have 
to  contend  not  only  with  malarial  fevers  and  the  usual  camp  diseases— typhoid 
fever,  diarrhea,  and  dysentery — but  they  will  be  more  or  less  exposed  in  localities 
where  yellow  fever  is  endemic  and  under  conditions  extremely  favorable  for  the 
development  of  an  epidemic  among  unacclimated  troops.  In  view  of  this  danger, 
the  attention  of  medical  officers  and  of  all  others  responsible  for  the  health  of  our 
troops  in  the  field  is  invited  to  the  following  recommendations: 

When  practicable,  camps  should  be  established  on  high  and  well-drained  ground 
not  previously  occupied. 

Sinks  should  be  dug  before  a  camp  is  occupied  or  as  soon  after  as  practicable. 
The  surface  of  fecal  matter  should  be  covered  with  fresh  earth  or  quicklime  or 
ashes  three  times  a  day. 

New  sinks  should  be  dug  and  old  ones  filled  when  contents  of  old  ones  are  2  feet 
from  surface  of  ground. 

Every  man  should  be  punished  who  fails  to  make  use  of  the  sinks. 

All  kitchen  refuse  should  be  promptly  buried  and  perfect  sanitary  police  main- 
tained. 

Troops  should  drink  only  boiled  or  filtered  water  and  coffee  or  tea  (hot  or  cold) , 
except  where  spring  water  can  be  obtained  which  is  pronounced  to  be  wholesome 
by  a  medical  officer. 

Every  case  of  fever  should  receive  prompt  attention.  If  albumin  is  found  in  the 
urine  of  a  patient  with  fever,  it  should  be  considered  suspicious  (of  yellow  fever) , 
and  he  should  be  placed  in  an  isolated  tent.  The  discharges  of  patients  with  fever 
should  always  be  disinfected  at  once  with  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid  (5  per  cent) 
or  of  chloride  of  lime  (6  ounces  to  gallon  of  water)  or  with  milk  of  lime  made 
from  fresh  quicklime. 

Whenever  a  case  of  yellow  fever  occurs  in  camp,  the  troops  should  be  promptly 
moved  to  a  fresh  camping  ground  located  a  mile  or  more  from  infected  camp. 

No  doubt  typhoid  fever,  camp  diarrhea,  and  probably  yellow  fever  are  fre- 
quently communicated  to  soldiers  in  camp  through  the  agency  of  flies,  which 
swarm  about  fecal  matter  and  filth  of  all  kinds  deposited  upon  the  ground  or  in 
shallow  pits  and  directly  convey  infectious  material,  attached  to  their  feet  or  con- 
tained in  their  excreta,  to  the  food  which  is  exposed  while  being  prepared  at  the 
company  kitchens  or  while  being  served  in  the  mess  tent.  It  is  for  this  reason 
that  a  strict  sanitary  police  is  so  important.  Also  because  the  water  supply  may 
be  contaminated  in  the  same  way  or  by  surface  drainage. 
604 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  G05 

If  it  can  be  avoided,  marches  should  not  be  made  in  the  hottest  part  of  the  day — 
from  10  a.  m.  to  5  p.  m. 

When  called  upon  for  duty  at  night  or  early  in  the  morning,  a  cup  of  hot  coffee 
should  be  taken. 

It  is  unsafe  to  eat  heartily  or  drink  freely  when  greatly  fatigued  or  overheated. 

Ripe  fruit  may  be  eaten  in  moderation,  but  green  or  overripe  fruit  will  give 
rise  to  bowel  complaints.  Food  should  be  thoroughly  cooked  and  free  from  fer- 
mentation or  putrefactive  changes. 

In  decidedly  malarious  localities  from  3  to  5  grains  of  quinine  may  be  taken  in 
the  early  morning  as  a  prophylactic,  but  the  taking  of  quinine  as  a  routine  prac- 
tice should  only  be  recommended  under  exceptional  circumstances. 

Light  woolen  underclothing  should  be  worn,  and  when  a  soldier's  clothing  or 
bedding  becomes  damp  from  exposure  to  rain  or  heavy  dews  the  first  opportunity 
should  be  taken  to  dry  it  in  the  sun  or  by  fires. 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General  United  States  Army, 

Note.— Circular  No.  3  is  the  last  of  the  series  of  1897. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C,  June  9, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that,  in  compliance  with  instructions  from  the 
major-general  commanding,  I  left  Washington  on  Monday  night,  May  21,  for  the 
purpose  of  inspecting  the  medical  department  of  the  troops  encamped  at  Tampa, 
Fla.;  Mobile,  Ala.;  Chickamauga,  Ga.,  and  Falls  Church,  Va.,  and  submit  here- 
with the  following  report: 

I  arrived  at  Tampa,  Fla.,  on  the  morning  of  the  25th  ultimo,  and,  after  reporting 
to  Major-General  Shafter  commanding  and  informing  him  of  my  orders,  pro- 
ceeded to  inspect  the  condition  of  the  medical  department. 

The  chief  surgeon  had  commenced  the  organization  of  his  depot,  establishing 
division  hospitals  and  ambulance  companies  by  breaking  up  the  regimental  hos- 
pitals and  absorbing,  as  far  as  possible,  their  personnel  and  material.  The  deeply 
rooted  prejudice  in  favor  of  the  regimental  hospital  organization  made  this  some- 
what difficult,  since  commanding  officers  disliked  to  part  with  medical  and  hos- 
pital property  which  they  looked  upon  as  belonging  to  the  regiment,  but  after 
explaining  the  plan  of  organization  (which  is  simply  the  one  in  use  during  the 
last  four  years  of  the  late  war,  modified  to  meet  modern  conditions)  this  opposi- 
tion gave  away,  and,  as  a  rule,  our  efforts  were  cheerfully  seconded  by  the  officers 
of  the  line.  General  Shafter  took  great  interest  in  the  matter  and  faciltated  the 
work  by  the  immediate  issuance  of  orders  placing  the  organization  on  its  proper 
footing. 

The  service  of  the  department  was,  however,  seriously  handicapped  by  a  scarcity 
of  members  of  the  Hospital  Corps,  the  volunteer  regiments  being  entirely  with- 
out them,  owing  .to  failure  of  Congress  to  legislate  for  their  enlistment,  and  as 
the  measures  taken  by  the  War  Department  to  provide  for  this  deficit  had  not  yet 
been  formulated  in  orders,  it  was  impossible  to  take  any  steps  toward  a  regular 
formation  of  the  troops  for  the  volunteers.  The  necessary  work,  was,  however, 
performed  by  men  detailed  from  the  line  for  duty  until  final  provision  is  made  for 
their  transfer  to  the  corps. 

While  among  the  regular  troops  there  is  a  number  of  hospital  corps  men,  it  is 
insufficient  for  active  service.  Efforts  are  being  made  to  enlist  the  corps  to  its  full 
strength,  with  good  prospects  of  success.     The  men  now  on  duty  are  well  drilled 


606         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAK    WITH    SPAIN. 

and  very  efficient.  I  telegraphed  the  Surgeon-General  urging  the  prompt  issuance 
of  the  general  order  governing  transfers  from  the  volunteer  troops  to  the  regular 
Hospital  Corps,  but  this  was  not  done  until  after  my  return  to  Washington.  Dr. 
Guiteras,  the  yellow-fever  expert  associated  with  the  chief  surgeon  of  the  Fifth 
Corps,  informed  me  that  there  would  be  no  difficulty  in  enlisting  into  the  Hospital 
Corps  a  sufficient  number  of  yellow-fever  nurses  to  care  for  the  sick  in  the  event 
of  the  appearance  of  that  disease  among  the  troops. 

The  quantity  of  medical  and  hospital  supplies  is  limited.  As  a  rule  the  regular 
troops  brought  with  them  a  sufficient  supply  to  last  about  three  months,  but  in 
nearly  every  instance  the  volunteer  troops  on  arrival  at  camp  were  destitute  of 
everything  of  this  kind.  Before  leaving  Washington  the  Surgeon-General  had 
informed  me  that  he  had  ordered  ample  supplies  of  all  kinds  from  the  New  York 
and  St.  Louis  depots,  but  they  had  not  arrived,  and  the  chief  surgeon  had  no 
notification  that  they  had  even  left  the  depots. 

In  order  to  meet  the  immediate  wants  of  the  sick  it  was  necessary  to  draw  upon 
the  slender  supplies  brought  by  the  regular  troops,  and  at  the  time  of  my  arrival 
many  of  their  medicines  were  entirely  exhausted.  I  telegraphed  the  Surgeon- 
General,  requesting  that  the  corps  chief  surgeon  be  authorized  to  purchase  in  the 
local  markets  such  medicines  as  were  necessary  to  meet  the  emergency.  This 
was  done,  and  a  sufficient  supply  for  the  purpose  was  at  once  secured.  Outfits 
for  hospitals  could  not,  however,  be  obtained,  and  the  value  of  the  division  hos- 
pital organization  was  at  once  demonstrated  by  the  ability  of  the  medical  depart- 
ment to  furnish  every  care  for  the  sick  of  the  volunteer  troops  in  addition  to  those 
of  the  regular  service.  On  my  return  to  Washington  I  took  steps  to  push  forward 
the  lacking  supplies,  as  will  be  referred  to  later  on.  It  is  proper  to  state  here  that 
the  Surgeon-General  informed  me  he  had  received  the  promise  from  the  governors 
of  nearly  all  the  States  to  transfer  to  the  State  troops  the  hospital  outfits  belong- 
ing to  the  militia  until  such  time  as  regular  supplies  could  be  furnished.  It 
appears,  however,  that  in  many  instances  this  was  not  done,  and  several  of  the 
surgeons  informed  me  that  the  State  authorities  declined  to  permit  them  to  retain 
the  State  medical  supplies  after  they  had  been  mustered  into  the  United  States 
service. 

To  facilitate  the  receipt  and  distribution  of  supplies  to  the  several  hospitals  and 
regiments,  a  medical  officer  has  been  assigned  as  corps  supply  officer,  who  receives 
supplies  directly  from  the  depots  and  distributes  them  directly  throughout  the 
corps.  While  I  was  at  Tampa  report  was  received  that  four  regiments  of  volun- 
teers, under  command  of  General  Lawton,  had  been  halted  at  Jacksonville  and 
were  entirely  without  medical  supplies.  I  directed  the  corps  chief  surgeon  to 
request  orders  sending  a  medical  officer  with  a  field  hospital,  complete  both  as  to 
personnel  and  material,  to  this  point,  with  instructions  to  remain  and  care  for  the 
sick  until  the  supplies  intended  for  the  command  should  be  received.  The  officer 
left,  as  directed,  the  next  morning. 

Regarding  ambulances,  the  regular  troops  in  most  instances  brought  them  along 
completely  equipped,  but  the  number  is  insufficient  for  field  service.  The  volunteer 
troops  were,  as  a  rule,  without  any.  The  Quartermaster's  Department  informed 
me  that  the  aggregate  number  estimated  for  was  under  construction,  and  was 
being  shipped  as  rapidly  as  completed.  I  saw  a  large  number  of  the  freight  cars 
en  route  to  the  several  camps,  and  have  reason  to  believe  that  they  have  by  this 
time  reached  their  proper  destination.  In  the  matter  of  equipment,  harness,  etc, 
the  supply  is  not  quite  so  satisfactory,  and  there  will  doubtless  be  some  delay 
before  they  are  completely  furnished. 

Of  hand  litters  there  is  a  large  deficit  among  the  regular  troops,  and  none  have 
as  yet  been  provided  for  the  volunteer  troops.  The  Medical  and  Quartermaster's 
departments  are  having  them  manufactured  as  rapidly  as  possible.     The  former 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  607 

will  forward  them  in  lots  to  the  ambulance  companies  and  division  hospitals  and 
the  latter  to  companies  as  directed,  it  having  been  decided  that  each  company  will 
carry  one  hand  litter. 

Of  mounts  for  the  Hospital  Corps  there  is  a  supply  at  Tampa  and  Mobile,  but  a 
deficit  at  Chickamauga  and  Falls  Church.  Here,  also,  the  matter  of  equipment, 
saddles,  etc.,  is  deficient,  but  I  am  informed  by  the  Ordnance  Department  that 
every  effort  has  been  made  to  meet  it. 

Of  tentage  there  is  an  unequal  supply,  some  commands  having  enough,  while 
others  are  quite  deficient.  I  observed  a  number  of  hospital  tents  in  use  at  the 
several  headquarters  and  elsewhere  among  the  troops,  and  directed  the  corps 
chief  surgeons,  whenever  their  hospitals  were  in  need  of  tentage,  to  request  the 
corps  commander  to  have  these  tents  transferred  to  the  medical  department. 

The  health  of  the  troops  is  remarkable  good,  the  aggregate  percentage  of  sick 
to  the  effective  force  being  a  trifle  over  2  per  cent  at  Tampa  and  Mobile.  It  is 
probably  about  the  same  at  Chickamauga  and  Falls  Church,  although  absolute 
figures  could  not  be  obtained  at  these  latter-named  places  because  of  the  inability 
of  the  corps  chief  surgeon  to  obtain  reports  from  the  volunteer  medical  officers. 
I,  however,  examined  the  regimental  books  and  the  division  hospital  records  in  a 
number  of  cases,  and  satisfied  myself  that  the  rate  of  sickness  was  not  much 
greater  than  with  the  regular  troops.  The  diseases  are  generally  of  the  digestive 
apparatus,  due  to  the  change  of  habits  by  the  recruit  and  unavoidable  errors  in 
diet  and  cooking  incident  to  an  early  campaign.  There  are  also  a  few  cases  of 
pneumonia  and  typhoid  fever,  the  latter  evidently  originating  in  the  homes  of  the 
recruits.  There  were  a  few  cases  of  measles  and  mumps,  which  were  promptly 
isolated  and  measures  taken  to  prevent  the  spread  of  these  contagious  diseases 
among  the  troops. 

The  several  points  dealt  with  in  this  report  refer  equally  to  all  the  camps  that 
I  visited. 

In  general  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  camps  was  very  good.  Criticism  was 
made  regarding  the  water  supply  at  Falls  Church,  and  at  my  inspection  of  this 
command  I  was  associated,  by  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  with  his  military 
aid,  Major  Hopkins,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  to  make  special  inquiry  into  this  matter, 
which  we  did,  finding  that  the  water  supply,  while  sufficient  for  cooking  and 
drinking,  was  entirely  insufficient  for  laundry  and  bathing  purposes.  Work  had 
been  begun  to  increase  this  water  supply  by  the  sinking  of  driven  wells,  two  of 
which  were  giving  a  large  flow  and  two  others  it  was  expected  would  be  com- 
pleted the  next  day.  We  recommend  either  an  increase  of  the  number  of  driven 
wells  to  the  extent  of  one  for  each  regiment  or  the  concentration  of  a  number  of 
such  wells  in  a  plant  to  be  operated  by  a  motor  and  the  water  piped  to  the  several 
commands. 

Under  the  conditions  of  an  active  campaign  it  is  undesirable  that  men  who  are 
seriously  ill  shall  be  retained  in  the  division  hospitals,  and  it  has  therefore  been 
decided  to  transfer  such  cases,  as  soon  as  they  are  determined,  to  general  hospitals 
in  the  North,  the  Surgeon-General  having  selected  McPherson  Barracks,  Atlanta, 
Ga.,  to  receive  the  sick  from  Tampa,  Mobile,  and  Chickamauga,  and  Fort  Myer, 
Va. ,  to  receive  the  sick  from  Falls  Church.  In  addition  to  this  general  hospital 
accommodation,  there  has  just  been  donated  by  Mrs.  Leiter,  of  Washington,  a 
large  hotel  adjacent  to  the  grounds  at  Chickamauga,  which  will  accommodate 
400  or  500  beds.  The  Surgeon-General  is  now  having  this  fitted  out  with  modern 
appliances  and  has  assigned  a  medical  officer  to  take  charge  of  it.  The  transfer 
of  the  sick  between  these  points  and  the  general  hospitals  is  to  be  effected  by  a 
railway  hospital  train  which  the  Surgeon-General  has  already  organized,  con- 
sisting of  a  number  of  tourist  sleeper  cars  with  a  dining  and  dispensary  car 
attached.     The  headquarters  of  this  train  will  be  established  at  present  at  Tampa, 


608         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

from  which  sections  may  be  sent  to  Mobile  or  Chickamauga,  as  necessary.  The 
whole  train  will  accommodate  about  200  beds,  and  at  a  later  date  this  is  intended  to 
operate  in  conjunction  with  the  hospital  ship,  which  will  ply  between  the  United 
States  and  any  other  point  at  which  the  troops  may  be  operating. 

Regarding  personnel  of  the  medical  department,  I  found  the  medical  officers 
zealous  and  indefatigable  in  the  performance  of  their  duty;  fully  alive  to  the 
responsibility  which  rested  upon  them,  and,  so  far  as  professional  foresight  can 
go,  active  in  the  preparation  of  measures  to  preserve  the  health  of  the  command. 
I  directed  the  issuance  of  sanitary  circulars  to  the  troops,  containing,  in  brief  but 
plain  language,  general  directions  for  the  preservation  of  their  health.  On  my 
return  to  Washington  I  found  that  the  order  authorizing  the  transfer  of  men 
from  the  volunteer  troops  to  the  Hospital  Corps  had  not  been  issued.  Being  fully 
aware  of  the  urgent  necessity  for  this  action,  I  secured  the  cooperation  of  the 
Adjutant-General,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  day  of  my  arrival  it  was  printed 
and  distributed.  I  also  found  that  the  medical  supplies  which  had  been  ordered 
from  the  depots  were  still  undelivered,  but  by  a  vigorous  use  of  the  telegraph  at 
both  ends  of  the  line  succeeded  in  getting  a  large  amount  through  and  delivered 
to  the  commands  the  next  day. 

I  have  issued  a  circular  letter  to  the  corps  chief  surgeons  requiring  a  weekly 
report  from  them  of  the  sanitary  condition  and  general  efficiency  of  the  hospital 
service,  this  report  to  be  made  with  telegraphic  brevity  and  to  deal  with  such 
matters  as  may,  in  the  opinion  of  the  corps  chief  surgeons,  require  my  adminis- 
trative action.  The  percentage  of  sick  and  wounded  to  the  aggregate  strength  of 
the  command  is  to  be  given,  and  remarks  are  invited  upon  any  subject  that  may 
be  necessary  to  enable  me  to  keep  the  general  commanding  informed  as  to  the 
health  and  efficiency  of  the  troops. 

*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

I  had  the  advantage  of  General  Lee's  presence  throughout  the  entire  time. 
The  chief  surgeon  of  the  corps  has  made  very  satisfactory  progress  with  the  organ- 
ization of  the  medical  department,  having  already  secured  a  sufficient  number  of 
men  by  transfers  from  the  volunteer  regiments  to  perform  all  the  necessary  work 
of  the  medical  department.  Before  making  an  official  transfer  of  these  men  a 
careful  examination  was  made  as  to  their  physical  condition,  the  result  demon- 
strating the  fact  that  a  certain  number  of  men  have  crept  into  the  regiments 
whose  physical  condition  is  unsatisfactory,  and  who  should  therefore  be  dis- 
charged from  the  service.  In  the  examination  of  140  men  the  chief  surgeon  found 
15  so  disabled.  This  fact  suggests  the  propriety  of  a  reexamination  of  the  volun- 
teer forces  at  an  early  date,  and  in  such  manner  as  will  avoid  hostile  criticism,  for 
the  purpose  of  eliminating  this  undesirable  element.  The  medical  department  of 
this  corps  is  still  without  its  full  equipment  of  supplies,  but  the  chief  surgeon  has, 
by  the  exercise  of  judgment,  obtained  by  purchase  and  other  means  sufficient 
material  to  provide  properly  for  the  sick  of  the  command  until  the  receipt  of  its 
regular  outfit.  Fortunately  the  health  of  the  command  is  remarkably  good,  the 
average  percentage  of  sick  to  the  effective  force  being  given  to  me  by  the  chief 
surgeon  as  a  trifle  less  than  1  per  cent.  I  visited  the  division  field  hospital  and 
found  there  a  few  cases  of  typhoid  fever  and  pneumonia.  There  are  also  some 
cases  of  measles  and  mumps.  All  these  have  been  isolated,  and  proper  measures 
taken  to  prevent  the'  spread  of  these  diseases  among  the  troops.  The  remaining 
cases  were  not  serious,  and  all  were  as  comfortable  as  sick  men  could  be  in  camp. 
The  water  supply  of  the  command  is  derived  from  artesian  wells  worked  by  motor 
power  for  the  supply  of  the  city,  and  is  piped  to  the  command.  The  water  is  of 
excellent  quality. 

The  disposal  of  the  excreta  is  effected  by  cremation,  dry-earth  closets  being 
used  by  the  men  and  contents  gathered  by  a  city  scavenger. 


REPLY    OF    SUKGEON-GENERAL.  609 

Schools  of  instruction  in  military  duties  have  been  established  for  the  volunteer 
medical  officers,  who  are  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  their  duty  and  zealous  in 
their  efforts  for  gaining  information. 

Very  respectfully,  etc., 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf,  Colonel,  etc. 


circular  letter  to  corps  chief  surgeons. 

Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  June  6,  1898. 
The  chief  surgeon,  troops  in  the  field,  desires  from  chief  surgeons  of  army 
corps  a  report  on  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  troops  with  which  they  are  serv- 
ing and  of  the  efficiency  of  the  medical  and  hospital  service,  this  report  to  be 
mailed  on  Saturday  of  each  week,  whenever  practicable;  to  be  of  telegraphic 
brevity  in  composition  (after  the  manner  of  an  information  slip)  and  to  deal 
with  such  items  as  may,  in  the  opinion  of  the  corps  chief  surgeon,  require  gen- 
eral administrative  action  by  the  chief  surgeon  of  the  troops  or  be  desirable  for 
his  information.  Particular  mention  should  be  made  of  existing  deficiencies  in 
supplies,  with  statement  whether  or  not  due  requisition  has  been  made  to  meet 
them;  of  the  percentage  of  noneffective  to  effective  strength;  the  notable  preva- 
lence of  any  particular  disease  or  the  existence  of  any  specially  unsanitary  condi- 
tion; the  efficiency  and  general  condition  of  the  division  hospitals,  ambulance 
companies,  and  regimental  dispensaries,  and  any  remarks  that  may  be  desired  to 
enable  the  chief  surgeon  to  keep  the  general  commanding  informed  as  to  the 
health  of  the  troops. 

Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


telegrams  sent  to  surgeon-general  from  tampa. 

June  11, 1898. 
How  long  before  the  hospital  ship  and  railway  train  will  be  available?    The 
ship  should,  if  possible,  go  with  the  expedition  now  on  transports  at  Tampa.    If 
it  can  not  shall  I  call  on  the  Red  Cross  ship?    Transports  very  heavily  loaded. 
Sickness  to  be  anticipated. 


June  11, 1898. 
Military  situation  requires  continued  occupancy  of  Florida  by  troops.  Have 
received  the  gradual  assignment  of  20,000  to  Fernandina,  5,000  to  Miami,  both 
recently  inspected  by  me.  May  send  some  to  St.  Augustine.  Military  quarantine 
to  be  established  when  necessary.  Rigid  sanitation  among  troops  commenced 
and  will  be  continued.  Miami  to  be  used  as  point  of  continued  debarkation  via 
Key  West  in  detachments  500  to  1,000.  Conference  to-night  with  Guiteras, 
Pope,  and  O'Reilly,  and  later  with  State,  Fernandina,  and  Miami  health  officials 
regarding  municipal  hygiene  and  quarantine. 


June  12, 1898. 
Please  request  Wyman  to  direct  his  officers  in  the  South  to  furnish  me  tele- 
graphic duplicates  of  their  reports  to  him  regarding  the  occurrence  of  yellow 
fever  in  their  district:  also  to  authorize  them  to  cooperate  with  me  when  desired 
in  quarantine  measures.  It  is  important  that  I  should  be  fully  and  promptly 
informed  in  this  matter. 

7833— vol.  1 39 


610        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAK    WITH    SPAIN. 

Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
In  the  Field,  Tampa,  Fla.,  June  18, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  on  the  10th  instant  the  chief  surgeon  of  the 
Fourth  Corps  reported  to  me  that  seven  cases  of  yellow  fever  had  occurred  at 
McHenry,  a  lumber  camp  or  village  in  Mississippi,  about  20  miles  northward 
inland  from  Gulfport,  and  about  75  miles,  more  or  less,  northwesterly  from 
Mobile.  I  at  once  called  the  principal  medical  officers  on  duty  at  Tampa  together 
for  conference  upon  the  subject,  at  which  it  was  decided  to  recommend  that  the 
troops  near  Mobile  and  the  depot  of  supplies  at  Mobile  be  immediately  moved  to 
Mount  Vernon  barracks,  and  I  so  recommended  to  the  major-general  commanding. 

I  also  recommended  that  the  town  of  Tampa  and  the  several  camps  thereabout 
be  at  once  put  into  the  best  possible  sanitary  condition,  which  was  promptly  com 
menced.  It  is  further  recommended  that  all  troops  and  recruits  enlisted  west  of 
the  fever-infected  district  be  not  allowed  to  at  once  join  the  army  at  Tampa,  but 
be  sent  to  Alabama  or  some  such  point  for  ten  days,  to  furnish  assurance  that 
they  do  not  bear  the  germs  of  infection. 

Experience  has  demonstrated  the  necessity  of  camping  troops  in  such  places  as 
may  be  made  safe  against  introduction  of  this  disease,  and  I  recommend  that  pro- 
vision be  made  as  soon  as  possible  for  transporting  the  troops  now  at  Jacksonville 
(which  would  be  a  place  of  exposure  should  the  disease  advance  from  its  present 
location)  to  Fernandina,  and  that  other  troops  be  transferred  to  Miami.  I  have 
recently  inspected  these  points,  under  orders  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  found 
them  well  adapted,  after  some  preparation,  to  the  purpose,  since  they  can  be  com- 
pletely quarantined. 

This  latter  movement  may  be  made  gradually;  but  should  the  city  of  Mobile  or 
any  point  in  Alabama  become  the  seat  of  infection  the  movement  should  be  made 
at  once  and  rigid  quarantine  be  established,  with  inspection  of  all  incoming  trains 
and  vessels. 

The  Marine-Hospital  Service  and  the  health  authorities  of  Florida  have  a  regu- 
lar system  for  this  purpose,  and  I  am  assured  of  their  full  cooperation  in  any 
measures  the  army  takes  to  prevent  the  introduction  of  the  disease. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf,  Colonel,  etc. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Washington,  D.  C,  June  22, 1898. 
The  Surgeon-General  United  States  Army. 

Sir:  In  connection  with  my  recent  inspection  of  the  medical  department  at 
Camp  Alger,  Va.,  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  recommendation: 

Disinfection  of  tents,  etc.  This  problem  is  one  of  present  necessity.  In  each 
of  the  several  army  corps  that  I  have  visited  there  have  been  a  large  number  of 
measles  cases,  necessitating  the  establishing  of  special  hospitals  for  their  treat- 
ment, with  outfits,  complete.  The  property  so  used  is  now  quite  large,  involving 
tents,  cots,  blankets,  etc.,  all  of  which  is  liable  to  be  needed  at  other  and  distant 
points  as  the  army  may  move,  and  which  should,  before  any  movement,  be  dis- 
infected. While  this  may  be  done  by  means  of  sulphur  fumigation,  it  seems  to 
me  that  the  more  efficient  disinfectant,  formalin,  might  be  used,  and  if  apparatus 
for  the  purpose  is  practicable  for  field  use,  where  it  might  be  kept  with  other 
apparatus  at  the  division  field  hospital,  I  recommend  that  one  be  selected  and 
furnished  for  the  use  of  each  corps.  If  it  is  deemed  necessary  that  the  process  of 
disinfection  should  be  carried  on  in  a  closed  room,  authority  to  be  given  the  corps 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  611 

chief  surgeon  to  rent  for  this  purpose  the  nearest  or  any  available  building  or 
room  that  may  be  found  near  the  camp.     Should,  however,  disinfection  by  sun- 
light and  air  be  considered  sufficient  to  render  this  property  safe  for  future  use, 
I  recommend  that  the  fact  oe  published  in  orders  to  the  Department. 
Respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf,  Colonel,  etc. 


[Extract  from  letter  of  June  23,  1898.] 

physical  disabilities  of  soldiers. 

Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C,  June  23,  1898. 

The  Chief  Surgeon, Army  Corps. 

Sir:  It  has  been  reported  to  the  Chief  Surgeon  of  the  Army  that,  notwithstand- 
ing the  medical  examination  prior  to  muster  in,  there  are  enlisted  men  in  service 
in  the  Volunteer  Army  who  should  have  been  rejected  at  that  examination  as 
unfit  for  military  service,  and  the  Chief  Surgeon  has  in  certain  instances  verified 
these  reports.  The  attention  of  chief  surgeons  of  corps  is  therefore  directed  to  this 
subject  as  one  of  great  importance.  Systematic  inquiry  should  be  made  in  the 
various  regiments  and  other  commands  by  the  medical  officers  on  duty  with  them 
with  a  view  to  eliminating  such  men.  A  board  of  medical  officers  should  be 
aj>pointed  in  each  division  to  examine  carefully  and  make  recommendation  in 
each  of  the  cases  submitted  by  individual  or  regimental  medical  officers.  In  every 
case  where  discharge  from  service  is  recommended  it  should  be  seen  that  the  cer- 
tificates of  disability  embody  a  statement  to  the  effect  that  the  cause  of  the  dis- 
qualification for  the  military  service  existed  prior  to  the  enlistment  of  the  man. 
******* 

Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


[Circular  letter.] 

June  25,  1898. 
water  analysis. 

The  Chief  Surgeon, Army  Corps. 

Sir:  If  in  the  establishment  of  camps  of  organization  and  instruction,  or  other 
comparatively  permanent  camps,  it  is  deemed  necessary  to  have  a  sanitary  analy- 
sis made  of  the  water  supply  in  the  laboratory  of  the  Surgeon-General's  Office, 
Washington,  D.  C,  chief  surgeons  will  forward  samples  by  express  to  Deputy 
Surgeon-General  Smart,  Army  Medical  Museum,  Washington,  D.  C,  and  will 
send  a  communication  to  the  Surgeon-General,  giving  an  account  of  the  source 
and  sanitary  surroundings  of  the  water.  Not  less  than  half  a  gallon  should  be 
sent  as  a  sample.  Care  should  be  taken  that  the  containing  vessel  should  be  per- 
fectly clean.  Any  vessel  which  requires  chemicals  to  clean  it  should  not  be  used. 
It  should  be  cleaned  by  filling  several  times  and  washing  with  water  from  the 
source  which  is  to  be  sampled.  Wickered  glass  demijohns,  otherwise  unprotected 
or  clear  glass  bottles  boxed  with  packing,  should  be  used  in  preference  to  stone- 
ware, jugs,  or  other  vessels  of  opaque  material.  Care  should  be  taken  also  that 
the  corks  used  be  new  and  clean.  A  cork  tainted  with  any  oxidizable  substance, 
particularly  alcoholic  or  saccharine  liquids,  destroys  the  value  of  the  sample  for 
the  purposes  of  analysis. 


612         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 
INSTRUCTION   OF  VOLUNTEER  MEDICAL  OFFICERS. 

Attention  is  invited  to  so  much  of  circular  from  this  office  dated  May  20,  1898, 
as  relates  to  this  subject.  Advantage  should  be  taken  of  the  presence  of  officers 
of  the  Regular  Army  who  are  serving  in  your  corps  as  brigade  surgeons,  to  form 
schools  of  instruction  under  their  direction,  the  attendance  of  all  surgeons  of  vol- 
unteers being  required;  reports  of  progress  to  be  noted  in  weekly  report  to  Chief 
Surgeon. 

CORPS  CIRCULARS. 

A  copy  of  general  orders  and  circulars  affecting  the  medical  administration  of 
the  corps  should  be  mailed  to  the  Chief  Surgeon,  whose  address,  until  further 
notice,  will  be  Surgeon-General's  Office,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


[Circular  letter.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Washington,  D.  C,  July  5,  1898. 

The  Chief  Surgeon, Army  Corps. 

Sir:  Paragraph  1.  In  the  absence  of  special  instructions  from  the  military 
authorities  you  will  be  governed  by  the  following: 

When  troops  are  moved  from  one  corps  to  another  by  regimental  detachments, 
you  will  recommend  that  there  be  sent  with  each  regiment  its  regimental  per- 
sonnel and  dispensary  outfit,  viz,  medical  and  surgical  chests,  tentage,  etc.,  but 
not  its  wheel  transportation. 

When  the  movement  includes  a  brigade  organization,  recommendation  should 
be  made  that  a  brigade  section  from  the  division  field  hospital  and  from  the  divi- 
sion ambulance  company,  complete  as  to  personnel  and  material,  should  be  sent 
with  it. 

Paragraph  2.  Should  the  headquarters  of  the  corps  with  which  you  are  serving 
be  removed  from  the  camp  of  instruction,  you  will  recommend  the  detail  from 
among  the  medical  officers  who  remain  at  the  camp  of  an  experienced  officer  to 
act  as  chief  surgeon  until  the  arrival  of  another  corps  headquarters. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf,  Colonel,  etc. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Washington,  D.  C.,'July  7, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit,  for  the  information  of  the  general  command- 
ing, a  statement  regarding  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  troops  in  the  field,  as 
obtained  from  the  latest  weekly  reports  which  have  been  made  to  me  by  the  chief 
surgeons  of  the  several  army  corps.  These  reports  are,  in  compliance  with  my 
directions,  of  telegraphic  brevity  and  simply  state  the  general  facts  without  going 
into  details,  but  they  are  sufficiently  exact  to  enable  me  to  present  a  statement 
that  is  reliable. 

As  a  general  rule,  the  health  of  the  troops  in  the  three  great  camps  of  instruc- 
tion—at Camp  Alger,  Jacksonville ,  and  Chickamauga— is  good.    The  percentage  of 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  G13 

sick  to  the  effective  strength  is  greater  than  at  the  date  of  my  last  report,  June  9, 
being  in  the  neighborhood  of  about  6  per  cent,  but  is  still  very  small  for  troops 
under  their  present  circumstances.  The  largest  number  of  sick  is  from  the 
results  of  vaccination,  the  arms  of  the  men  being  so  sore  as  to  prevent  them  tem- 
porarily from  performing  duty. 

Next  in  order  come  measles  and  mumps,  of  which  there  has  been  an  epidemic. 
These  are  diseases  which  are  almost  inseparable  from  the  aggregation  of  large 
bodies  of  recruits.  Following  these  are  disorders  of  the  air  passages  and  bowels, 
viz:  Of  the  former,  bronchitis  and  a  few  cases  of  pneumonia;  of  the  latter,  diar- 
rhea, with  a  few  cases  of  dysentery.  These  are  also  inseparable  from  the 
changed  conditions  of  life  for  the  recruit,  both  as  regards  his  exposure  to  the 
weather  and  the  character  and  cookery  of  his  food.  Finally,  and  by  far  the  most 
serious,  is  typhoid  fever,  of  which  in  each  camp  there  are  a  number  of  cases,  which, 
in  spite  of  preventive  precautions,  is  steadily  on  the  increase.  As  this  is  a  water- 
borne  disease,  the  greatest  care  has  been  exercised  in  the  selecting  of  the  sources 
of  water  supply  and  of  the  examination  of  the  water  by  every  means  known  to  sci- 
ence, the  result  showing  that  the  regular  water  supply  at  the  several  camps  is  as  yet 
free  from  any  dangerous  element,  and  there  is  a  consensus  of  opinion  among  the 
medical  officers  that  the  germs  of  the  disease  are  obtained  from  infected  water 
sources  outside  the  camp  limits,  such  as  wells  in  the  neighboring  farms  and  infected 
water  in  adjoining  towns  which  are  constantly  visited  by  the  troops.  How  long  the 
camp  sources  can  be  kept  free  from  infection  is  hard  to  say.  Among  the  sanitary 
precautions  taken  are  the  recommendation  of  boiled  water  as  a  constant  beverage 
for  the  soldiers,  the  perfection  of  drainage  system,  and  the  disposal  of  the  excreta, 
either  by  burying  in  pits  or  by  cremation.  If  the  former  precaution  could  be  car- 
ried out,  we  might  feel  assured  that  further  cases  of  typhoid  fever  would  not 
occur,  but  as  a  practical  fact  it  is  as  yet  impossible  to  secure  compliance  with  this 
order  by  the  soldiers.  The  number  of  diseases  attributable  to  malaria  is  compar- 
atively small. 

Considering  the  fact  that  troops  are  living  under  conditions  entirely  new  to 
them,  including  insufficient  tentage  and  clothing,  indifferent  cooking  of  food, 
and  unaccustomed  exercise,  I  think  the  general  sanitary  condition  is  good,  but 
this  should  not  be  taken  as  an  index  of  continuous  improvement.  On  the  con- 
trary, it  is  my  opinion,  in  spite  of  the  sanitary  precautions,  the  percentage  of 
sick  will  increase  until  the  discipline  of  the  volunteer  troops  has  so  far  improved 
that  we  may  be  assured  of  compliance  with  the  orders  that  are  given  for  the 
preservation  of  their  health. 

Regarding  the  health  of  the  troops  now  operating  in  Cuba,  I  feel  that  there  is 
reason  for  grave  apprehensions.  Added  to  the  conditions  I  have  mentioned  above 
as  existing  in  camps  of  instruction,  there  are  in  Cuba  climatic  and  other  condi- 
tions infinitely  more  harmful  and  difficult  of  control.  The  long-continued  and 
excessive  daily  heat  of  the  climate,  with  rapid  lowering  of  temperature  at  night, 
the  necessary  exposure  to  rain  in  the  absence  of  tentage,  the  scarcity  and  poor 
cookery  of  food,  the  effect  of  prolonged  physical  exertion  on  the  battlefield  induc- 
ing nervous  exhaustion,  are  all  factors  which  must  be  seriously  considered  in 
forming  an  estimate  of  the  health  of  the  troops  if  their  continued  residence  in 
Cuba  is  contemplated.  To  this  should  be  added  the  almost  certain  appearance  of 
yellow  fever. 

While  the  medical  officers  are  fully  alive  to  the  gravity  of  this  situation  and 
have  prepared  with  the  utmost  care  the  sanitary  measures  which  are  necessary  to 
prevent  disease  and  have  ample  medical  supplies  to  control  it  should  it  appear,  it 
must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  military  situation  renders  the  carrying  out  of 
most  of  these  precautions  an  impossibility.  Without  proper  tentage  and  clothing 
the  ill  effects  of  temperature  and  moisture  can  not  be  prevented;  without  the 


614        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

necessary  means  of  cookery  proper  food  can  not  be  supplied.  Under  existing  cir- 
cumstances the  sterilizing  of  water  supply  for  the  entire  command  by  boiling  may 
be  said  to  be  an  impossibility,  and  should  yellow  fever  make  its  appearance  it  will 
be  almost  equally  impossible  to  thoroughly  prevent  its  spread. 

****** 

Exemption  from  sickness  may  be  reasonably  expected  if  the  military  situation 
permits  of  the  transfer  of  the  troops  to  a  more  salubrious  point  in  the  West  India 
islands  and  their  retention  there  until  the  end  of  the  sickly  season. 
Very  respectfully,  etc., 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf,  Colonel,  etc. 


[Telegram.] 

Headquarters,  July  15, 1898. 
Colonel  Greenleaf: 

General  Shafter  directs  me  to  say  that  he  is  not  willing  to  send  a  regular  regi- 
ment from  the  front  or  any  other  troops  at  this  time,  as  affairs  there  are  critical, 
and  that  there  are  now  available  in  Siboney  a  regiment  of  volunteers  and  two 
companies  of  engineers  who  have  been  exposed  to  the  epidemic,  and  he  does  not 
see  the  propriety  of  sending  troops  who  have  not  been  so  exposed,  even  if  one  or 
two  men  have  been  sent  from  there  with  the  fever. 

McClernand. 


MEMORANDUM  FOR  SANITARY  PRECAUTIONS  IN  MOVING  THE  ARMY  FROM  ITS  PRES- 
ENT LINE  TO  THE  LANDING  NEAR  THE  PIER  OF  THE  JARAGUA  IRON  WORKS  IN 
SANTIAGO  BAY. 

The  line  should  break  camp  and  move  about  2  miles  to  the  cleanest  camp  site, 
remaining  there  two  days.  During  the  time  any  cases  of  yellow  fever  that  develop 
should  be  immediately  removed  to  the  yellow-fever  camp  now  established  in  the 
rear  of  the  present  line. 

The  ground  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  cases  should  be  burned  over.  At 
the  end  of  two  days  the  camp  should  be  moved  another  2  miles,  the  same  precau- 
tion being  taken  with  developing  cases,  and  so  on  every  second  day  until  the  objec- 
tive point  is  reached.  While  in  camp  the  utmost  vigilance  should  be  used  in  secur- 
ing a  thorough  police;  sinks  located  with  care,  to  be  covered  each  night  with  soil; 
the  personal  habits  of  the  men  very  carefully  looked  into  by  the  officers,  and  close 
inspection  made  of  the  cooking.  While  in  camp  all  bedclothing  and  other  prop- 
erty of  similar  texture  should  be  freely  exposed  from  early  morning  to  sundown 
and  to  the  sun  and  air,  frequently  turning  the  property  so  that  both  sides  may  be 
thoroughly  disinfected  by  sunlight.  Every  opportunity  for  bathing  should  be 
taken  advantage  of,  and  also  for  laundrying  clothing.  If  heavy  rains  intervene 
there  need  be  no  movement  of  the  camp  unless  fever  cases  develop;  but  if  this 
should  happen  they  must  be  isolated  as  if  there  were  no  rain.  Particular  care 
must  be  taken  to  avoid  camping  on  the  site  of  any  previous  camp,  and  fatigue 
parties  should  be  sent  in  advance  to  burn  over  the  site  selected  for  a  camp  and 
also  to  destroy  any  buildings  that  may  be  on  it.  Under  no  circumstances  what- 
ever should  any  man  be  permitted  to  enter  a  building  of  any  character,  and  all 
persons  not  connected  directly  with  our  army  should  be  forbidden  to  enter  its  lines. 

It  is  to  be  remembered  that  one  of  the  greatest  dangers  to  the  army  on  the 
march  or  in  camp  is  in  the  intercourse  between  the  soldiers  and  the  inhabitants, 
either  civilian  or  Cuban,  and  Spanish  soldiers  of  the  country,  all  of  whom  should 
be  considered  as  carriers  of  disease. 

Before  arriving  at  the  objective  point  competent  and  careful  officers  should  be 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  G15 

detailed  to  select  the  final  site  of  a  camp,  and  fatigue  parties  sent  forward  to  clear 
the  ground  as  far  as  practicable  of  undergrowth  and  rubbish.  The  final  camp 
should  be  occupied  at  least  ten  days,  and  during  that  time  the  same  rigid  precau- 
tions regarding  the  health  of  the  troops  should  be  taken.  It  is  hoped  that  with 
these  precautions  there  is  every  reasonable  prospect  that  the  disease  may  be 
stamped  out  in  the  army. 

Regarding  the  transportation  of  the  troops  to  Porto  Rico,  it  is  very  desirable 
that  the  time  of  residence  on  the  transports  should  be  reduced  to  a  minimum,  and 
that  overcrowding  of  the  men  should  be  avoided,  and  also  whenever  practicable 
each  transport  should  be  fumigated  with  burning  sulphur  before  any  troops  are 
placed  on  board. 

If  it  is  deemed  undesirable  to  take  Santiago  Bay  as  the  point  of  embarkation, 
the  following  is  submitted: 

A  careful  examination  of  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  line  now  occupied  by 
the  troops  should  be  made,  with  a  view  of  selecting  a  good  camp  and  the  troops 
moved  by  regiments  or  brigades  to  the  point.  The  camp  site  should  be  on  elevated 
ground,  sloping  for  good  drainage,  and  an  abundant  water  supply.  Troops  when 
moved  should  observe  the  same  precautions  that  are  given  in  the  above  memoranda. 
Here  they  should  remain  for  at  least  five  days  after  the  appearance  of  the  last  case 
of  yellow  fever. 

The  present  yellow-fever  hospital  on  the  line  should  receive  all  cases  that  might 
occur  from  the  new  positions.  Instructions  should  be  issued  to  destroy  or  disin- 
fect by  burning  all  clothing  worn  by  men  who  had  yellow  fever,  and  the  Quarter- 
master's Department  should  be  prepared  to  issue  new  clothing  to  them. 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 

Note. — These  recommendations  were  approved  and  embodied  in  a  telegraphic 
order  sent  to  General  Shafter  by  General  Miles  the  same  day.  C.  R.  G. 

[Indorsement.] 

Headquarters  op  the  Army,  On  Board  U.  S.  S.  Yale, 

OffSiboney,  Cuba,  July  17, 1898. 

Respectfully  referred  to  Major-General  Shafter,  commanding  Fifth  Army  Corps. 

This  sanitary  recommendation  has  been  drawn  up  by  Colonel  Greenleaf,  chief 
surgeon  of  the  army,  and  the  commanding  general  directs  that  it  be  complied 
with  as  far  as  possible,  the  main  purpose  being  the  immediate  isolation  of  those 
affected  by  the  disease  of  yellow  fever  from  the  commands;  second,  frequent 
change  of  camp,  and  in  all  cases  the  selection  of  fresh  ground  uncontaminated 
with  the  disease,  and  in  every  case,  prior  to  occupation,  the  ground  must  be  rig- 
idly inspected  and  if  necessary  burned  over;  third,  the  command  must  be  kept 
away  from  all  habitations,  blockhouses,  huts,  and  shanties  of  every  description  that 
have  been  occupied  by  Spanish  or  Cuban  people;  fourth,  the  establishment  of 
guards  and  a  rigid  quarantine  to  keep  all  native  or  Spanish  inhabitants  out  of  any 
of  the  camps  and  away  from  any  intercourse  of  whatever  description  with  the 
troops.     This  rule  must  be  thoroughly  enforced, 

The  commanding  general  further  directs  that  you  make  daily  reports  to  General 
Gilmore,  adjutant-general  at  army  headquarters,  of  the  condition  of  your  com- 
mand, and  any  matters  of  importance,  mentioning  specifically  the  number  of  men 
affected  with  yellow  fever  and  giving  the  organization  to  which  they  belong. 

You  will  also  separate  your  camps  as  far  as  practicable,  so  that  any  organization 
that  may  be  more  seriously  affected  will  not  contaminate  the  whole  command. 

By  order  of  Major-General  Miles: 

J.  C.  Gilmore. 
Brigadier-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers. 


610         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Telegram.] 

On  Board  Relief, 
Siboney.  Cuba,  July  19, 1898. 
Colonel  Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon: 

Message  received.  Will  sail  this  evening  for  New  York,  in  compliance  with 
orders  from  the  Surgeon-General.  Will  give  to  La  Garde  all  delicacies  and  goods 
over  and  above  the  quantity  that  will  supply  the  sick  on  the  ship  from  here  to 
New  York.  Everything  is  going  well  on  board,  and  am  satisfied  the  ship  is  not 
infected. 

Torney,  Surgeon. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  on  Board  U.  S.  S.  Yale, 

Ouantanamo  Bay,  Cuba,  July  19,  1898. 
Lieut.  Col.  B.  F.  Pope, 

Surgeon,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Chief  Surgeon  Fifth  Army  Corps. 

Sir:  The  critical  condition  of  affairs  at  Siboney  existing  at  the  time  of  my 
arrival  rendered  my  presence  indispensably  necessary  at  that  point.  I  had 
intended  going  to  the  front  to  inspect  the  medical  department  there,  but  the  sud 
den  departure  of  General  Miles  for  this  place  to  organize  the  Porto  Rican  expedi- 
tion prevented  me  from  doing  so. 

You  have  doubtless  seen  the  sanitary  plan  referred  to  in  my  telegram  of  the  16th 
instant  for  stamping  out  the  yellow  fever  which  now  infects  the  Army,  and  I 
hope  by  following  its  general  lines,  which  were  suggested  by  Guiteras  and  Parker, 
we  may  be  able  to  check  it.  I  have  placed  La  Garde  in  full  charge  of  affairs  at 
Siboney  and  gave  him  implicit  instructions;  have  also  taken  the  Louisiana  as  a 
yellow-fever  hospital  ship,  to  supply  which  he  has  material  that  was  unloaded 
from  the  Relief. 

I  have  wired  the  Surgeon-General  recommending  the  outfitting  of  two  addi- 
tional hospital  transports  with  proper  appliances  for  loading  and  unloading  from 
a  roadstead,  and  should  the  Fifth  Corps  remain  in  Cuba  I  can  easily  supply  you 
from  Porto  Rico,  to  which  point  I  shall  carry  anything  that  the  Surgeon-General 
sends  me.  I  find  in  looking  over  the  supplies  that  it  will  be  necessary  to  exercise 
economy  in  their  use,  particularly  in  the  matter  of  medicines  and  surgical  dress- 
ings. A  large  number  of  the  surgical  cases  that  have  been  transferred  from  the 
front  to  the  field  hospital  at  Siboney  and  on  board  the  Relief  were  in  a  septic  con- 
dition, and  I  learned  from  investigating  the  histories  that  most  of  them  had  been 
subject  to  redressings  at  the  hands  of  medical  officers  through  whom  they  passed. 

Now  that  there  will  be  a  considerable  period  of  rest  for  the  troops,  I  think  it 
will  be  advisable  for  you  to  adopt  strict  regulations  for  the  exercise  of  economy 
in  the  use  of  medicines  and  surgical  dressings,  and  to  caution  medical  officers 
against  an  interference  with  a  surgical  case  in  transit  from  the  first  dressing  station 
to  the  base  hospital  if  it  has  been  properly  dressed.  To  secure  this  end  the  diag- 
nosis tag  should  be  marked  "  dressing  not  to  be  disturbed."  I  think  the  intelli- 
gence of  medical  officers  will  prevent  any  negligence  where  the  indications  for  a 
removal  of  a  dressing  may  be  imperative,  but  precautionary  notice  will  prevent 
their  interference  unless  the  conditions  justify  it. 

I  am  informed  by  General  Miles  that  supplies  of  all  kinds,  including  mounts  for 
the  Hospital  Corps,  proper  tentage,  and  other  necessary  materials,  will  soon  be  dis- 
charged at  Santiago,  and  I  hope  you  will  use  every  effort  to  reorganize  our  depart- 
ment and  get  it  into  good  working  order  so  that  it  may  be  efficient  if  the  corps  is 
called  on  to  follow  us  to  Porto  Rico.  I  have  written  to  the  Surgeon-General  for 
an  additional  number  of  members  of  the  Hospital  Corps  to  be  sent  you,  and  for  a 
floating  disinfecting  plant  for  use  with  the  transports. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  61  7 

You  can  reach  ine  by  cable  at  any  time,  and  General  Miles  will  be  glad  to 
approve  any  suggestions  that  you  may  have  to  make  for  increasing  the  efficiency 
of  our  department. 

Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-Ceneral,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  op  the  Army,  on  Board  U.  S.  S.  Yale, 

En  route  to  Porto  Rico,  July  23, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  recommendation  for  preventing 
as  far  as  possible  the  introduction  of  yellow  feyer  into  the  command  now  about 
to  land  on  the  Island  of  Porto  Rico: 

The  assignment  of  an  officer  of  rank,  to  be  placed  in  command  of  the  base  of 
supplies,  with  authority  to  indicate  the  sites  to  be  occupied  by  the  various  supply 
depots  and  the  hospital  and  to  enforce  the  regulations  governing  the  health  of 
the  attaches  of  these  departments  and  the  persons  who  may  visit  them  on  business. 

The  assignment  of  a  sanitary  inspector,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  all 
vessels  and  persons  arriving  at  our  base  from  seaward  ports  and  to  prepare  sani- 
tary regulations  for  the  government  of  all  transportation  and  persons  arriving 
and  departing  from  the  station  by  land.  This  officer  should  have  authority  to 
quarantine  all  suspicious  persons  and  means  of  transportation,  and  to  disinfect 
their  belongings,  either  by  fire  or  such  other  means  as  may  be  deemed  necessary. 

All  persons  connected  with  the  army  are  forbidden  to  enter  any  building  what- 
ever on  the  island  without  express  authority  from  these  headquarters,  and  all 
buildings  in  rural  districts  that  may  be  suspected  of  harboring  the  germs  of  dis- 
ease should  be  destroyed  by  fire  or  otherwise  thoroughly  disinfected. 

As  woven  goods,  particularly  those  of  woolen  fabric,  are  special  carriers  of  dis- 
ease, the  purchase  or  acceptance  of  articles  of  this  kind  from  stores  or  inhabitants 
of  the  island  is  strictly  forbidden;  any  such  property  found  within  the  lines  will 
be  at  once  destroyed  and  the  holder  subjected  to  punishment. 

That  commanders  of  regiments  be  instructed  to  prepare  their  camping  grounds 
with  great  care  and  maintain  a  rigid  police  in  them.  Under  no  circumstances  shall 
they  camp  on  ground  that  has  previously  been  occupied  either  by  troops  or  by 
collective  bodies  of  the  inhabitants. 

That  medical  officers  be  required  to  make  frequent  inspections  of  the  commands 
to  which  they  belong,  and  that  any  suspicious  case  of  fever  be  immediately  isolated 
and  the  fact  of  its  occurrence  reported  to  these  headquarters. 

Canteens  should  be  filled  daily  with  tea  or  coffee  and  these  beverages  used 
habitually  instead  of  water,  unless  that  has  been  previously  boiled. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 

Note. — These  recommendations  were  approved,  and  were  embodied,  as  they 
were  made,  in  a  general  order  issued  same  day  by  General  Miles. 

C.  R.  G. 


quarantine   regulations  for  the  base  of  the   military  expedition   to 

porto  rico. 

1.  Every  vessel  shall  be  officially  visited  by  the  inspector  before  communication 
is  made  with  other  vessels  or  with  the  shore. 

2.  A  vessel  having  yellow  fever  or  smallpox  on  board  shall  not  be  allowed  to 
communicate  with  the  shore  or  with  other  vessels,  but  shall  leave  the  island. 


618         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAK    WITH    SPAIN. 

Vessels  coming  from  sources  of  infection  shall  be  detained  five  days  without 
communicating  either  with  the  shore  or  with  other  vessels.  If,  at  the  expiration 
of  this  time,  no  cases  of  fever  shall  have  developed,  landing  may  be  made  under 
the  following  precautions: 

All  fomites  shall  be  disinfected  by  one  of  the  following  methods:  Immersion 
for  one  hour  in  one  one-thousandth  solution  of  bichloride;  sulphur  fumigation  in 
a  chamber  twenty-four  hours  (4  pounds  of  sulphur  being  used  for  each  1,000  cubic 
feet  of  space)  or  boiling  half  an  hour,  with  complete  immersion.  The  following 
need  not  be  disinfected  unless  directly  exposed  to  infection:  All  new  and  dry 
material  unpacked;  all  iron  and  steel  implements;  all  goods  in  new  and  original 
packages  not  having  been  broken  or  packed  in  an  infected  locality.  Goods 
other  than  textile,  contained  in  textile  material,  such  as  coffee  in  sacks,  bacon, 
spices,  etc.,  kept  dry  and  not  broken  in  an  infected  locality,  do  not  require  dis- 
infection other  than  the  container,  which  shall  be  treated  as  fomites,  as  above. 
Fruits,  sound,  unless  exposed  in  an  infected  locality,  need  no  disinfection.  Live 
stock  may  be  admitted. 

Such  ships  shall  be  thoroughly  cleaned  and  disinfected  by  the  free  use  of  one 
one-thousandth  solution  of  bichloride  and  by  fumigation  with  sulphur  before 
they  may  again  receive  men  or  supplies. 

Ships  quarantined  shall  display  the  usual  flag,  and  those  in  detention  shall  be 
visited  by  the  inspector  daily  until  the  time  of  quarantine  shall  have  expired. 

4.  Vessels  carrying  passengers  or  having  fomites  from  localities  of  infection, 
though  they  (the  vessels)  may  hail  from  healthy  ports,  shall  be  subject  to  the 
same  quarantine  restrictions  as  vessels  known  to  hail  from  infected  localities. 

5.  Due  precaution  shall  be  taken  to  prevent  infection  of  the  base  of  supplies 
through  communication  with  infected  localities  along  the  line  of  march  by  team- 
sters and  others.  As  far  as  possible  they  should  not  be  allowed  to  remain  at  the 
base  longer  than  necessary  to  load  and  unload,  nor  to  come  in  such  contact  as  to 
communicate  infection.  Stragglers,  prisoners,  and  strangers  should  be  immedi- 
ately sent  away. 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  op  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Play  a  del  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  1, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  recommend  that  in  the  selection  of  camp  sites  all  low 
and  flat  ground  that  is  likely  to  be  flooded  by  heavy  rains,  which  are  liable  to 
occur  at  any  time  now,  be  avoided,  and  sites  selected  with  a  view  to  the  surface 
drainage. 

Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Surgeon-General, 

Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  5, 1898. 
Lieut.  Col.  R.  Huidekoper, 

Surgeon,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Chief  Surgeon  First  Army  Corps. 
Sir:  Referring  to  the  report  of  the  sanitary  inspector  on  your  present  camp,  I 
have  the  honor  to  invite  your  particular  attention  to  the  occupancy  of  buildings 
before  thorough  disinfection. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  619 

You  are  of  course  aware  of  the  possible  existence  of  f omites  of  yellow  fever  in 
any  building  on  this  island,  and  the  readiness  with  which  nonimmunes  exposed 
at  this  season  of  the  year  become  infected.  It  was  to  prevent  exposure  that  the 
sanitary  order  from  these  headquarters  was  issued,  and  I  must  caution  you  as 
to  its  observance  in  your  sanitary  recommendations  to  the  corps  commander.  I 
have  been  compelled  to  allow  the  sick  to  be  exposed  to  the  sun  and  rain,  with 
only  the  shelter  of  a  poncho,  until  a  building  could  be  disinfected,  rather  than  to 
expose  them  to  possible  infection  by  disregarding  this  precaution.  It  was  a 
neglect  of  these  precautions  in  General  Shafter's  army,  by  occupancy,  as  quarters, 
offices,  etc.,  of  buildings  which  were  infected,  which  brought  upon  it  the  existing 
epidemic. 

You  are  authorized  to  buy  disinfectants  at  the  nearest  town  if  you  do  not  have 
them  among  your  regular  supplies.  It  is  proper  to  inform  you  that  the  physicians 
of  Ponce  report  the  prevalence  of  smallpox  among  the  people  along  the  south 
shore  of  the  island. 

You  will  please  report  to  me  by  telegraph  each  day  the  number  of  sick  in  your 
command,  and  at  your  convenience  come  to  these  headquarters  conference 

regarding  the  business  of  this  department  in  the  campaign. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  6, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  there  is  a  marked  increase  in  the  sick  report 
of  the  troops,  particularly  in  those  composing  General  Henry's  division.  The 
cause  of  the  sickness  is  in  the  majority  of  instances  typhoid  fever,  and  I  am  of 
the  opinion,  considering  the  character  of  the  country,  the  climate,  and  the  raw 
condition  of  the  men,  that  this  matter  will  become  an  important  factor  in  consid- 
ering the  future  of  this  campaign.  I  recommend  that,  unless  a  military  necessity 
prevents,  the  army  be  halted  at  the  most  convenient  place  in  the  mountains  for 
recuperation  of  the  troops  and  to  afford  an  opportunity  to  treat  the  diseases. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel.  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  7,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  Major  Woodbury,  sanitary  inspector,  reports 
that  the  Spanish  military  barracks  in  Ponce  has  been  thoroughly  cleaned,  disin- 
fected, and  fumigated,  and  is  now  in  a  safe  condition  for  occupancy  by  our  troops. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


620        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT   OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Headquarters  of  the  Army.  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Play  a  del  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  7, 1898. 
The  Surgeon-General  United  States  Army. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  copies  of  correspondence  regarding 
the  precautions  that  have  been  taken  to  preserve  the  health  of  this  command. 
The  results  of  Major  Woodbury's  (sanitary  inspector)  work  have  so  far  been 
excellent.  The  streets  of  the  town  are  comparatively  clean  and  no  building  has 
been  occupied  until  it  has  been  properly  cleaned,  disinfected,  and,  when  necessary, 
fumigated.  He  is  now  putting  in  force  at  Arroyo  the  same  regulations  estab- 
lished at  Ponce. 

Smallpox  is  reported  to  be  epidemic  in  a  little  town  through  which  the  troops 
must  pass  to-day.  There  is  very  little  vaccine  virus  in  the  town,  but  I  have 
ordered  Major  Woodbury  to  collect  it  and  furnish  it  to  th^  local  doctors  here  for 
use .  under  his  direction ,  among  the  population. 

The  same  military  hospital  has  been  thoroughly  cleaned,  disinfected,  and  the 
one  ward  that  had  been  occupied  by  Spanish  prisoners  fumigated  with  sulphur. 
The  other  ward  had  not  been  occupied,  and  the  whole  hospital  is  now  occupied 
by  our  troops  as  a  transfer  hospital. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  10, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  a  considerable  number  of  patients  in  the 
military  transfer  hospital  at  Ponce  are  now  sufficiently  recovered  to  return  to 
duty,  and  others  will  be  recovering  from  day  to  day.  Owing  to  the  over- 
crowded condition  of  the  hospital  with  cases  of  great  severity  and  the  lack  of 
clerical  assistance  it  will  be  impossible  to  comply  with  the  regulations  regarding 
the  preparation  of  lists,  etc.,  of  men,  or  for  the  surgeon  in  charge  to  take  sepa- 
rate measures  toward  finding  the  locations  of  the  regiments  to  which  these  men 
belong. 

I  therefore  recommend  that  some  central  command  be  selected  to  which  these 
men  may  be  sent  without  formality  from  the  hospital,  and  from  which  they  may 
be  ultimately  returned  to  their  respective  regiments. 

An  early  reply  to  this  recommendation  is  requested,  since  every  bed  in  the 
hospital  is  needed  for  incoming  cases,  of  which  there  are  a  large  number. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  10, 1898. 
Col.  Charles  R.  Greenleaf, 

Assistant  Surgeon-General,  Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 
Sir:  Referring  to  your  letter  of  this  date,  requesting  that  a  central  command  be 
designated  to  which  men  who  have  recovered  from  sickness  may  be  sent  without 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  621 

formality,  the  major-general  commanding  directs  that  all  such  cases  be  sent  to 
Lieut.  Col.  C.  C.  Hood,  Nineteenth  Infantry,  who  has  been  directed  to  receive 
them  and  return  them  to  their  proper  commands.    Your  letter  has  been  referred 
to  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hood. 
Very  respectfully, 

J.  C.  Gilmore, 
Brigadier-General,  United  States  Volunteers. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Surgeon-General, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  10, 1898. 
Lieut.  Col.  Nicholas  Senn, 

Surgeon,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Chief  of  the  Operating  Staff. 
Sir:  You  will  proceed  to  the  town  of  Ponce,  visit  the  military  and  other  hospi- 
tals in  that  town,  and  such  of  the  camps  in  its  vicinity  as  you  may  deem  necessary, 
for  the  purpose  of  investigating  and,  if  possible,  determining  the  cause  of  typhoid 
and  other  fevers  now  prevailing  in  this  army,  and  report  the  results  of  your  inves- 
tigation in  writing  to  me.  Should  you  find  it  necessary  to  have  the  services  of  an 
interpreter  or  other  civilian  to  aid  in  your  work,  you  are  hereby  authorized  to 
employ  him,  sending  the  bill  to  this  office  for  payment. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army,  Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


[Cablegram.] 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  11, 1898. 
Sternberg,  Washington: 

After  conference  with  Senn,  Torney,  and  Daly,  report  no  suitable  building  here. 
Pavilion  can  be  built,  but  objectionable  in  this  climate;  tent  hospitals  preferable. 
Type  of  disease  comparatively  mild.  Strongly  advise,  on  climatic  and  other 
grounds,  speedy  return  of  sick  and  convalescents  to  United  States  on  properly 
equipped  transports  or  regular  hospital  ships.  This  essential  to  sick  and  for 
morale  of  troops.  Fifty  qualified  doctors,  25  trained  hospital  stewards,  and  150 
experienced  trained  male  nurses  required.  Send  $2,000  to  Asst.  Surg.  F.  McG. 
Hartsock.  Senn's  investigation  shows  250  cases  typhoid,  all  infected  in  camps  in 
United  States,  mostly  from  Chickamauga.    Previous  cases  Camp  Alger. 

Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  11,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  in  consequence  of  the  large  number  of  strag- 
glers who  are  coming  in  and  reporting  at  the  military  transfer  hospital,  I  have  to 
request  that  an  infantry  guard  be  detailed  for  duty  at  that  place. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  field. 


623         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

MEMORANDUM  OF  CONFERENCE  ON    HOSPITAL  SHIP  RELIEF  REGARDING  THE  CARE 
OF  THE  SICK  OF  THE  ARMY  IN  PORTO  RICO. 

To  Sternberg: 

No  suitable  building  here.  Pavilions  can  be  built,  but  are  objectionable  in  this 
climate.     Tent  hospitals  preferable. 

Types  of  disease  comparatively  mild.  We  strongly  advise,  on  climatic  and  other 
grounds,  speedy  return  of  the  sick  and  convalescents  to  the  United  States  on  prop- 
erly equipped  transports  or  regular  hospital  ships.  This  we  believe  to  be  essential, 
not  only  to  the  sick  but  to  the  morale  of  the  troops. 

Fifty  well-qualified  doctors,  25  well-trained  hospital  stewards,  150  experienced 
trained  male  nurses  required. 
Send  $2,000  to  Asst.  Surg.  F.  McG.  Hartsock,  U.  S.  A. 

Senn's  investigation  shows  250  cases  typhoid,  all  infected  in  camps  in  United 
States.    Most  of  them  from  Chickamauga. 
Previous  shipments  were  from  Camp  Alger. 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 
Geo.  H.  Torney, 
Major  and  Surgeon,  United  States  Army. 
N.  Senn, 
Chief  Surgeon,  Colonel,  United  States  Volunteers. 
W.  H.  Daly, 
Major  and  Chief  Surgeon,  United  States  Volunteers. 


MEMORANDUM    OF    CONFERENCE    ON    HOSPITAL    SHIP  RELIEF    REGARDING  CARE  OF 
THE  SICK  OF  THE  ARMY  IN  PORTO  RICO. 

To  General  Miles: 

Hospital  of  lumber  can  be  built,  but  one  of  tents  is  preferable.  We,  however, 
urgently  recommend  the  speedy  return  of  the  sick  to  the  United  States  on  prop- 
erly equipped  transports  or  hospital  ships.  Fifty  doctors  and  150  trained  male 
nurses  required  at  once. 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 
Geo.  H.  Torney, 
Major  and  Surgeon,  United  States  Army. 
N.  Senn, 
Colonel  and  Chief  Surgeon,  United  States  Volunteers. 
W.  H.  Daly, 
Major  and  Chief  Surge&n,  United  States  Volunteers. 


[Telegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  12, 1898. 
Woodbury,  Coamo,  Porto  Rico: 

Much  gratified  with  your  report.  Your  message  about  men  of  light  battery 
has  been  attended  to.  If  Aibonita  is  taken,  put  the  big  building  there  in  sanitary 
order  quick.    I  want  it  for  a  hospital.    Keep  me  informed  regarding  sanitary 

affairs. 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 

Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General.  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  623 

ORDER. 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  13,  1898. 
Dr.  G.  G.  Groff,  of  Philadelphia,  having  tendered  his  services  to  the  Medical 
Department,  United  States  Army,  is  hereby  appointed  deputy  sanitary  inspector 
at  Ponce  and  vicinity. 

Dr.  Groff  will  take  charge  of  and  distribute,  under  direction  of  the  Chief  Sur- 
geon of  the  Army,  the  medical  supplies  and  comforts  landed  from  Mr.  Van 
Rensselaer's  yacht  May  by  the  relief  commission  of  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  for  the 
use  of  the  sick  and  wounded  in  the  army  and  navy. 
By  command  of  Major-General  Miles. 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  13, 1898. 
The  Surgeon-General  United  States  Army. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  the  health  condition  of  this  army  is  still 
a  matter  of  grave  consideration.  In  addition  to  the  fever  cases  that  have  been 
sent  north  on  the  Obdam  and  the  Lampasas  some  300  cases  have  developed,  mostly 
typhoids,  and  new  ones  are  coming  in  from  the  troops  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  Ponce  at  the  rate  of  about  10  a  day.  I  have  heard  nothing  from  the  command 
consisting  of  Generals  Wilson's,  Henry's,  and  Schwan's  brigades  since  they  left 
Ponce,  but  judging  from  their  previous  condition  and  the  condition  of  those  left 
behind,  I  feel  satisfied  that  so  soon  as  the  ambulances  can  be  returned  a  large 
number  of  sick  will  come  with  them.  General  Brooke's  troops  are  so  separated 
from  me  that  I  can  not  get  any  reports,  but  when  the  troops  arrived  here  the  Gen- 
eral reported  about  125  cases  of  sickness,  25  of  which  he  understood  to  be  typhoid 
fever.  I  therefore  sent  the  Relief  to  his  landing  point  (Arroyo)  to  take  charge  of 
those  cases,  and  expect  her  to  return  some  time  during  the  day. 

As  reported  to  you  in  my  letter  of  the  7th,  I  have  taken  the  Spanish  military 
hospital  as  the  central  hospital  for  our  own  troops.  It  will  accommodate  about 
200  patients,  and  by  crowding  about  100  more  might  be  under  shelter.  The  few 
tents,  hospital  and  others,  that  I  could  get  hold  of  have  been  pitched  on  the  ground 
adjacent  to  the  hospital  and  will  probably  accommodate  50  more.  Before  the 
troops  left  I  ordered  the  very  sick,  which  was  represented  to  me  as  numbering  60, 
sent  to  the  transfer  hospital,  and  had  made  provision  for  them,  but  in  the  care- 
less methods,  which  I  regret  to  say  are  too  common  among  the  volunteer  officers, 
my  orders  were  disregarded,  and  during  the  night  138  additional  men,  some  slightly 
sick,  some  venereal  cases,  and  some  who  proved  to  be  malingerers,  were  dumped 
on  the  hospital.  The  result  was  considerable  confusion,  due  to  the  utter  inability 
of  my  small  force  to  properly  care  for  this  unexpected  influx  of  stragglers.  For- 
tunately the  hospital  ship  Relief  arrived  the  next  morning  and  I  was  able  to  trans- 
fer about  125  of  the  worst  cases  to  her.  I  at  once  organized  a  convalescent  camp 
adjacent  to  the  camp  of  the  Nineteenth  United  States  Infantry,  which  has  been 
made  the  provost  guard  of  the  town,  and  weeded  out  the  stragglers,  convales- 
cents, and  malingerers,  numbering  about  125  men,  and  had  them  marched  under 
guard  to  this  camp.  The  immediate  congestion  was  thus  relieved,  and  I  am  happy 
to  report  that  the  hospital  is  now  in  as  good  condition  as  is  possible  under  the  cir- 
cumstances. 

I  detached  Dr.  H.  S.  Greenleaf  from  the  Relief  for  temporary  service  at  the 
hospital,  and  have  found  among  the  private  soldiers  one  or  two  graduated 
physicians,  who  I  have  also  placed  on  duty. 


624        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAIi    WITH    SPAIN. 

A  volunteer  detail  of  nurses  from  the  Nineteenth  Infantry  was  made  at  my 
request  and  has  done  excellent  service.  I  placed  Major  Daly  in  charge,  and  under 
his  energetic  and  efficient  management  order  was  soon  evolved  from  chaos.  I 
can  not  too  highly  recommend  him  for  the  service  he  has  thus  rendered. 

The  lack  of  medical  officers  and  members  of  the  Hospital  Corps  is  due  to  the 
fact  that  the  troops  on  leaving  the  United  States  failed  apparently  to  bring  with 
them  their  proper  organization,  and  sickness  and  other  casualties  still  further 
reduced  this  small  number,  until  there  was  only  remaining  a  supply  barely  suffi- 
cient for  field  service  with  the  troops  when  they  left. 

I  have  already  telegraphed  you  of  the  necessity  for  additional  doctors,  stewards, 
and  trained  male  nurses. 

General  Miles  referred  to  me  a  request  from  the  Secretary  of  War  regarding 
the  reemployment  of  the  female  nurses  who  were  on  board  the  Lampasas.  I 
replied  that  I  could  make  them  useful  in  this  military  hospital  if  they  should  come. 

Your  telegram  regarding  the  establishment  of  a  general  hospital  here  has  been 
briefly  answered.  I  can  only  add  in  detail  that  I  called  a  consultation  on  board 
the  Relief  with  Drs.  Senn,  Daly,  and  Torney,  to  which  Dr.  Terry  was  unofficially 
invited.  We  discussed  the  situation  thoroughly,  and  were  unanimous  in  our 
opinion  that  the  sick  should  be  sent  home  as  speedily  as  possible.  Many  factors 
led  us  to  this  conclusion:  First,  the  enervating  effect  of  the  climate  upon  the 
troops  in  general,  rendering  them  easy  victims  to  any  disease;  second,  the  extreme 
debility  that  follows  convalescence  from  fevers;  third,  as  a  consequence  of  this 
debility  the  homesickness  which  is  almost  insupportable,  and  fourth,  the  evil 
effect  upon  the  well  troops  by  the  appearance  among  them  of  their  debilitated 
comrades.  We  were  unanimous  in  the  opinion  that  no  one  should  be  sent  to  the 
TJ  nited  States  except  in  a  properly  equipped  transport  or  upon  a  regular  hospital 
ship,  since  it  would  be  far  better  to  have  the  men  subject  to  the  conditions  here 
than  to  undergo  the  suffering  incident  to  a  trip  on  a  hastily  and  therefore  ill- 
equipped  transport.  I  have  therefore  decided  to  recommend  the  use  of  a  tent 
hospital,  auxiliary  to  the  military  hospital  here,  and  possibly  another  at  the  foot 
of  the  mountains,  where  fever  cases  could  be  kept  and  properly  treated  until  the 
arrival  of  transport  ships. 

As  I  was  in  some  doubt  regarding  the  local  influences  in  keeping  up  the  sick- 
ness among  our  men,  I  ordered  Dr.  Senn  to  make  a  careful  investigation  of  the 
subject,  and  inclose  a  synopsis  of  his  report,  which  has  been  laid  before  the  major- 
general  commanding.  Every  possible  precaution  is  being  taken  to  prevent  the 
introduction  of  new  diseases  and  to  correct  the  effects  of  those  existing  among  us. 
Drs.  Senn  and  Daly  have  been  indefatigable  in  their  work,  as  has  also  Dr.  Wood- 
bury, the  sanitary  inspector. 

A  party  of  gentlemen  arrived  yesterday  in  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer's  yacht,  bearing 
a  letter  of  introduction  from  you.  I  found  that  one  of  them,  Dr.  Groff ,  was  will- 
ing to  remain  with  us,  and  as  he  has  been  previously  connected  with  the  sanitary 
service  in  the  United  States,  I  made  him  deputy  sanitary  inspector  of  the  army  at 
Ponce  and  placed  him  in  charge  of  the  medical  supplies  which  were  brought 
down  by  the  party.  These  supplies  I  will  store  in  the  building  now  used  as  head- 
quarters offices,  and  have  placed  their  issue  into  his  hands. 

I  think  it  advisable  to  keep  the  Relief  here  a  few  days  longer  than  originally 
intended,  since  there  has  been  fighting  in  the  last  few  days  and  twenty-odd  wounded 
are  reported  as  a  result.  These  I  wish  to  place  on  board  the  Relief,  and  for  that 
reason  will,  if  necessary,  unload  some  of  the  fever  cases  and  place  them  back  in 
the  shore  hospital. 

I  have  unloaded  all  the  supplies  from  the  hospital  ship  Relief  and  stored  them 
in  the  military  barracks  in  the  city.  As  I  had  no  medical  officer  to  take  charge  of 
them,  I  have  taken  Dr.  Hartsock  from  the  Relief,  have  appointed  him  as  medical 
supply  officer,  and  will  keep  him  until  some  officer  arrives  to  relieve  him.    In  the 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  625 

absence  of  supplies  I  have  been  compelled  to  make  considerable  purchases,  which 
were  absolutely  necessary  for  care  of  the  sick.  I  feel  sure  that  my  course  will 
meet  your  approval  and  that  the  necessary  funds  will  be  forthcoming  to  meet  the 
obligations  I  have  incurred  upon  my  own  responsibility. 

We  are  now  fairly  organized,  although  sadly  lacking  in  doctors  and  nurses;  but 
these  I  am  sure  you  will  furnish  as  rapidly  as  possible.    In  the  meantime  I  will 
do  my  best  to  keep  your  department  in  an  efficient  condition. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


[Telegram.] 

Headquarters  First  Brigade,  Provisional  Division, 

Adjuntas,  Porto  Rico,  August  14, 1898. 
Colonel  Greenleaf, 

Chief  Surgeon,  Ponce,  Porto  Rico: 
On  thorough  investigation  no  healthful  camping  ground  can  be  found  here. 
Heavy  daily  rains.     Troops  constantly  wet.    Malarial  country. 

George  W.  Crile, 

Major,  Surgeon. 


Camp  near  Adjuntas,  August  15, 1898. 
Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field, 

Ponce,  Porto  Rico: 
*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

It  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  health  of  this  command  at  Adjuntas  to  move 
from  this  vicinity.    No  good  camping  ground  can  be  found  here.    Answer. 

Geo.  W.  Crile, 
Acting  Chief  Surgeon. 


Transfer  Hospital, 
Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  15,  1898. 
The  Chief  Surgeon  Armies  in  the  Field, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico. 
Sir:  In  compliance  with  instructions  from  your  office  I  have  the  honor  to 
report  that  I  have  examined  the  ground  in  the  vicinity  of  this  hospital  with  a 
view  of  erecting  a  number  of  hospital  tents,  with  the  necessary  kitchens,  sinks, 
etc. ,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  additional  facilities  for  the  treatment  of  the  sick, 
and  would  state  that  there  is  room  for  about  100  tents.  The  ground,  which  I  am 
informed  by  Acting  Assistant  Surgeon  Morette  belongs  to  Abeloido  Otero  and 
Miguel  Mattii,  has  a  considerable  slope,  which  would  necessitate  the  propping  up 
of  the  tent  floors  to  make  them  level.  This,  however,  would  be  an  advantage,  as 
it  would  secure  free  ventilation  underneath  the  tent,  which  is  especially  desirable 
in  a  tropical  climate.  A  dry  ravine  divides  the  localities  selected,  which  would 
require  to  be  bridged  by  a  trestle  about  40  feet  in  length.  I  have  employed  and 
set  to  work  a  number  of  men  and  carts  clearing  the  site  and  policing  the  place 
generally,  and  it  will  probably  be  in  a  condition  to  begin  pitching  the  tents  within 
three  days. 

Very  respectfully,  H.  P.  Birmingham, 

7833 — VOL.  1 40  Major  and  Surgeon. 


626         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  16, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  I  inspected  to-day  the  prison  in  the  upper 
part  of  Ponce  on  the  street  leading  to  the  transfer  hospital,  and  find  it  in  a  very 
nnsanitary  condition.  The  privy  is  exceedingly  offensive,  and  should  be  cleaned 
and  thoroughly  disinfected  without  delay.  The  ventilation  of  the  room  in  which 
these  men  are  confined  should  also  be  attended  to.  The  best  way  to  do  this  will 
be  by  making  an  opening  in  the  ridge.  There  were  several  sick  prisoners,  to 
whom  I  directed  the  services  of  a  physician. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 

Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


[Indorsement  on  report  of  Surgeon  Birmingham,  recommending  site  for  hospital.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  16,  1898. 

Respectfully  referred  to  army  headquarters. 

Under  instructions  from  headquarters  I  have  examined  the  country  in  the 
vicinity  of  Ponce  for  the  location  of  a  tent  hospital  for  the  treatment  of  the  sick  of 
this  army,  and  find  as  the  most  available  place  the  ground  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  the  military  hospital,  which  we  now  occupy,  and  where  the  con- 
venience and  expense  of  administration  will  be  reduced  to  a  minimum.  The  high 
ground  and  excellent  drainage  make  this  a  peculiarly  desirable  location  for  the 
hospital,  and  I  request  authority  to  occupy  it. 

Flooring  for  tents  and  for  connecting  walks  will  be  required,  and  I  ask  that  the 
quartermaster's  department  be  directed  to  furnish  it;  also  that  the  engineering 
department  be  directed  to  construct  the  bridge  across  the  dry  ravine  within 
referred  to.  I  have  conferred  with  Colonel  Black  upon  this  subject,  and  he 
informs  me  that  it  can  be  easily  done.  The  Surgeon-General  informs  me  that 
the  tents  for  this  hospital  left  New  York  two  days  ago  and  I  desire  to  be  ready  to 

pitch  them  immediately  upon  their  arrival. 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 

Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


August  17,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  recommend  that  the  old  Spanish  fort  at  this  place  be 
used  for  the  storage  of  the  siege  material  and  quarters  of  a  small  guard  for  the 

same  during  the  present  emergency. 

S.  A.  Day, 

Major,  Fifth  Artillery,  Commanding  Siege  Train. 
[Second  indorsement.] 

Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 
Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  17,  1898. 
Respectfully  returned  to  headquarters  of  the  army.    I  have  inspected  these 
quarters,  and  if  they  are  thoroughly  policed  and  disinfected  with  lime  they  may 
be  used  with  safety  for  the  purpose  within  indicated. 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army. 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  627 

[Telegram.] 

Coamo,  Porto  Rico,  August  18,  1898. 
Chief  Surgeon  of  the  Army,  Ponce: 

I  have  excellent  location  for  tent  hospital  of  250  beds.  Excellent  water  supply. 
High  dry  ground.  If  General  Miles  augments  forces  at  Coamo,  or  if  we  are  to 
stay  here  two  weeks  more,  it  will  be  extremely  necessary  to  establish  large  tent 
hospital  as  soon  as  possible.  I  will  report  in  person.  Typhoid  is  disappearing. 
Malaria,  diarrhea,  principal  disorders.  Am  disinfecting  and  arranging  Caserne 
for  provost  guard. 

Woodbury,  Sanitary  Inspector. 


[Telegram.] 

Headquarters  near  Ponce,  August  18, 1898. 
Chief  Surgeon,  at  Ponce: 

******* 
Will  inspect  site  for  hospital  baths,  and  report  this  location  to-night. 

Woodbury,  Sanitary  Inspector. 


[Telegram.] 

Guayama,  Porto  Rico,  August  18, 1898. 
Colonel  Greenleaf: 

*  ****** 

My  hospital  location  excellent.  Will  have  good  system  at  once.  Doing  all  that 
can  be  done.  Annoying  criticism  from  line  officers  and  laymen.  Am  short  some 
medicines.    Rush. 

S.  Huidekoper,  Lieutenant-Colonel. 


[Third  indorsement.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  19,  1898. 
Respectfully  returned  to  army  headquarters.  If  suitable  buildings  can  be 
found  they  should  be  thoroughly  policed,  disinfected,  and  fumigated  by  means  of 
sulphur,  or  the  walls,  floors,  and  ceilings  washed  with  a  solution  of  bichloride  of 
mercury,  and  the  surrounding  grounds  thoroughly  policed.  With  these  precau- 
tions I  think  they  could  be  safely  occupied  as  quarters  for  the  troops. 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


[Telegram.] 

Abjuntas,  Porto  Rico,  August  20,  1898. 
Major  Crile,  Utuado,  Porto  Rico: 

Ambulance  has  arrived  from  Ponce  with  medicines.  Instruct  me  as  to  for- 
warding. Hospital  should  be  removed  from  hill  to-morrow.  Camp  in  horrible 
state  from  constant  rain.  Could  select  building  in  town  for  hospital  if  so 
directed 

Gross,  Assistant  Surgeon. 


628        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  21, 1898. 
Col.  Chas.  R.  Greenleaf,  U.  S.  A., 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  in  accordance  with  Special  Field  Order  No. 
14,  from  General  Miles  through  you,  dated  August  15, 1898, 1  proceeded  with  two 
ambulances,  an  orderly,  and  Thomas  Oxholm,  as  interpreter  and  guide,  from  this 
point  to  Mayaguez,  Porto  Rico.  The  ambulances  were  loaded  with  hospital 
stores,  supplies,  and  delicacies,  and  found  the  headquarters  of  General  Schwan  to 
be  at  Mayaguez.  The  supplies  carried  by  me  were  as  appear  on  appended  list 
herewith.  Nearly  all  of  these  I  turned  over  to  Major  Egan,  after  reporting  in 
person  to  General  Schwan.  The  other  supplies  I  gave  out  along  the  road  to 
such  sick  and  other  soldiers  as  I  in  my  judgment  thought  needed  them.  I  also 
turned  over  500  vaccine  points  to  Major  Egan,  as  per  your  instructions. 

I  found  the  town  of  Mayaguez  in  the  most  unsanitary  condition,  especially  the 
Spanish  hospital  occupied  by  our  sick.  There  is  in  one  room  in  that  hospital  five 
cases  of  measles,  which  should  at  once  be  isolated.  The  hospital  is  situated  at  the 
southeast  end  of  the  town  on  low,  filthy  ground,  surrounded  by  wretched  hovels 
and  a  squalid  population  of  the  lowest  order,  who  live  in  filthy  small  huts,  into 
which  are  crowded  their  large  families,  in  some  instances  ten  or  twelve  people 
living  in  a  structure  not  more  than  12  feet  square,  where  the  ancestors  of  these 
families  apparently  have  been  born  and  died  for  generations.  The  vacant  space 
about  the  hospital  is  filthy  beyond  description,  strewn  with  the  refuse  from  the 
wretched  people  who  live  all  around  the  hospital,  the  houses  being  densely 
crowded,  especially  on  the  northeast  and  south  sides.  The  refuse  in  the  vacant 
ground  about  the  hospital,  wet  with  the  recent  rains,  was  reeking  with  offensive 
effluvia,  which  pervaded  the  entire  neighborhood  and  especially  the  hospital 
building  itself.  The  latter  is  a  badly  located  building  on  this  low  ground,  and  its 
plumbing  old  and  out  of  repair,  and  the  hospital  crowded  with  the  sick  both  of 
the  Spanish  and  United  States  armies,  the  cases  consisting  chiefly  of  typhoid  and 
malarial  fevers.  I  inspected  the  entire  town  and  found  only  one  of  the  streets, 
namely,  the  main  street,  at  all  clean,  courtyards  and  back  streets  containing  the 
accumulated  filth  of  many  years. 

The  situation  at  Mayaguez  is  bad,  the  ground  being  low  upon  the  sea.  A 
stream  running  through  the  north  of  the  town  empties  into  it  and  receives  the 
surface  drainage.  The  land  to  the  north  and  northwest  of  the  town  is  higher,  and 
a  place  can  be  had  half  a  mile  out  on  the  road  north  leading  to  Los  Marias  as 
eligible  as  possible  for  this  region  to  establish  a  tent  hospital,  which  I  would 
earnestly  recommend;  but  as  a  first  and  immediate  measure  I  would  recommend 
a  thorough  policing  and  fumigating  of  the  present  hospital  building  and  the  mis- 
erable houses  surrounding  the  place;  also,  an  embarkation  north  of  all  the  sick  at 
the  earliest  possible  time. 

Very  respectfully,  W.  H.  Daly, 

Major,  Chief  Surgeon  United  States  Volunteers. 

N.  B. — I  have  omitted  to  say  that  I  found  the  troops  of  General  Schwan's  com- 
mand much  worn  by  the  very  rapid  forced  marches  and  field  movements  in  battles 
in  which  they  had  been  engaged  within  the  past  few  days. 


MEMORANDUM  FOR  CHIEF  SURGEON. 


The  scheme  of  hospital  organization  is  to  establish  a  tent  hospital  of  at  least  300 
beds  at  the  transfer  hospital  in  Ponce.  This  work  has  already  been  authorized: 
Then  a  tent  hospital  at  or  near  Coamo,  of  at  least  100  beds,  and  in  other  divisions, 
if  necessary.    For  this  purpose  200  hospital  tents  are  now  being  unloaded  from 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  629 

the  steamship  Concho,  and  there  has  been  authority  given  to  the  quartermaster 
to  furnish  lumber  for  flooring,  etc. 

When  a  hospital  ship  is  reported  as  arriving  she  should  be  loaded  from  the 
transfer  hospital  to  within  100  beds  of  her  capacity,  then  sent  to  Arroyo  for  the 
sick  from  General  Brooke's  command,  and  then  to  Mayaguez  for  the  sick  from 
General  Schwan's.  All  the  available  ambulance  trains  should  then  be  put  in  serv- 
ice to  unload  the  hospitals  from  the  front.  Belonging  to  headquarters  and  camped 
near  the  Nineteenth  Infantry  camp  there  is  a  train  of  13  ambulances,  under 
charge  of  Mr.  Walton,  the  wagon  master.  These  should  be  used  exclusively  for 
unloading  the  sick  from  the  transfer  hospital. 

A  hospital  fund  of  about  $300  is  in  possession  of  the  surgeon  in  charge  of  the 
transfer  hospital,  to  be  expended  by  him.  Another  fund  of  $2,783  is  in  the  hands 
of  Dr.  Hartsock,  the  supply  officer,  to  be  expended  by  him.  From  these  funds  the 
nurses  in  the  various  hospitals  are  to  be  paid  and  also  any  other  expenses  con- 
nected with  the  medical  department.  Contract  doctors  are  paid  by  the  pay 
department. 

A  full  supply  of  blank  forms  to  furnish  a  corps  has  been  ordered  from  the  Sur- 
geon-General and  should  be  here  in  a  few  days.  So  soon  as  they  arrive  they 
should  be  unpacked  and  distributed  to  the  various  medical  officers,  and  the  regu- 
lar reports  required  by  the  medical  department  which  have  heretofore  not  been 
made  should  be  insisted  upon. 

The  departure  of  the  hospital  ships  loaded  should  be  cabled  at  once  to  the  Sur- 
geon-General, using  only  his  name  "Sternberg,  Washington,"  giving  as  few 
words  as  possible  in  the  message,  and  signing  your  own  name  without  rank.  A 
box  of  fresh  vaccine  virus  is  left  in  the  office,  also  package  of  medicine. 

There  are  two  or  three  private  soldiers,  particularly  in  General  Wilson's  com- 
mand, said  to  be  graduated  physicians.  They  should  be  examined  by  a  board  of 
medical  officers,  and  if  competent  should  be  discharged  from  the  service  and 
employed  under  contract  at  $150  per  month.  Blanks  for  this  purpose  are  in  the 
desk;  also  blanks  for  the  employment  of  contract  nurses,  the  maximum  price  paid 
being  fixed  at  $30  per  month. 

There  is  also  a  lot  of  mail  in  the  office  which  is  intended  for  people  on  the  Relief 
and  for  Red  Cross  nurses. 

No  sick  are  to  be  admitted  to  hospital  except  by  order  from  the  chief  surgeon. 

Major  Crile  reports  General  Henry's  command  as  in  an  exceedingly  unhealthy 
position.  There  is  a  constant  rain.  The  clothing  of  the  men  is  never  dry.  There 
is  a  large  sick  report,  principally  of  intestinal  disorders,  the  tendency  being  to  a 
decided  increase.  Major  Crile  has  grave  apprehensions  regarding  the  future  of 
the  command.  The  road  from  this  command  over  the  mountains  he  reports  as 
impassable  to  anything  but  pack  trains,  and  exceedingly  difficult  even  for  those. 
A  number  have  already  been  lost  in  attempting  to  make  the  journey.  Two 
ambulances  have  been  lost  on  this  trail.  One  went  over  the  cliff  and  the  other 
sank  so  deeply  in  the  mud  that  it  had  to  be  abandoned. 

I  recommend  that  these  troops  be  removed  from  their  position  at  the  earliest 
possible  moment  permissible  with  the  military  situation,  or  I  am  satisfied  that 
^  disastrous  results  will  follow  in  the  shape  of  severe  and  continued  sickness. 

This  is  the  command  at  Abjuntas  and  Utuado. 


Headquarters  op  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  2Jj.,  1898. 
Chief  Surgeon, 

General  Wilson's  Command. 
Sir:  In  compliance  with  instructions  from  the  honorable  Secretary  of  War  to 
erect  tent  hospitals  for  the  accommodation  of  the  sick  of  this  command,  I  have  to 


630        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

request  that  you  will  select  a  suitable  site  upon  which  sufficient  tent  accommoda- 
tion may  be  erected  for  200  patients.  The  quartermaster's  department  should  be 
called  upon  for  the  necessary  flooring  and  planking  and  the  engineering  depart- 
ment for  the  necessary  road  making  and  contour  lines  on  which  the  tents  should 
be  pitched.  You  will  at  once  make  due  requisition  on  the  medical  officer  for  the 
bedding,  furniture,  and  other  outfitting  necessary  for  the  hospital,  and  report  to 
the  chief  surgeon  when  you  are  ready  to  receive  patients. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  2^,  1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  invite  attention  to  the  matter  of  the  interment  of  the 
remains  of  soldiers  deceased  in  the  army. 

As  I  understand  it,  they  are  now  buried,  under  the  direction  of  the  quartermas- 
ter's department,  in  the  cemetery  at  Ponce,  not  altogether  a  suitable  place  for 
that  purpose. 

I  recommend  that  a  proper  location  be  determined  upon  and  a  sufficient  amount 
of  ground  secured  which  may  be  used  as  a  national  cemetery,  into  which  ulti- 
mately the  bodies  of  all  soldiers  deceased  on  this  island  shall  be  removed. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  27,  1898. 
Dr.  George  G.  Groff, 

Deputy  Sanitary  Inspector  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  You  will  please,  during  your  visit  to  General  Brooke's  command,  report 
to  the  general  and  request  his  permission  to  make  a  sanitary  inspection  under  the 
direction  of  his  chief  surgeon  of  the  camps  and  hospitals  of  the  command.  This 
for  the  purpose  of  completing  the  historical  record  of  sanitary  work  performed 
with  the  army  of  occupation  in  Porto  Rico.  It  should  be  understood  that  this 
work  can  only  be  done  as  a  special  favor  from  General  Brooke,  who,  I  am  sure, 
in  consideration  of  the  object  in  view,  will  further  our  efforts  in  this  direction,  as 
will  also  Colonel  Huidekoper,  his  chief  surgeon. 

Very  respectfully,  Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  27, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  invite  attention  to  the  insufficient  water  supply  at  the 
general  hospital  at  Ponce.  Before  the  erection  of  the  hospital  tents  this  supply 
was  barely  sufficient  for  ordinary  needs,  and  it  is  now  quite  insufficient.  I  have 
to  request  that  the  quartermaster's  department  be  directed  to  look  into  the  matter 
and  secure  a  sufficient  supply. 

Very  respectfully,  Chas.  R.  Greenleaf. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  631 

Guayama,  Porto  Rico,  August  28, 1898. 

Col.  C.  R.  Greenleaf,  Ponce. 

******* 

Sick  in  hospital  are  in  very  much  better  shape  than  they  were  twenty-four  hours 
ago.  My  impression  is  that  with  fair  weather  conditions  will  improve  markedly 
in  a  general  way.  There  are  possibly  150  to  200  men  who  ought  to  go  north  as 
soon  as  they  can  be  sent.  The  cases  of  typhoid  fever  are  not  all  well  denned. 
Part  of  them  may  be  determined  to  be  malarial  fever.  These  men  are  incapaci- 
tated for  duty,  and  should  be  sent  home.  All  those  able  to  travel  were  sent  to 
Ponce  with  the  Fourth  Pennsylvania.  So  soon  as  the  hospital  ship  reaches  our 
waters  it  should  be  sent  to  Arroyo,  and  these  men  who  could  go  home  loaded  on 
it.  The  reason  for  this  is,  our  stay  here  is  possibly  short.  Will  you  give  it  your 
attention  and  let  me  hear  from  you  without  delay?  Matters  move  very  rapidly 
in  these  days.  Further,  do  not  forget  our  conversation  about  care  of  the  men  who 
are  to  be  here  for  any  length  of  time,  in  so  far  as  shelter  is  concerned.  So  much 
of  the  soil  here  is  under  cultivation  that  I  am  more  convinced  than  when  I  saw 
you  that  buildings— substantial  buildings,  too— not  less  than  two  stories  high 
should  be  erected  at  such  points  as  troops  may  be  required  to  be  stationed.  I  am 
more  than  ever  convinced  that  we  will  need  a  great  many  troops  here  for  some 
time  to  come  considering  the  feeling  existing  between  those  so-called  Porto 
Ricans  and  those  called  Spaniards.  Do  not  forget  this  when  you  get  to  the 
United  States. 

John  R.  Brooke, 
Major -General,  Commanding. 


[Telegram.] 

Guayama,  Porto  Rico. 

Colonel  Greenleaf,  Ponce,  Porto  Rico: 

******* 

Establishing  building  hospital  for  most  serious,  and  crematories  for  all  dejecta 

and  refuse.    Will  write;  but  supervision  of  medical  and  compliance  with  military 

details  is  about  all  I  can  do. 

******* 

R.   HUIDEKOPER. 


632         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN 


DATA  RELATING  TO  QUESTION  13— DIVISION  AND  REGIMENTAL 

HOSPITALS. 

Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C,  May  20, 1898. 
The  Chief  Surgeon, Corps. 

(Through  military  channels.) 

Sir:  I  am  directed  by  the  Major-General  Commanding  the  Army  to  inclose  here- 
with a  plan  of  sanitary  organization  for  the  troops  in  the  field.  It  represents 
numerically  the  distribution  of  the  personnel  of  the  Medical  Department  and  the 
relative  proportion  of  the  necessary  wheel  transportation  and  tentage  to  the  com- 
batant force.  It  is  a  general  standard,  from  which  departure  may  be  made  (in 
your  discretion)  to  meet  the  exigencies  of  the  camp  or  battlefield,  in  which  case 
the  fact  and  reasons  therefor  should  be  duly  reported  to  the  chief  surgeon. 

Your  attention  is  invited  to  Circular  No.  1  from  the  Surgeon-General,  dated 
April  25, 1898  (inclosed),  on  the  subject  of  army  sanitation.  An  observance  of 
its  requirements  is  practically  enjoined. 

Another  circular  will  soon  be  issued  from  the  same  source,  detailing  specifically 
the  duties  of  the  field  administrative  officers  in  the  Medical  Department. 

Attention  is  also  invited  to  the  preparation  and  transmission  of  reports  and 
records,  the  accuracy  of  which  should  be  assured.  For  this  purpose  an  ample 
supply  of  blank  forms  should  be  procured,  and  as  soon  as  practicable  a  school  for 
officers  of  the  Medical  Department  organized,  where  instruction  in  the  use  of 
these  forms  and  in  the  various  military  duties  incident  to  the  sanitary  service 
may  be  given. 

Frequent  inspections  of  the  hospitals,  dispensaries,  and  camps  should  be  made 
by  you  in  person,  including  a  careful  scrutiny  of  the  methods  and  work  of  the 
medical  officers  within  your  jurisdiction.  No  specific  orders  are  issued  in  this  con- 
nection, as  the  chief  surgeon  desires  to  leave  in  your  hands  the  responsibility  for 
the  proper  performance  of  your  duties. 

Regarding  the  relation  of  unofficial  civilian  aid  to  the  Medical  Department, 
attention  is  invited  to  General  Order  No.  47,  series  1898  (inclosed),  and  you  are 
requested  to  inform  the  division  chief  surgeon  that  no  permits  for  neutralizing 
members  of  aid  societies  will  be  issued  until  the  Medical  Department  makes  a 
formal  call  for  their  service. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Charles  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 

The  above  letter  sent  to  the  chief  surgeon  of  each  army  corps. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL. 


633 


Sanitary  subdivisions  of  Volunteer   Army    Corps.1     (About   25,000   combatant 
strength  based  upon  present  organization. ) 

[Twenty-four  regiments  of  infantry,  three  light  batteries,  one  regiment  of  cavalry.    Estimated.] 


■ 

1 
% 
1 
% 

OS 

1 

| 

00 

3 
'1 

o 

w 

1 
&  . 

8.3 

21 

a* 

00   00 

'5 

00 

00 

2 

at 
> 

Total  for  corps. 

i 
If 

H 

GO 

o 

H 

Assistant  hos- 
pital stew- 
ards. 

I 
S 

i 

i 

2 

1 
1 

3 

1 

1 
2 

24 

1 
2 

24 
1 

3 

24 

Each  artillery  battalion  (3  light 

1 

2 

24 

25 

3 

27 

Administration : 

2 
1 

1 

1 
1 

2 
1 
1 

2 
3 
9 

1 
3 

2 

3 

9 

14 

4 

14 

Three  division  ambulance  compa 
nies  and  one  corps  reserve  corn- 

6 
6 

7 
6 

3 
3 

104 
90 

24 
24 

28 
24 

12 
12 

416 

Three  division  field  hospitals  (of 
200  beds  each)  and  one  corps  re- 

360 

Total  

48 

52 

24 

776 

2 

2 

2 

2 

• 

89 

83 

29 

817 

1  The  sanitary  organization  of  a  corps  of  the  regular  establishment,  or  one  differing  in  combatant 
strength,  should  be  based  upon  this  ratio. 

Relative  proportion  of  the  necessary  wheel  transportation  and  tentage  to  the 
combatant  force  of  an  army  corps. 

For  wheel  transportation: 

One  ambulance  to  400  men. 

One  army  wagon  to  600  men. 

One  escort  wagon  to  brigade. 
For  tentage: 

One  hospital  tent  to  300  men. 

One  common  tent  to  1,200  men. 
Note. — The  above  estimate  is  subject  to  change  by  orders  from  the  War 
Department. 


634        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

CIRCULAR  LETTERS. 

Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
Washington,  D.  C,  July  5, 1898. 

The  Chief  Surgeon, corps. 

Sir:  Paragraph  I.  In  the  absence  of  specific  instructions  from  the  military 
authorities  you  will  be  governed  by  the  following: 

When  troops  are  moved  from  one  corps  to  another  by  regimental  detachments, 
you  will  recommend  that  there  be  sent  with  each  regiment  its  regimental  person- 
nel and  dispensary  outfit,  viz,  medical  and  surgical  chests,  tentage,  etc.,  but  not 
its  wheel  transportation. 

When  the  movement  includes  a  brigade  organization,  recommendation  should 
be  made  that  a  brigade  section  from  the  division  field  hospital  and  from  the  divi- 
sion ambulance  company,  complete  as  to  personnel  and  material,  should  be  sent 
with  it. 

Paragraph  II.  Should  the  headquarters  of  the  corps  with  which  you  are  serving 
be  removed  from  the  camp  of  instruction  you  will  recommend  the  detail,  from 
among  the  medical  officers  who  remain  at  the  camp,  of  an  experienced  officer  to 
act  as  chief  surgeon  until  the  arrival  of  another  corps  headquarters. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

Port  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  11, 1898. 
The  Adjutant-General, 

Headquarters  of  the  Army. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  request  that  the  commanding  general  of  the  First 
Army  Corps  be  directed  to  detail  one-half  of  the  corps  reserve  field  hospital,  with 
its  tentage  and  personnel,  for  duty  with  the  sick  at  this  station. 
Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  R.  Greenleaf, 
Colonel,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army, 

Chief  Surgeon  Army  in  the  Field. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  635 


DATA  RELATING  TO  QUESTION  14-MEDICAL  OFFICERS. 

The  number  of  medical  officers,  192,  allowed  by  law  to  the  Army  is  inadequate 
in  time  of  peace.  This  number  includes  the  additional  15  assistant  surgeons 
authorized  by  the  act  approved  May  12, 1898.  Later  in  May  there  were  13  vacan- 
cies; 6  officers  were  engaged  in  administrative  duties  in  the  office  of  the  Surgeon- 
General  and  in  the  superintendence  of  the  library  and  Army  Medical  Museum; 
11  were  on  duty  at  medical-supply  depots  and  as  chief  surgeons  of  military  depart- 
ments, 1  at  the  United  States  Soldiers'  Home,  Washington,  D.  C,  56  at  general 
hospitals  and  at  garrisoned  posts,  1  as  colonel  of  a  volunteer  regiment,  while  4 
were  disabled.  One  hundred  officers  were  thus  left  for  field  service,  5  of  whom 
were  placed  on  duty  as  chief  surgeons  of  army  corps,  36  as  brigade  surgeons  of 
volunteers,  and  59  as  regimental  surgeons  and  assistants  with  the  regular  troops. 
The  insufficiency  of  the  last-mentioned  number  was  made  up  by  the  assignment 
of  medical  men  under  contract. 

All  volunteer  regiments  had  3  medical  officers  appointed  by  the  governors  of 
States.  Volunteer  surgeons  to  fill  the  staff  positions  authorized  by  the  act 
approved  April  22, 1898,  were  appointed  by  the  President;  8  corps  surgeons  with 
the  rank  of  lieutenant-colonel,  and  110  division  and  brigade  surgeons  with  the 
rank  of  major;  5  of  the  former  and  36  of  the  latter  positions  were  filled,  as  indi- 
cated above,  by  the  appointment  of  officers  of  the  Army  Medical  Department. 

The  President  also  appointed  three  medical  officers  for  each  of  the  regiments  of 
United  States  volunteer  infantry,  cavalry,  and  engineers.  The  very  small  pro- 
portion of  medical  officers  having  experience  of  a  military  character  impaired  the 
efficiency  of  the  department  at  the  outset,  but  many  of  the  staff  surgeons  from 
civil  life  showed  great  aptitude  for  the  service  and  speedily  became  of  value  as 
administrative  and  sanitary  officers. 

The  large  number  of  sick  which  had  to  be  cared  for  during  the  progress  of  the 
war  in  regimental,  division,  and  general  hospitals  rendered  imperative  the 
employment  of  additional  medical  assistance.  Under  the  provisions  of  the  act 
approved  May  12, 1898,  the  services  of  over  650  contract  surgeons  were  engaged. 
Most  of  these  doctors  from  civil  life  did  good  service.  Many  of  them  were  thor- 
oughly well-equipped  physicians  and  surgeons,  with  ample  hospital  experience, 
but  it  was  impossible  to  make  a  careful  selection,  owing  to  the  great  pressure  of 
business  in  this  office.  Since  it  was  impracticable  to  have  the  qualifications  of 
each  passed  upon  by  an  examining  board,  I  endeavored  as  far  as  possible  to  obtain 
satisfactory  professional  indorsement  before  authorizing  the  contract. 


636         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


DATA  RELATING  TO  QUESTION  15-HOSPITAL  CORPS. 

On  April  25, 189$,  in  connection  with  the  call  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States  for  125,000  volunteers,  I  recommended  that  the  law  restricting  the  number 
of  hospital  stewards  to  100  be  changed,  and  that  for  each  regiment  of  volunteer 
infantry  or  cavalry  there  should  be  enlisted  1  hospital  steward,  1  acting  hospital 
steward,  and  25  privates;  for  each  battery  of  artillery,  1  hospital  steward  and  5 
privates,  and  for  each  division  of  the  army,  1  hospital  steward,  1  acting  hospital 
steward,  and  50  privates,  to  serve  under  the  direction  of  the  chief  surgeon  of  the 
division.  These  recommendations  were  acted  upon  so  far  favorably,  that  by  the 
act  approved  June  2,  1898,  Congress  suspended  during  the  existing  war  all  pro- 
visions of  law  limiting  the  number  of  hospital  stewards  at  any  one  time  to  100,  and 
requiring  that  a  person  to  be  appointed  a  hospital  steward  shall  first  demonstrate 
his  fitness  therefor  by  actual  service  of  not  less  than  twelve  months  as  acting 
hospital  steward,  provided  that  the  increase  of  hospital  stewards  under  this  act 
shall  not  exceed  100.  In  addition  to  the  200  stewards  thus  authorized,  each  vol- 
unteer organization  received  into  the  service  was  allowed  1  hospital  steward 
for  each  battalion  (act  approved  April  26-  1898).  There  was,  however,  no  pro- 
vision made  for  hospital-corps  men  for  the  volunteer  troops  except  that  which 
empowered  the  Secretary  of  War  (act  March  1,  1897)  to  enlist  as  many  privates 
for  the  Hospital  Corps  as  the  service  may  require. 

To  provide  this  corps  with  the  necessary  number  of  men,  recruiting  officers 
were  urged  to  secure  suitable  men  and  medical  officers  to  effect  the  transfer  of 
men  from  the  line  of  the  Army.  Letteis  were  sent  to  superintendents  of  training 
schools  for  male  nurses  in  the  prominent  cities,  advising  them  of  the  need  for 
desirable  men,  and  asking  their  assistance  in  securing  unemployed  nurses.  A 
number  of  medical  students,  pharmacists,  and  young  graduates  in  medicine, 
enlisted  in  the  Hospital  Corps  for  service  during  the  war,  and  it  is  believed  that 
the  efficiency  of  the  corps  was  thereby  raised  considerably. 

Recommendation  was  made  May  14,  1898,  that  mustering  officers  be  instructed 
to  enlist  desirable  men,  approved  by  medical  officers,  at  the  rate  of  5  for  each 
batallion,  and  subsequently  that  these  be  permitted  to  accompany  the  regiments 
on  their  future  service.  This  recommendation  was  reiterated  on  June  18  in  a 
communication  to  the  Adjutant-General.  Meanwhile  General  Orders,  No.  58, 
Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Adjutant-General's  Office,  May  31,  1898,  author- 
ized the  transfer  of  men  from  the  line  of  the  volunteers  to  the  Hospital  Corps 
of  the  Regular  Army  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  chief  surgeon,  and  sus- 
pended the  provision  of  Army  Regulations  governing  the  Hospital  Corps  so  far 
as  they  were  inapplicable  in  time  of  war  and  with  troops  in  the  field.  Com- 
manders of  corps  and  of  independent  divisions  and  brigades  were  charged  with 
the  full  control  of  the  transfer  from  the  line,  the  enlistment  and  discharge  of 
members  of  the  Hospital  Corps,  the  detail  of  acting  hospital  stewards,  and  the 
appointment  of  stewards,  the  last  limited  by  subsequent  orders  to  10  stewards 
for  an  army  corps,  in  addition  to  those  authorized  for  the  volunteer  regiments. 
Authority  for  immediate  enlistments,  without  reference  to  this  office  except  in 
cases  where  slight  defects  existed,  was  also  given  to  a  number  of  chief  surgeons. 

The  number  of  men  enlisted  and  transferred  during  the  war  was,  approximately 
6,000. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  '    637 

CONTRACT  NURSES. 

The  want  of  a  sufficient  body  of  trained  Hospital  Corps  men  necessitated  the 
detail  of  enlisted  men  from  the  regiments  for  hospital  duty  in  several  of  the 
camps  and  the  employment  of  trained  nurses  at  the  general  hospitals.  Foresee- 
ing the  necessity  for  a  large  force  of  the  latter,  I  applied  to  Congress,  April  28, 
1898,  for  authority  to  employ  by  contract  as  many  nurses  as  might  be  required 
during  the  war,  at  the  rate  of  $30  per  month  and  a  ration,  the  pay  proper  to  be 
paid  from  the  appropriation  for  the  Medical  and  Hospital  Department.  This  was 
promptly  granted.  About  the  same  time  the  National  Society  of  the  Daughters 
of  the  American  Revolution  offered  its  services  as  an  examining  board  for  female 
nurses,  and  a  committee,  of  which  Dr.  Anita  Newcomb  McGee  was  chairman, 
was  designated  to  take  charge  of  the  work.  Thereafter  most  of  the  female 
nurses  employed  were  selected  by  this  committee,  with  the  exception  of  those 
immune  to  yellow  fever,  who  were  recruited  in  New  Orleans  and  other  Southern 
cities,  and  a  few  who  were  enrolled  at  Montauk  Point,  Long  Island,  and  Jackson- 
ville, Fla.,  by  the  chief  surgeons  at  these  places.  A  number  of  patriotic  societies 
offered  to  provide  the  hospitals  with  nurses,  but  the  committee  referred  to 
answered  its  purpose  so  well,  that  I  did  not  feel  the  need  of  additional  assistance, 
and  was  relieved  from  what  would  otherwise  have  been  a  serious  responsibility. 

Over  1,700  female  nurses  have  been  employed  at  first  at  the  general  hospitals, 
and  later  at  the  field  division  hospitals,  when  it  became  evident  that  the  field  serv- 
ice purposes  for  which  the  latter  had  been  organized  would  have  to  give  place  to 
the  imperative  need  of  caring  for  the  many  sick  men  coming  from  the  regimental 
camps.  These  hospitals  ceased  to  be  ambulance  hospitals,  and  their  character  of 
fixed  field  hospitals  was  promptly  recognized  by  assigning  contract  surgeons  and 
nurses  to  duty  with  them,  and  providing  them  with  articles  of  equipment  which 
can  not  be  carried  in  the  hospital  wagons  of  a  marching  command.  Female 
nurses  were  not  sent  to  these  field  hospitals  until  their  original  function  as  an 
essential  adjunct  to  a  command  mobilized  for  active  service  became  lost  in  the 
current  of  immediate  necessities.  Many  of  the  trained  nurses  were  Sisters  of 
Charity,  whose  services  were  highly  appreciated  by  medical  officers  in  charge,  as 
well  as  by  the  individual  sick  men  who  benefited  by  their  ministrations.  Others 
were  obtained  through  the  kind  assistance  of  the  Red  Cross  Society  for  the  Main- 
tenance of  Trained  Nurses,  Auxiliary  No.  3,  and  I  desire  to  express  my  high  appre- 
ciation of  the  valuable  services  rendered  to  the  Medical  Department  by  this 
organization. 

MEDICAL  AND  HOSPITAL  SUPPLIES. 

Up  to  the  time  that  war  was  declared  it  was  not  practicable  to  take  any  imme- 
diate steps  to  obtain  supplies,  as  it  was  not  known  until  that  date  that  the  troops 
would  actually  be  called  out,  nor  were  there  funds  available  from  which  to  make 
purchases.  But  already  before  April  1,  in  view  of  the  possibility  of  future  needs, 
orders  were  given  to  have  the  field  medical  outfits,  medical  and  surgical  chests, 
instruments,  etc.,  at  the  supply  depots  put  in  order  for  issue  in  case  of  need,  and 
early  in  March  the  preparation  of  new  pattern  medical  and  surgical  chests  was 
begun,  so  as  to  have  them  ready  for  manufacture  should  the  necessity  arise. 

Immediately  upon  the  declaration  of  war,  April  21,  steps  were  taken  to  obtain 
medical  supplies  for  the  new  Volunteer  Army.  For  the  more  important  articles, 
and  those  of  highest  cost,  bids  were  invited  at  short  notice — such,  for  instance,  as 
medical  and  surgical  chests,  litters  and  slings,  field  operating  cases,  pocket  cases, 
orderly  and  hospital  corps  pouches,  etc.  Orders  were  given  to  have  the  manu- 
facture expedited  with  the  utmost  dispatch. 


63$         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


DATA  RELATING  TO  QUESTION  16. 

Very  few  complaints  in  regard  to  nonreceipt  of  supplies  and  lack  of  medical 
supplies  have  reached  this  office,  considering  the  very  large  operations  of  the 
Supply  Department,  the  wide  extent  of  country  involved,  and  the  numerous 
camps  and  commands  to  be  supplied.  There  were  temporary  delays  in  the  arrival 
of  supplies  at  Camp  Thomas,  Chickamauga,  and  Tampa,  Fla. ,  for  General  Shafter's 
army,  but  they  were  in  all  cases  due  to  defective  transportation  facilities,  and  not 
to  the  want  of  foresight  or  prompt  attention  to  requisitions  on  the  part  of  the 
surgeon-general.  Trifling,  if  any,  difficulties  have  been  experienced  at  the  other 
camps  and  stations. 

It  is  not  believed  to  be  necessary  or  advisable  to  submit  the  telegrams  referring 
to  the  delays  in  nonreceipt  of  supplies  and  orders  given  by  the  Surgeon-General 
for  expediting,  tracing,  or  duplicating  them.  In  every  instance  prompt  measures 
were  taken  to  remedy  the  difficulty. 

It  has  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Surgeon-General  indirectly,  chiefly  through 
the  press,  that  some  medical  officers  of  volunteer  regiments  have  complained  that 
they  could  not  get  medicines  and  other  medical  supplies.  Very  few  direct  com- 
plaints have  been  made  to  this  office.  The  complaints  can  be  accounted  for  in 
several  ways.  Volunteer  medical  officers  being  taken  directly  from  civil  life 
were  accustomed  to  prescribing  from  the  extensive  and  varied  assortments  of 
drugs  and  preparations  found  in  the  drug  store,  not  realizing  that  the  Army  field 
supply  is  limited  in  variety  by  the  necessarily  limited  field  transportation,  and  by 
the  necessity  of  supplying  medicines  in  tablet  or  solid  form  to  obviate  danger  of 
breakage  of  bottles  of  liquids.  In  the  Army  field  supply  every  important  or 
necessary  article  of  the  materia  medica  is  represented,  and  it  is  perfectly  possible 
to  treat  diseases  adequately  by  using  one  of  the  preparations  allowed.  It  is  pos- 
sible that  some  medical  officers,  not  being  able  to  get  exactly  the  preparation  or 
combination  they  wanted,  were  unfair  enough  to  say  that  they  could  not  get 
medicines  necessary  (as  they  considered)  for  the  care  of  the  sick.  Again,  diffi- 
culty has  arisen,  no  doubt,  from  the  ignorance  of  volunteer  medical  officers  of 
the  proper  mode  of  making  requisition  for  medical  supplies,  and  because  they  did 
not  always  take  the  trouble  to  inform  themselves  or  to  consult  the  manuals  and 
regulations,  which  were  freely  distributed. 

Some  medical  officers,  it  is  believed,  finding  that  the  agents  of  relief  associa- 
tions at  hand  were  not  only  willing  but  anxious  to  supply  medicines  and  stores, 
accepted  them  rather  than  make  requisition,  and  thus  incur  accountability  for  the 
articles  when  received. 

It  is  therefore  easy  to  see  that  the  unjust  impression  might  arise  that  the  Medi- 
cal Department  had  failed  to  supply  the  needs  of  the  sick,  while  the  simple  fact 
is  that  the  proper  authorities  were  not  informed  of  their  needs. 

Field  hospitals,  where  fevers  and  other  serious  affections  were  treated,  were 
not  restricted  to  the  articles  on  the  field  supply  table.  Not  only  so,  but  many 
articles  never  heretofore  furnished  by  the  Government  have  been  supplied  in 
order  to  gratify  the  wishes  of  those  immediately  charged  with  the  care  of  the 
sick,  and  to  place  in  their  hands  everything  that  would  be  likely  to  aid  their 
treatment. 

Papers  filed  in  this  office  relating  to  deficiencies  of  medical  supplies  were  sub- 
mitted to  the  commission  in  my  communication  dated  October  8,  1898. 
Very  respectfully, 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  639 


DATA  RELATING  TO  QUESTION  17-FINANCIAL  TRANSACTIONS. 

War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  October  — ,  1898. 
The  Secretary  of  War,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  as  a  summary  of  my  report  for 
the  year  ended  June  30, 1898: 

FINANCIAL  TRANSACTIONS. 

Medical  and  Hospital  Department,  1898. 

Appropriated  by  act  approved  March  2,  1897 $135, 200. 00 

Refunded  during  the  year _ 768. 07 

Total  to  be  accounted  for 135,968.07 

Disbursed  during  the  year: 

Expenses  of  purveying  depots. $77. 20 

Medical  supplies 70,693.06 

Pay  of  employees 34, 255. 09 

Expenses  of  recruiting 3, 257. 95 

Medical  attendance  and  medicines 14, 415. 27 

Washing  at  post  hospitals 1, 296. 91 

Pay  of  nurses _ 1,037.26 

Miscellaneous  expenses 98. 99 

125,131.73 

Balance  on  hand  to  be  accounted  for  June  30,  1898 10  836. 34 

In  the  United  States  Treasury 31.22 

In  hands  of  disbursing  officers: 

AtNew  York 418.19 

AtSt.  Louis.. 0.00 

At  Washington 386.93 

With  Philippine  expedition _ 10,000.00 

10,836.34 

The  above  balance  of  $10,836.34,  remaining  on  hand  July  1, 1898,  has  since  been 
all  expended. 

Medical  and  Hospital  Department,  1897. 

Balance  on  hand  July  1 ,  1897,  act  of  March  6,  1896 $54, 417. 24 

Refunded  during  the  year 48. 54 

Total  to  be  accounted  for 54, 465. 78 

Disbursed  during  the  year: 

Medical  supplies $21,281.68 

Pay  of  employees 100. 00 

Medical  attendance  and  medicines 3, 190. 38 

Washing  at  post  hospitals 162. 28 

Miscellaneous  expenses 244. 22 

24,978.56 

Balance  on  hand  to  be  accounted  for  June  30,  1898 29, 487. 22 

In  United  States  Treasury 24, 841 .  56 


640        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

In  hands  of  disbursing  officers: 

At  New  York $956.53 

AtSt.  Louis .-      2,672.85 

At  Washington -      1,016.28 

At  San  Francisco 0 .  00 

$29,487.22 

Medical  and  Hospital  Department,  1896. 

Balance  on  hand  July  1 ,  1897,  act  of  February  12,  1895 .    $62, 344. 96 

Disbursed  during  the  year _ $50.00 

Transferred  to  surplus  fund 62,294.96 

62,344.96 

Medical  and  Hospital  Department,  Januai*y  1, 1899. 

Appropriated  by  act  approved  May  4, 1898 $50, 000. 00 

Appropriated  by  act  approved  June  8, 1898 50, 000. 00 

Total  to  be  accounted  for 100, 000. 00 

Disbursed: 

Medical  supplies $49, 344. 30 

Pay  of  employees _  356. 65 

Expenses  of  recruiting. 5, 975. 63 

Medical  attendance  and  medicines 1, 270. 80 

Washing  at  post  hospitals 47. 44 

Miscellaneous  expenses 49. 18 

57,044.00 

Balance  on  hand  to  be  accounted  for  June  30, 1898 42, 956. 00 

In  hands  of  disbursing  officers: 

AtNew  York _ 21,269.88 

AtSt.  Louis.... 13,418.30 

At  Washington 1,473.42 

At  San  Francisco _  1,794.40 

With  Major  Torney ,  hospital  ship  Relief 5, 000. 00 

42,956.00 

National  defense  {war) ,  act  of  March  9, 1898. 

Allotment  by  the  President,  April  16, 1898 $20,000.00 

Disbursed  for  medical  supplies $19, 964. 39 

Balance  on  hand  June  30, 1898 35.61 

20,000.00 

It  is  estimated  that  about  $120,000  of  the  amounts  reported  in  the  above  state- 
ment as  expended  up  to  and  including  June  30,  1898,  have  been  used  for  extraor- 
dinary war  expenses. 

Since  July  1  the  following  sums  have  been  appropriated  for  war  expenses  on 
account  of  the  Medical  Department  of  the  Army,  namely: 

By  deficiency  act,  July  7, 1898 $504,000.00 

National  defense  (war) ,  September  8, 1898,  by  allotment  of  the  Pres- 
ident...   500,000.00 

Allotment  of  the  President,  October  6, 1898 500, 000. 00 

1,504,000.00 
Of  this  sum  there  are  at  this  date  (November  1,  1898)  available  $395,000,  all  of 
which  will  be  required  for  the  payment  of  claims  and  accounts  on  account  of  war 
expenses  now  in  this  office  and  to  be  presented  before  December  31  of  this  year. 

In  addition  to  these  sums  there  were  also  appropriated  by  the  act  approved 
March  15, 1898,  $115,000,  being  the  regular  annual  appropriation  for  the  Medical 
and  Hospital  Department  for  the  fiscal  year  1899.  Of  this  appropriation  it  is  esti- 
mated that  $50,000  have  now  been  expended  for  war  measures. 


REPLY  OF  SURGEON-GENERAL,  U,  S.  A, 


641 
7833— VOL.  1 41 


ESTABLISHMENT  OF  HOSPITALS. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  October  22,  1898. 
The  President  Commission  on  the  Conduct  of  the  War. 

Sir:  The  sixth  question  addressed  by  the  commission  to  the  Medical  Depart- 
ment of  the  Army  inquires  concerning  the  hospitals  established  at  the  various 
camps  and  the  arrangements  made  for  the  care  and  comfort  of  the  sick  and 
wounded. 

In  reply,  I  desire  to  state  that  each  regiment  of  the  Volunteer  Army  was 
authorized  by  law  to  have  one  surgeon,  two  assistant  surgeons,  and  three  hospital 
stewards.  Inasmuch  as  at  the  time  of  its  muster  into  the  service  of  the  United 
States  it  was  of  necessity  a  separate  organization,  the  sick  had  to  be  cared  for  by 
the  regimental  medical  staff,  assisted,  in  the  absence  of  hospital-corps  men  other 
than  the  stewards,  by  enlisted  men  of  the  line  detailed  for  duty  as  hospital  attend- 
ants by  the  regimental  commander.  Each  regiment  of  the  Regular  Army  had 
one  medical  officer  and  its  quota  of  hospital-corps  men  detached  from  the  mili- 
tary stations  at  which  the  companies  of  the  regiments  had  been  stationed  prior  to 
the  outbreak  of  the  war,  and  each  had  an  ample  provision  of  medical  supplies 
derived  from  the  same  sources.  Some  of  the  regiments  of  the  Volunteer  Army 
were  provided  by  the  State  authorities  with  more  or  less  of  the  equipment  needful 
to  establish  a  regimental  hospital,  but  the  majority  had  little  or  nothing  in  the 
way  of  medical  supplies.  Provision  was  therefore  made  by  me  to  supply  the 
necessities  of  these  regiments.  The  field  supply  table  of  the  Medical  Department, 
approved  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  May  9,  1898,  shows  the  articles  and  quantities 
prepared  for  issue  to  each  command.  Some  regimental  surgeons  did  not  get  their 
supplies  as  promptly  as  was  desirable.  As  all  could  not  be  supplied  at  the  same 
time,  the  effort  was  made  to  supply  first  those  that  had  been  first  organized,  but 
delays  occurred  in  transportation  and  delivery  from  excess  of  business  on  the 
roads  and  at  the  depots,  and  not  unfrequently  regiments  were  moved  from  the 
camps  to  which  their  supplies  had  been  shipped  before  the  arrival  or  delivery  of 
these  supplies.  To  relieve  the  necessities  of  individual  regiments  and  provide  for 
the  treatment  of  their  sick  by  regimental  medical  officers,  medical  purveying 
depots  were  established  in  all  the  large  camps,  and  in  special  cases  authority  was 
telegraphed  to  the  regimental  officer  to  purchase  from  drug  stores.  Many  medi- 
cal officers  were  short  of  supplies  at  this  time  because  of  their  want  of  familiarity 
with  the  methods  of  procuring  them. 

As  soon  as  the  regiments  were  organized  into  brigades  and  divisions,  preparatory 
to  active  service,  it  became  the  duty  of  each  chief  surgeon  of  an  army  corps  to 
see  that  the  medical  department  of  his  command  was  organized  to  meet  the  casu- 
alties of  battle.  The  object  of  the  concentration  of  the  troops  was  to  accustom 
the  regiments  to  operations  in  which  they  constituted  the  units  of  a  higher  organ- 
ization. The  experience  of  the  civil  war  demonstrated  that  for  efficient  service  in 
an  active  campaign  the  medical  department  also  required  a  higher  organization. 
„  Circular  No.  3,  from  this  office,  dated  May  18,  1898,  in  specifying  the  duties  of 
the  various  medical  officers  in  an  army  corps,  indicated  the  character  of  the 
organization  to  be  adopted.  The  seriously  sick  were  to  be  treated  in  division 
field  hospitals,  under  the  care  of  the  most  experienced  physicians  and  able  sur- 
geons on  duty  with  each  division.  Medical  officers  left  on  duty  with  their  regi- 
ments were  to  exercise  sanitary  supervision  over  the  well  men  and  to  determine 

643 


644        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

whether  a  soldier  reporting  himself  sick  should  be  sent  to  hospital  or  remain  as  a 
trivial  case  under  treatment  in  quarters.  This  consolidation  of  the  medical  force 
by  divisions,  implying  as  it  did  the  breaking  up  of  the  regimental  hospitals,  met 
with  a  strong  opposition  from  regimental  medical  officers,  particularly  from  those 
who  were  not  detailed  for  special  service  at  the  division  hospitals.  Regimental 
commanders  also  were  in  many  instances  opposed  to  it,  forgetful  that  the  object 
of  the  Medical  Department,  as  of  the  line,  was  to  get  into  training  for  field  service. 
Similar  objections  were  raised  in  1862  and  1863  to  the  establishment  of  field  hos- 
pitals and  the  practical  disestablishment  of  the  regimental  institutions,  but  the 
civil  war  lasted  long  enough  to  demonstrate  the  efficiency  of  the  system.  The 
advantages  of  the  plan  of  organization  adopted  are  set  forth  in  a  paper  upon 
"  The  organization  of  the  Medical  Department  of  the  Army  in  the  field,"  inclosed 
herewith,  by  Col.  Charles  R.  Greenleaf,  Assistant  Surgeon- General,  United  States 
Army,  chief  surgeon  Army  in  the  field. 

HOSPITALS  FIFTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

The  organization  of  the  division  hospital  of  the  Fifth  Army  Corps  was  begun 
May  2  at  Tampa,  Fla.  There  is  ample  testimony  to  show  that  long  before  the 
corps  embarked  for  Cuba  its  field  hospitals  were  in  condition  for  efficient  service, 
and  that  although  its  ambulance  companies  were  not  filled  up  to  their  intended 
strength  nor  fully  equipped  with  ambulances,  wagons,  horses,  and  harness,  such 
sections  of  them  as  had  their  equipment  completed  were  well  drilled  in  hospital- 
corps  work  and  ready  for  active  service.  Each  hospital  had  about  eight  6-mule 
wagons  to  haul  its  tentage  and  supplies.  The  equipment  of  the  Second  Division 
hospital  was  completed  at  an  early  date.  It  contained  85  cots,  with  a  sufficiency 
of  furniture  and  necessary  fixtures,  and  as  the  demand  for  extra  accommodations 
increased  the  capacity  of  the  hospital  was  augmented  to  150  beds.  The  operating 
tent  was  provided  with  enameled  steel  folding  operating  tables,  steam  sterilizers 
and  water  heaters,  bath  tubs,  and  other  necessary  appliances.  The  hospitals  of 
the  First  and  Third  divisions  and  of  the  cavalry  divisions  were  similarly  outfitted. 
In  addition  to  these  field  hospitals,  certain  medical  supplies,  with  one  acting  stew- 
ard, one  private,  one  hospital  and  one  common  tent,  one  ambulance  wagon,  and  the 
necessary  animals  fully  equipped,  were  retained  as  a  minimum  allowance  with 
each  regiment.  (General  Orders,  No.  14,  Headquarters  Fifth  Army  Corps,  June 
6,  1898.) 

Subsequent  events,  however,  rendered  valueless  these  preparations  of  the  Medi- 
cal Department  for  active  service  in  Cuba.  When  the  command  embarked  on 
the  transport  vessels  the  baggage  wagons  and  mules  were  left  behind  ' '  and  were 
never  seen  again  by  the  medical  department  of  the  Fifth  Army  Corps."  The 
ambulance  trains  of  all  the  divisions,  with  a  large  part  of  the  outfit  of  each  of  the 
hospitals,  were  also  left  behind.  Three  ambulance  wagons  were  taken  apart  and 
stored  on  one  of  the  vessels.  These  did  excellent  service  at  San  Juan  and  showed 
how  efficient  the  ambulance  companies  would  have  been  had  they  not  been 
deprived  of  their  equipment.  Thirteen  of  the  ambulances  of  the  Third  or  reserve 
division  were  subsequently  shipped  to  Cuba,  where  they  arrived  July  2,  and  were 
of  value  in  moving  the  sick  and  wounded  to  the  hospital  at  Siboney  and  to  the 
hospital  ships  and  transports. 

While  the  ambulance  service  of  the  division  hospitals  of  this  command  was 
practically  destroyed  by  these  failures  to  embark  or  disembark  its  wagons,  har- 
ness, horses,  and  mules,  part  of  the  tentage  and  property  of  the  hospitals  was  left 
at  Tampa  with  the  sick  left  there,  and  of  the  property  and  supplies  carried  to 
Cuba  a  portion  was  not  available  for  service  at  the  time  it  was  most  needed,  to  wit, 
on  July  1  and  2,  when  the  wounded  from  El  Caney  and  San  Juan  were  coming 
from  the  front  for  care  and  treatment.    This  was  because  in  general  no  oppor- 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  645 

tunity  was  afforded  to  land  the  medical  property,  because  there  was  no  trans- 
portation on  shore  for  such  articles  as  might  be  landed,  and  because  the  masters  of 
transports  took  their  vessels  out  to  sea  after  the  debarkation  of  the  troops  because 
of  their  fear  of  wreck  by  collision  with  each  other  or  by  drifting  on  the  rocks.  Earn- 
est efforts  were  made  by  medical  officers  to  have  supplies  at  the  front  with  the 
troops.  Some  having  succeeded  in  getting  their  medicine  chests  and  other  articles 
of  medical  property  ashore  had  these  carried  forward  on  litters  by  hospital-corps 
men  to  the  camps  near  Sevilla,  while  others  turned  their  private  mounts  into  pack 
horses  for  this  purpose.  A  reserve  supply  of  medicines  shipped  on  the  Seguranga 
from  the  purveying  depot  at  Tampa  was  landed  June  27.  These  issued  to  regi- 
mental medical  officers  materially  relieved  the  stress  caused  by  the  loss  of  regi- 
mental medicine  chests. 

The  tents  and  property  of  the  First  Division  hospital  were  landed  by  the  efforts 
of  the  hospital-corps  men  under  the  direction  of  Maj.  M,  W.  Wood,  surgeon, 
United  States  Army.  The  hospital  outfit  was  carried  to  the  front  by  hand  and 
on  litters  used  as  handbarrows  by  the  nurses  and  attendants. 

The  second  field  hospital  landed  was  that  of  the  cavalry  division  under  Major 
McCreery;  but  the  transport  put  to  sea  before  the  whole  of  the  property  was 
removed  from  her.  This  with  the  immediate  incoming  of  the  wounded  from  the 
fight  at  Guasimas  led  Major  Havard,  the  chief  surgeon  of  the  division,  to  look  for 
assistance  from  the  Red  Cross  Society.  Assistance  was  freely  given  then  and 
afterwards,  but  a  misunderstanding,  the  particulars  of  which  are  specially 
reported  in  the  appended  document,*  gave  origin  to  many  press  accounts  of  the 
refusal  of  the  Red  Cross  assistance  by  army  medical  officers.  Both  Major  Havard 
and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Pope,  the  chief  surgeon  of  the  Fifth  Corps,  testify 
to  the  value  of  the  field  supplies  received  from  the  State  of  Texas,  the  Red  Cross 
supply  ship,  and  to  the  earnest  and  untiring  work  of  Miss  Barton  and  her  assist- 
ants in  caring  for  the  wounded. 

The  Third  Division  hospital,  which  landed  from  the  Saratoga  after  many  delays 
afterwards  became  the  base  hospital  at  Siboney.  To  this  was  sent  all  the  medical 
supplies  recovered  from  the  transports  or  landed  from  the  hospital  ship  Relief.  The 
fourth  divisional  hospital  of  the  corps  was  retained  on  the  steamer  Olivette,  which 
was  thus  extemporized  into  a  hospital  ship.  The  tents  and  camp  outfit  of  this 
hospital  were  landed  for  service  at  Siboney.  During  and  after  the  battles  at  El 
Caney  and  San  Juan  there  was  an  insufficiency  of  tents,  cots,  bedding,  and  medi- 
cines, due  to  the  causes  already  stated,  but  all  the  hospitals  were  well  equipped 
for  surgical  work.  Early  in  the  second  week  of  July  a  few  cases  of  yellow  fever 
appeared  among  persons  who  had  occupied  the  huts  at  Siboney,  and  day  by  day 
thereafter  a  steady  and  rapid  increase  of  the  disease  was  observed.  This  necessi- 
tated the  establishment  of  a  yellow- fever  hospital  and  of  a  detention  hospital,  in 
which  cases  of  a  suspicious  character  coming  from  the  camps  were  held  pending 
a  decision  as  to  their  nature.  The  want  of  shelter  was  seriously  felt  at  these  hos- 
pitals, and  was,  under  the  circumstances,  corrected,  but  slowly,  when  tents  could 
be  spared  from  the  base  hospital  at  Siboney  and  from  the  first  divisional  hospital 
as  its  wounded  were  removed  for  transportation  from  Cuba. 

After  the  capitulation  of  Santiago  the  troops  at  the  front  broke  down  rapidly 
under  the  fatigues  they  had  undergone  and  the  malarial  influences  to  which  they 
were  exposed.  Remittent  and  typhoid  cases  became  exceedingly  common.  To 
relieve  the  pressure  on  the  field  hospitals  such  convalescents  and  sick  as  could  bear 
the  journey  home  were  sent  to  the  United  States  on  transport  vessels. 

Up  to  August  31  there  were  treated  in  the  First  Division  hospital  890  cases,  with 
a  mortality  of  116;  in  the  yellow-fever  hospital,  549  cases,  with  a  mortality  of  46, 
and  in  the  reserve  divisional  hospital  or  base  hospital,  2,654  cases,  with  106  deaths. 

*  Surgeon-General's  Office,  42071s. 


646         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

By  this  time  an  ample  supply  of  tents,  furniture,  bedding  clothing,  and  medical 
stores  had  reached  Siboney,  together  with  a  corps  of  trained  nurses  and  a  force  of 
surgeons,  those  sent  to  duty  at  the  yellow-fever  hospital  being  immune  to  that 
disease. 

Reference  has  already  been  made,  in  my  communication  of  October  13,  to  the 
embarkation  of  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  for  transportation  to  this  country. 
This  was  an  emergency  measure  to  relieve  the  hospitals  at  Siboney  and  permit  of 
the  transfer  to  them  of  the  men  who  were  sick  in  regimental  camps.  It  should 
have  been  carried  out  under  the  supervision  of  the  military  authorities  at  San- 
tiago, who  alone  were  cognizant  of  the  necessity  and  of  the  means  available  for 
effecting  the  transfer.  My  circular  of  July  18,  1898,  denning  the  duties  of  Army 
medical  officers,  requires  that  the  chief  surgeon  of  a  corps  "  should  supervise  the 
movement  of  sick  and  wounded  to  the  base  or  general  hospitals,  providing  trans- 
portation and  detailing  medical  officers  and  attendants  for  their  care." 

The  transfer  of  troops  from  Santiago  to  Montauk  Point,  New  York,  was  also  an 
emergency  measure,  but  it  was  conducted  under  proper  supervision  by  the  mili- 
tary authorities  concerned.  The  great  responsibility  of  excluding  yellow  fever 
infection  from  every  transport  rested  on  the  medical  officers  who  had  charge  of 
the  embarkation.  Had  they  failed  in  this  duty,  the  effect  would  have  been  disas- 
trous during  the  voyage  to  the  men  confined  on  shipboard,  and  the  risk  of  import- 
ing the  disease  into  this  country  would  have  been  greatly  increased.  Fortunately 
the  delicate  task  was  accomplished  without  the  occurrence  of  any  such  outbreak 
of  disease  among  the  troops  as  was  anticipated  by  many  medical  men  and  others 
who  could  appreciate  the  deadly  character  of  the  risks  involved. 

The  sanitary  conditions  on  board  of  these  transports  were  fairly  good.  By  way 
of  illustration  attention  is  invited  to  a  report  by  Ma,i.  Walter  D.  McCaw,  surgeon 
United  States  Volunteers,  who  accompanied  the  Sixth  and  Thirteenth  United  States 
Infantry  on  the  Vigilanqa*  The  ventilation  of  the  sleeping  quarters  of  the  men 
is  shown  to  have  been  satisfactory  plenty  of  deck  room  was  available  and  the 
berths  below  were  not  overcrowded.  The  ship's  officers  and  crews  were  attentive 
to  the  wants  of  the  command,  providing  every  means  possible  in  the  preparation 
of  their  meals  and  in  making  them  comfortable  in  their  quarters.  The  water 
supply  was  plentiful  and  good.  The  weather 'was  excellent  during  the  short  voy- 
age and  the  health  and  spirits  of  the  men  improved  every  day. 

In  view  of  the  necessity  for  the  return  of  the  troops  of  the  Fifth  Army  Corps  from 
Santiago,  Cuba,  preparations  were  made  for  encamping  them  at  Montauk  Point, 
Long  Island.  These  included  the  establishment  of  temporary  tent  hospitals,  not 
only  for  the  treatment  of  the  large  number  of  sick  brought  by  each  command 
from  Cuba,  but  for  the  isolation  and  treatment  of  those  from  transports  lying 
under  the  suspicion  of  yellow-fever  infection.  The  detention  hospital  received 
its  first  cases  on  August  15.  At  that  time  it  consisted  of  separately  pitched  hospi- 
tal tents,  but  as  the  cases  received  from  the  transports  increased  in  number, 
framed  and  floored  tent  pavilions  were  erected,  consisting  of  six  tents  pitched  end 
on  to  each  other,  with  a  fly  inserted  in  the  middle  of  the  length  of  the  pavilion  to 
promote  ventilation.  On  the  31st  14  of  these  pavilion  wards  were  in  use  with  40 
tents  pitched  singly  for  convalescents.  At  this  time  there  were  15  medical  men 
on  duty  at  the  hospital. 

At  first  the  corps  of  nurses  comprised  only  41  members  of  the  hospital  corps 
and  four  volunteer  Red  Cross  nurses.  Policing  was  done  by  hired  laborers.  A 
temporary  detail  of  men  from  the  Two  hundred  and  third  New  York  was 
obtained  to  increase  the  hospital  force  until  the  arrival  of  trained  female  nurses. 
Sixty  of  these  were  employed  at  the  hospital.  The  patients  were  provided  with 
cots,  bed  linen,  and  blankets,  and  the  limit  of  five  patients  to  each  tent  was  seldom 

*  Surgeon -General's  Office,  41472. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  647 

exceeded.  This  hospital  had  about  500  beds.  Civilian  cooks  were  employed. 
Milk  and  eggs  were  always  plentiful  for  special  diet.  Medicines  were  drawn  from 
Montauk  Hospital,  which  was  but  a  few  hundred  yards  distant.  The  difficulties 
in  the  way  of  administering  the  affairs  of  this  hospital  were  very  great,  owing  to 
the  rapidity  with  which  the  transports  followed  each  other  in  their  arrival.  As 
many  as  four  reached  the  Point  on  some  days,  from  August  13  to  31,  most  of  them 
bringing  sick  requiring  detention  for  medical  observation. 

The  obviously  temporary  nature  of  the  establishment  prevented  efforts  to  pro- 
vide it  with  fixtures  or  furniture  when  the  purpose  could  be  effected  by  extempo- 
rizations. Thus  in  the  tents  used  as  offices,  dispensary,  and  storehouses,  empty 
packing  boxes  were  utilized  as  desks,  chairs,  washstands,  etc.  This,  no  doubt, 
created  an  impression  of  discomfort  and  privation  in  the  minds  of  superficial 
observers,  but  the  sick  men  were  as  well  cared  for  and  as  comfortable  in  their 
cots  here  as  afterwards  when  transferred  to  the  general  hospital  at  Montauk  Point. 
There  was  an  excellent  steam  disinfecting  plant  on  the  grounds,  with  a  formal- 
dehyde chamber  attached.  The  laundry  work  was  done  at  a  steam  laundry  near 
the  hospital. 

The  temporary  tent  hospital,  which  was  locally  known  as  the  General  Hospital, 
Montauk  Point,  consisted  of  18  pavilions,  similar  to  those  of  the  detention  hos- 
pital. A  central  corridor  running  east  and  west  had  9  of  these  pavilions  opening 
on  it  on  each  side.  An  annex  had  speedily  to  be  constructed  to  accommodate  the 
large  number  of  sick  arriving  on  the  transports,  transferred  from  the  detention 
hospital,  or  received  from  the  regimental  camps  of  the  Fifth  Army  Corps.  This 
annex  consisted  of  14  tent  pavilions,  arranged  7  on  each  side  of  a  central  corridor. 
Other  pavilions  were  added  in  parallel  rows  as  an  extension  of  the  accommoda- 
tions became  necessary.  Tent  pavilions  were  used  as  dining  rooms,  but  frame 
buildings  were  erected  for  use  as  kitchens. 

The  capacity  of  this  hospital  was  1,600  beds.  Its  personnel  consisted  of  40  med- 
ical men,  3  stewards,  10  acting  stewards,  120  privates  of  the  hospital  corps,  15 
cooks,  and  50  male  nurses  and  an  average  of  about  200  female  nurses,  one-half  of 
whom  were  Sisters  of  Charity. 

In  the  hospitals  at  Montauk  Point  there  were  treated,  to  August  31,  4,430  cases, 
with  a  mortality  of  124—3.56  per  cent. 

Supplies  of  all  kinds  were  amply  provided  on  timely  requisitions.  Emergency 
calls  were  met  by  direct  purchase  in  New  York  City.  Large  supplies  of  milk, 
eggs,  chickens,  canned  articles,  and  other  material  for  special  diets  were  always  on 
hand.  Provision  for  special  diet  was  made  not  only  by  the  hospital,  but  by  the 
Massachusetts  Volunteer  Aid  Association,  the  Red  Cross  Society,  and  the  Woman's 
War  Relief  Association.  Cooks  and  helpers  were  kept  on  duty  night  and  day  to 
meet  emergencies  in  special  cases. 

In  one  or  two  instances  inquiry  has  been  made  as  to  the  treatment  of  the  body 
in  the  case  of  soldiers  who  died  at  these  or  other  military  hospitals.  As  a  rule, 
immediately  after  death  the  body  was  washed,  the  jaws  bandaged,  and  the  rectum 
closed.  When  cold,  the  body  was  dressed  in  uniform  and  placed  in  a  coffin.  If 
the  relatives  of  the  dead  soldier  desired  his  body  to  be  sent  home  for  burial,  an 
undertaker  removed  it  to  his  establishment,  where  he  embalmed  it  and  expressed 
it  to  its  destination  in  a  hermetically  sealed  zinc-lined  coffin.  If  no  communica- 
tion was  received  from  the  relatives  it  was  buried  in  a  suitable  place  twenty-four 
hours  or  more  after  death,  unless  hot  weather  rendered  an  earlier  burial  neces- 
sary.   The  grave  was  properly  marked  for  identification. 

The  Medical  Department  has  been  criticised  adversely  for  granting  furloughs  to 
go  to  their  homes  from  this  camp  and  its  hospitals  to  men  who,  it  is  claimed,  were 
obviously  unfit  to  travel,  and  cases  were  cited  in  the  newspapers  to  sustain  this 
criticism— cases  of  men  who  had  fainted  by  the  way  and  had  to  be  cared  for  by 


648         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

the  Red  Cross  agents  or  sympathizing  strangers.  To  correct  this  abnse  and  pre- 
vent a  recurrence  of  such  cases,  it  was  not  the  carelessness  or  recklessness  of  the 
array  doctors  which  had  to  be  restrained,  but  their  sympathy  with  the  patient 
and  with  the  desire  of  the  patient's  friends  to  be  intrusted  with  his  care  in  view  of 
a  speedier  recovery  in  the  atmosphere  of  home.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  the  officers 
charged  with  the  duty  of  f  urloughing  the  sick  men  were  kindly  and  sympathetic, 
and  such  mistakes  as  were  made  were  attributable  to  the  great  pressure  brought 
to  bear  on  this  side  of  their  nature. 

It  is  needless  to  refer  at  this  time  to  the  complaints  of  starvation  which  appeared 
almost  daily  in  the  newspapers  during  the  occupation  of  Camp  Wikoff ,  for  it  is 
now  generally  understood  that  the  weakness,  prostration,  anaemia,  and  emacia- 
tion of  so  many  of  the  troops  were  the  results  of  malarial,  typhoid,  and  yellow 
fever,  from  which  the  Array  suffered  as  a  consequence  of  its  exposure  to  the  cli- 
matic influences  and  local  infections  of  Santiago  and  its  neighborhood,  pending 
and  subsequent  to  the  surrender  of  the  city. 

The  Medical  Department  has  been  criticised  also  for  moving  typhoid  cases  from 
the  camp  to  the  hospitals  in  various  cities,  with  the  attending  risk  of  propagating 
this  dangerous  disease  not  only  in  these  cities,  but  throughout  the  country  while 
en  route  to  them.  The  movement  was  made  to  have  these  cases  of  prolonged 
duration  carefully  sheltered  before  the  oncoming  of  the  chilly  and  stormy  weather, 
which  is  usually  expected  on  that  coast  about  the  equinoctial  period;  but  as  the 
movement  was  effected  by  steamship  the  spread  of  the  disease  by  cases  en  route 
was  prevented,  and  as  the  city  hospitals  to  which  they  were  transferred  have  all 
the  needful  facilities  for  disposing  of  infected  material  without  danger  to  the  com- 
munity, it  is  seen  that  there  is  no  basis  for  the  criticisms  cited. 

HOSPITALS  OF  THE  HOME  CAMPS. 

The  regiments  composing  the  other  corps  of  the  Army  were  camped,  at  first,  in 
State  camps,  and  afterwards  aggregated  in  camps  of  organization  and  instruction. 
The  First  and  Third  corps  were  organized  at  Camp  George  H.  Thomas,  Chicka- 
mauga  Park,  Ga.;  the  Second  at  Camp  Russell  A.  Alger,  near  Falls  Church,  Va.; 
the  Fourth  at  Mobile,  Ala.,  and  Fernandina,  Fla.;  the  Seventh  at  Jacksonville, 
Miami,  and  Panama  Park,  Fla.;  and  the  Eighth  near  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  pre- 
liminary to  its  embarkation  for  Manila. 

The  method  of  hospital  organization  in  all  these  camps  was  practically  the  same, 
and  there  was  much  similarity  in  the  conditions  affecting  them  and  correspond- 
ingly in  their  history.  Regiments  reported,  as  already  stated,  provided  in  but  few 
instances  with  the  material  and  supplies  for  their  medical  care  and  in  no  instance 
with  that  liberality  which  by  consolidation  or  concentration  of  regimental  supplies 
would  permit  of  the  formation  of  a  well-equipped  hospital  for  a  division.  But 
they  brought  sick  men  with  them,  and  these  required  immediate  care.  Provision 
had  to  be  made  for  division  hospitals  in  view  of  future  field  service  and  for  regi- 
mental hospitals  in  view  of  immediate  necessity.  The  difficulties  in  the  way  of 
the  contemporaneous  accomplishment  of  these  two  objects  were  great,  and  they 
were  greatly  augmented  by  some  of  the  very  men  who  should  have  aided  in  over- 
coming them. 

The  inexperience  of  a  majority  of  the  regimental  medical  officers  and  of  many 
of  the  chief  surgeons  prevented  them  from  seeing  beyond  the  immediate  necessity. 
The  sick  had  to  be  cared  for,  and  to  this  end  medicines  and  many  other  things  had 
to  be  procured.  Relief  societies  offered  assistance,  and  this  was  eagerly  accepted 
by  these  medical  officers,  not  alone  for  delicacies  or  luxuries  not  otherwise  provided 
for, but  for  "Supply  Table"  articles  which  could  have  been  had  from  the  medical 
purveyors  in  their  camps  or  by  telegraphic  requisition  on  the  Surgeon -General. 
It  was  easier  to  accept  what  was  so  freely  offered  them  than  to  learn  how  to  obtain 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  649 

the  articles  from  the  proper  source.  The  aid  given  by  the  relief  societies  did  harm 
indirectly  by  demonstrating  this  fact.  To  explain  their  gratified  acceptance  these 
officers  referred  to  the  red  tape  of  War  Department  methods,  and  the  insinuation 
that  the  said  methods  were  beyond  the  comprehension  of  the  ordinary  intellect 
was  accepted  by  the  sensational  press  as  an  explanation  in  full.  In  these  early 
days  of  the  camps  the  exuberance  of  the  patriotic  spirit  of  the  people  which  led 
them  to  aid  the  sick  soldiers  did  much  good,  but,  as  I  have  implied,  it  also  did  much 
harm. 

Meanwhile  chief  surgeons  of  corps  and  divisions  began  the  organization  and 
equipment  of  their  field  division  hospitals  and  ambulance  companies,  but  they 
were  met  at  the  outset  by  the  apparent  impossibility  of  securing  men  for  service, 
as  cooks,  nurses,  litter  bearers,  ambulance  drivers,  teamsters,  etc.  The  hospital 
corps  of  the  Regular  Army  could  not  supply  these  men,  because  recruiting  for 
this  corps  progressed  slowly.  The  popular  tendency  to  volunteer  led  men  away 
from  the  regular  recruiting  offices.  In  the  regimental  hospitals  the  sick  were 
cared  for  by  details  from  the  companies,  but  when  transfers  from  the  volunteer 
regiments  to  the  regular  hospital  corps  were  authorized  these  men  did  not  care 
to  leave  their  local  connections  for  service  in  the  Army  at  large  as  regular  soldiers. 
Concessions  were  made  to  them,  among  others,  that  when  their  former  regiment 
became  detached  to  another  corps,  camp,  or  duty,  they  also  would  be  detached  to 
accompany  it;  but  notwithstanding  these  the  hospital  corps  was  recruited  so 
slowly  that  had  the  military  necessity  required  one  or  more  army  corps  to  take 
the  field  their  medical  service  could  have  been  perfected  only  by  drafting  men 
from  the  incomplete  hospital  organizations  of  those  corps  that  remained  in  the 
home  camps  of  organization  and  instruction.  It  may  be  mentioned  also  as  a  well- 
recognized  fact  that  the  transfers  so  much  desired  by  the  medical  department  to 
enable  it  to  complete  its  organization  were  not  regarded  favorably  by  line  officers, 
for  although  every  line  officer  will  probably  acknowledge,  as  a  general  principle, 
that  only  the  most  intelligent  and  capable  men  should  be  employed  to  care  for 
the  sick  and  wounded,  he  is  not  likely  to  act  on  this  general  principle  when  it  is  a 
question  of  withdrawing  for  such  service  the  most  intelligent  and  capable  men  of 
his  own  company  or  regiment. 

The  division  hospitals  of  the  First  and  Third  Corps  at  Camp  George  H.  Thomas, 
Chickamauga,  Gra.,  and  of  the  Second  Corps  at  Camp  Russell  A.  Alger,  Falls 
Church,  Va.,  were  usually  established  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  the  regi- 
mental camps  of  the  divisions.  They  consisted  of  two  or  three  hospital  tents 
pitched  end  on  to  each  other  as  pavilion  wards,  or  of  four  or  five  tents,  two  or  three 
end  on  to  each  other  at  each  end  of  an  intervening  fly,  the  latter  inserted  to  break 
the  continuity  of  the  wall  and  thus  to  promote  ventilation.  The  pavilions  were 
arranged  in  various  ways,  according  to  the  configuration  of  the  area  available  as 
a  site,  but  in  general  there  was  a  tendency  to  crowd  the  area.  In  none  of  the 
camp  hospitals  were  the  pavilions  separated  from  each  other  by  a  space  equal  to 
twice  their  width,  a  distance  which  is  necessary  to  give  restful  quiet  to  the  inmates, 
free  ventilation,  good  policing,  and  to  lessen  the  danger  from  fire. 

Surgeons  in  charge  recognized  that  a  tent  should  not  be  occupied  by  more  than 
six  patients,  but  sometimes  this  number  was  exceeded  temporarily  while  waiting 
an  increase  of  tentage.  The  intention  of  chief  surgeons  was  to  have  each  hospital 
equipped  for  200  patients,  but  in  some  the  number  of  beds  had  in  July  to  be 
increased  to  250.  In  some  when  first  established  there  were  not  enough  cots  for 
all  the  patients,  the  convalescents  or  lighter  cases  sleeping  on  bed  sacks  on  the 
ground,  but  this  was  promptly  remedied  when  observed  by  chief  surgeons  or 
reported  to  them.  As  a  rule,  the  hospitals  were  kept  in  campaigning  condition; 
that  is,  the  tents  were  neither  framed  nor  floored,  until  the  increased  prevalence  of 
typhoid  fever  attracted  attention  to  their  crowded  condition,  when  the  object 


650         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

of  their  existence  became  suddenly  changed  from  a  school  for  field  service  to  a 
hospital  for  the  treatment  of  a  local  outbreak  of  disease.  The  pavilions  and  other 
shelters  of  the  hospitals  were  well  trenched  and  the  camp  surface  well  policed. 

A  small  pavilion  did  duty  usually  as  an  office  and  dispensary.  A  surgical  ward 
was  connected  with  an  operating  tent  suitably  fitted  for  antiseptic  work.  Bath 
tubs  were  provided  to  insure  a  cleanly  condition  of  the  patient  before  admission 
to  the  wards,  and  for  the  subsequent  treatment  of  cases  requiring  them.  In  most 
of  the  hospitals  there  was  also  a  special  ward  for  venereal  cases,  and  isolation 
wards  for  cases  of  measles  and  mumps.  Commodes  and  bedpans  were  used  in  the 
wards  with  disinfectants;  and  the  reports  of  the  medical  board  which  investigated 
the  propagation  of  typhoid  fever  in  the  camps  show  that  the  medical  officers  on  duty 
in  these  hospitals  realized  the  importance  of  the  use  of  disinfectants  in  limiting 
the  spread  of  the  disease;  but  it  was  difficult  for  them  to  have  efficient  service  in 
this  regard  with  untrained  hospital  corps  men.  and  details  from  the  line  with  even 
less  experience.  Sinks  were  dug  for  convalescents  and  attendants,  but  at  first 
these  were  like  those  in  the  regimental  camps,  not  far  enough  removed  from  the 
occupied  tents,  and  not  cared  for  with  that  strict  attention  which  their  importance 
demanded. 

Special  efforts  were  made  in  all  the  hospitals  to  have  good  cooks.  Seldom,  how- 
ever, was  there  that  knowledge  on  the  part  of  medical  officers  which  enabled  them 
to  accumulate  a  hospital  fund  for  the  purchase  of  special  articles  of  diet  for  the 
sick;  but  this  did  not  operate  to  the  detriment  of  the  patients,  as  special-diet 
kitchens,  under  the  management  of  capable  individuals,  were  opened  at  most  of  the 
hospitals.  Money  for  that  purpose  was  sent  to  them  by  me  from  funds  contrib- 
uted and  placed  at  my  disposal.  Money  was  also  sent  directly  by  individuals  and 
by  representatives  of  aid  societies;  and  the  Red  Cross  committees  supplied  quan- 
tities of  ice  and  milk,  chickens,  eggs,  lemons,  etc.  Pajamas,  nightshirts,  and 
other  articles  of  hospital  clothing  were  also  provided  by  the  Red  Cross  and  other 
aid  societies.  The  order  of  August  10,  1898,  commuting  the  sick  soldiers'  ration  at 
60  cents  made  these  hospitals  wholly  independent  of  outside  assistance. 

In  the  Third  Army  Corps,  particularly  in  the  Second  Division,  many  of  the  reg- 
iments continued  to  maintain  regimental  hospitals  after  the  organization  of  the 
hospital  for  the  division,  because  the  epidemic  of  typhoid  fever  interfered  with 
the  progress  of  preparation  for  field  service.  As  illustrating  the  condition  of 
these  field  hospitals  it  may  be  stated  that  on  July  27,  1898,  the  hospital  of  this 
division  consisted  of  37  hospital  tents,  8  conical,  and  6  common  tents,  with  285 
cots,  250  of  which  were  occupied  by  patients,  cared  for  by  8  medical  officers,  6 
stewards,  and  138  privates,  of  whom  45  were  details  from  the  line  of  the  Army. 
The  hospital  streets  were  broad  and  the  general  police  excellent.  The  general 
wards  were  in  good  condition,  but  the  typhoid  fever  wards  were  crowded.  Assist- 
ance was  given  by  the  Red  Cross,  including  milk,  special  articles  of  food,  comforts, 
and  1,500  pounds  of  ice  daily. 

The  division  hospitals  of  the  Second  Corps  at  Camp  Alger  were  relieved  by 
transfers  to  the  general  hospital  at  Fort  Myer,  Va.  As  the  Leiter  Hospital  in 
Chickamauga  Park,  Ga. ,  proved  insufficient  to  accommodate  the  overflow  from 
the  division  hospitals  of  the  First  and  Third  corps,  a  large  hospital  was  estab- 
lished in  August  to  receive  the  rapidly  increasing  number  of  cases  of  sickness 
occurring  in  these  corps.  This  hospital  early  in  September  was  officially  recog- 
nized as  the  Sternberg  General  Hospital .  Its  first  report  rendered  after  this  change 
in  its  official  status  showed  a  capacity  of  750  beds  and  a  personnel  of  15  medical 
men,  1  steward,  6  acting  stewards,  107  privates  of  the  Hospital  Corps,  and  167 
female  nurses.  On  the  movement  of  the  Third  Division,  First  Army  Corps,  from 
Camp  Thomas  to  Lexington,  Ky.,  its  sick  and  the  equipment  of  its  field  hospital 
were  left  in  situ,  the  establishment,  then  containing  500  beds,  being  known  first  as 
the  Sanger  and  afterwards  as  the  Alexander  H.  Hoff  General  Hospital.  It  was 
discontinued  September  25,  when  its  sick  were  in  condition  to  be  furloughed. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  651 

CAMP  HOSPITALS  OP  THE  SEVENTH   ARMV   CORPS. 

The  division  hospitals  of  the  Seventh  Army  Corps,  at  Jacksonville  and  Miami, 
Fla.,  consisted  of  6  tent  pavilion  wards  of  5  tents  each,  with  a  fly  between  the 
second  and  third  tents  of  each  ward.  The  pavilions  formed  a  semicircle  of  radii 
from  a  central  point,  at  which  was  established  the  office,  dispensary,  etc.,  of  the 
hospital.  Two  pavilions  were  to  be  regarded  as  the  allowance  of  accommodation 
for  each  brigade  nnder  ordinary  conditions;  and  the  attempt  was  made  to  keep 
men  of  the  same  regiment  together  to  satisfy  the  desire  of  the  volunteer  troops  to 
preserve  the  regimental  organization  in  the  medical  service  of  the  corps.  The 
prevalence  of  measles  and  mumps  necessitated  the  pitching  of  extensive  isolation 
wards  in  connection  with  the  formally  planned  pavilions. 

In  August  preparations  were  made  at  the  First  Division  hospital  at  Jackson- 
ville to  give  a  better  shelter  than  that  afforded  by  the  tents.  The  proposition  to 
build  frame  pavilions,  each  for  60  beds,  was  approved  and  building  was  begun 
under  contract.  Concerning  the  hospitals  of  this  corps  a  board  of  medical  officers 
convened  by  Special  Order  194,  Adjutant-General's  Office,  August  1, 1898,  reported 
favorably.  The  board  considered  the  equipment  ample  as  to  tentage,  cots,  bed- 
ding, etc.,  and  was  well  pleased  with  the  care  and  treatment  given  to  the  patients. 
The  cots  and  bedding  were  sent  from  the  supply  depot  in  New  York  City. 

A  rapid  increase  of  sickness  in  the  First  Division,  at  Miami,  as  compared  with 
the  Second  Division,  at  Jacksonville,  led  to  a  thorough  investigation  as  to  its  causes. 
The  tents  were  pitched  a  short  distance  from  the  town,  on  a  rough  tract  of  ground 
of  coralline  formation.  The  troops  were  fairly  well  supplied  with  tentage  and 
cooking  utensils,  and  the  camp  was  well  policed.  Sinks  were  not  generally  used, 
as  it  was  difficult  to  make  them  of  proper  depth.  Metallic  troughs  or  latrines, 
liushed  into  the  ocean  by  a  constant  stream  of  water,  were  used  in  the  First 
Brigade,  while  the  Second  Brigade  was  provided  with  galvanized-iron  tubs,  which 
were  taken  away  twice  daily  to  be  disposed  of  in  the  ocean.  Garbage  was  col- 
lected and  carried  to  the  municipal  dumping  ground.  Water  was  delivered  by 
pipe  lines  from  the  supply  of  the  town.  It  was  derived  from  ?  ond  or  lake  in  the 
Everglades,  and  was  reported  as  being  warm  and  having  a  disagreeable  taste  and 
odor,  on  account  of  which  the  men  used  that  from  wells.  These  wells  were 
regarded  by  many  as  contaminated  with  surface  drainage.  In  fact,  the  opinion 
that  the  water  supply  was  the  cause  of  the  prevailing  sickness  was  generally  enter- 
tained .  Sampl  es  analyzed  at  the  laboratory  of  this  office  gave  results  confirmatory 
of  this  opinion. 

The  division  hospital  was  established  on  a  vacant  lot  in  the  center  of  the  town, 
an  unsuitable  and  insanitary  location.  On  account  of  insufficient  area,  cases  of 
measles,  many  of  which  were  under  treatment,  could  not  be  properly  isolated. 
Sinks  and  garbage  emitting  an  offensive  odor  surrounded  the  lot.  The  hospital 
was  fairly  well  provided  with  tents,  folding  cots,  medicines,  and  other  needful 
supplies  to  care  ordinarily  for  the  sick  of  a  division.  The  appended  document, 
41396  R. ,  from  the  files  of  this  office  gives  full  testimony  as  to  the  insanitary  con- 
ditions at  Miami.  Early  in  August  the  troops  were  moved  to  Camp  Cuba  Libre, 
at  Jacksonville,  Fla.  The  hospital  of  the  Third  Division  was  established  at 
Panama  Park,,  about  6  miles  from  Jacksonville.  The  admissions  to  these  hospitals 
up  to  August  31  amounted  to  3,331,  the  deaths  to  56.  In  connection  with  the 
division  hospitals  of  this  corps  a  convalescent  camp  was  established  July  27,  at 
Pablo  Beach,  16  miles  from  Jacksonville,  for  the  recuperation  of  men  who  had 
become  debilitated  through  climatic  influences. 

CAMP  HOSPITALS  OF   THE  FOURTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

A  few  regular  and  volunteer  regiments  concentrated  at  Mobile,  Ala.,  formed 
the  nucleus  of  the  Fourth  Army  Corps  and  of  the  Cavalry  Division.  A  division 
hospital  of  200  beds  was  established  here,  but  shortly  afterwards  the  corps  moved 


652         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

to  Tampa  and  Fernandina.  Fla.  Tent  hospitals  were  established  and  an  excellent 
reserve  ambulance  company  was  manned  and  equipped  for  service  with  troops 
expected  to  operate  in  Cuba  or  Porto  Rico.  The  sanitary  conditions  in  the  camps 
at  Tampa  were  not  good.  Malarial  fevers  became  prevalent  and  typhoid  fever 
common.  The  division  hospital  had  to  be  relieved  by  removing  serious  cases  in 
the  hospital  train  of  the  Medical  Department  to  the  general  hospital  at  Fort  Mc- 
Pherson,  Ga.  About  August  1  an  overflow  hospital  was  organized  in  a  school 
building  in  West  Tampa. 

The  spread  of  disease  among  the  troops  remaining  in  Tampa  after  the  departure 
of  the  Porto  Rican  expedition  led  to  the  removal  of  many  of  the  regiments  to  the 
neighborhood  of  Fernandina.  The  hospital  of  one  division  was  pitched  on  the 
beach  about  3  miles  from  Fernandina.  A  convent  in  the  city  was  also  used  for 
hospital  purposes. 

About  July  20  the  troops  for  the  invasion  of  Porto  Rico  embarked  and  sailed. 
The  field  hospital  accommodation  with  this  expeditionary  force  was  ample  and  the 
supplies  abundant.  The  chief  surgeon  of  the  Fourth  Corps  urged  the  shipment  of 
his  reserve  ambulance  company  with  this  expedition,  but  General  Brooke  con- 
sidered this  to  be  unnecessary. 

A  short  time  after  the  arrival  of  the  troops  at  Ponce  malarial  fevers  appeared 
among  them,  and  typhoid  infection,  brought  from  Chickamauga,  Ga. ,  and  Tampa, 
Fla. ,  manifested  its  presence  in  the  camps.  Some  of  these  cases  were  sent  home 
on  returning  transports,  but  as  the  voyage  was  found  to  be  very  trying  to  severe 
cases  of  typhoid  fever,  I  telegraphed  Colonel  Greenleaf ,  chief  surgeon,  to  estab- 
lish a  general  hospital  at  Ponce  for  such  cases.  Tent  wards  were  considered  to  be 
preferable  to  the  use  of  any  of  the  buildings  in  the  city.  Two  hundred  hospital 
tents  were  sent  by  the  Concho  on  August  13,  and  furniture,  supplies,  medical 
officers,  and  nurses  on  the  Relief,  Obdam,  and  other  vessels.  Colonel  Greenleaf 
was  also  well  supplied  with  funds  to  provide  everything  necessary  for  the  well- 
being  of  the  sick.  No  special  report  of  the  conditions  at  this  hospital  has  yet  been 
received,  but  it  is  known  that  up  to  August  31  546  cases  had  been  received  and  12 
deaths  had  occurred. 

CAMP  HOSPITALS  ON  THE   PACIFIC  COAST. 

The  troops  on  the  Pacific  coast  were  concentrated  mostly  at  San  Francisco,  Cal. 
Camp  Merriam  came  first  into  existence  on  the  Presidio  Reservation,  near  the  Lom- 
bard-street entrance.  Nearly  10,000  men  were  encamped  here;  but  when  it  was 
understood  that  the  expeditionary  force  to  the  Philippines  was  to  be  increased  to 
20,000  men,  a  new  camp  had  to  be  established.  The  site  selected  was  near  the 
northern  boundary  of  the  Golden  Gate  Park,  including  the  sand  dunes  in  its 
vicinity.  This  was  Camp  Merritt,  at  which  18,000  troops  rendezvoused  for  ship- 
ment to  Manila.  Much  sickness  occurred  among  the  regiments  in  this  camp. 
Some  of  the  commands  brought  with  them  the  infection  of  measles,  and  this  dis- 
ease spread  rapidly.  The  cases  were,  in  many  instances,  complicated  with  bron- 
chitis and  pneumonia  on  account  of  exposure  to  the  cold,  raw  winds  which  blew 
constantly  over  the  site — a  site  selected  without  consultation  with  any  representa- 
tive of  the  Medical  Department.  Cases  of  typhoid  fever  also  appeared,  with  a  few 
cases  of  cerebro- spinal  meningitis.  Document  39109,  appended,  gives  a  detailed 
account  of  the  conditions  coincident  with  these  developments.  Camp  Merritt  was 
therefore  abandoned,  and  the  troops  of  the  Independent  Division  of  the  Eighth 
Army  Corps  were  removed  to  the  grounds  of  the  military  reservation  at  the 
Presidio. 

Eighteen  thousand  of  the  troops  from  Camp  Merriam  and  Camp  Merritt  were 
dispatched  to  the  Philippine  Islands.  They  were  carried  on  20  transport  steamers, 
the  first  expedition  sailing  on  May  25. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  653 

Each  steamship,  before  being  accepted  by  the  Government,  was  inspected  by  a 
board  of  medical  officers,  and  in  each  instance  the  vessel  was  thoroughly  dis- 
infected before  the  troops  went  on  board.  Two  or  three  medical  officers,  as 
many  hospital  stewards,  and  ten  to  fifteen  privates  of  the  hospital  corps,  fully 
equipped  for  field  service,  were  assigned  to  each  ship.  With  each  expedition  was 
a  large  quantity  of  medical  supplies  to  provide  the  troops  for  six  months  and  to 
equip  suitable  hospitals  at  Manila.  These  supplies  included  medicines,  surgical 
instruments,  dressings,  hospital  furniture,  beds  and  bedding,  and  all  the  miscel- 
laneous articles  required  for  the  proper  treatment  and  comfort  of  the  sick.  Many 
articles,  believed  to  be  necessary  in  the  treatment  of  the  diseases  incident  to  the 
climate  of  the  Philippine  Islands,  were  largely  in  excess  of  the  allowances  of  the 
supply  table.  Large  reserve  supplies  were  sent  on  the  Arizona  and  the  Scandia, 
which  sailed  late  in  August,  to  replenish  the. stores  already  sent,  and  an  additional 
supply  was  also  placed  on  both  ships  in  case  they  should  be  required  to  make  the 
return  voyage  in  the  capacity  of  hospital  ships. 

The  precautions  taken  to  secure  a  good  sanitary  condition  of  the  vessels  prior 
to  embarkation,  and  the  sanitary  supervision  exercised  over  the  men  during  their 
long  voyage,  must  be  credited  with  the  excellent  condition  in  which  the  troops 
arrived  at  Manila,  for  if  any  notable  sickness  had  occurred  on  these  vessels  its 
presence  would  certainly  have  been  announced  in  the  press  dispatches.  I  have 
received  but  few  reports  as  yet  from  medical  officers  who  accompanied  this  expe- 
ditionary force,  but  those  which  have  come  to  hand  give  a  most  gratifying  view 
of  the  conditions  affecting  the  men  while  on  board  the  transports.  See  the 
appended  sanitary  reports  of  the  surgeons  who  made  the  voyage  on  the  Australia 
and  the  City  of  Sidney. 

DIVISION  FIELD  HOSPITAL,  PRESIDIO  OF  SAN  FRANCISCO,   CAL. 

The  service  of  this  hospital  began  June  2,  1898,  at  Camp  Merritt,  with  tents  for 
48  patients.  At  this  time  serious  cases,  mostly  complications  of  measles,  were 
treated  in  various  civil  hospitals  in  San  Francisco.  The  site  of  this  camp  was, 
as  stated  above,  unsuitable.  Its  surface  was  a  cold  damp  sand,  continually 
exposed  to  chilly  winds  and  heavy  fogs,  which  saturated  the  tents,  clothing,  and 
bedding  of  the  men  with  moisture.  On  July  21  the  hospital  was  moved  to  the 
Presidio,  where  two  large  brick  barrack  buildings  and  a  few  hospital  tents  con- 
stituted the  accommodations.  The  ventilation  was  poor;  water  had  to  be  carried 
from  the  lavatory,  and  the  sewerage  system,  if  not  faulty,  was  at  least  inconvenient 
for  hospital  purposes.  All  necessary  supplies  and  furnishings  were  promptly  fur- 
nished by  the  chief  surgeon  of  the  department.  A  separate  special  diet  kitchen 
which  gave  satisfaction  was  maintained.  After  the  departure  of  the  last  Philip- 
pine troops  on  the  Scandia,  August  26,  the  hospital  force  consisted  of  5  hospital 
stewards,  7  acting  stewards,  73  privates  of  the  Hospital  Corps,  33  female  nurses, 
and  10  Sisters  of  Charity,  the  capacity  of  the  hospital  at  the  time  being  320  beds. 

The  ladies  of  the  Red  Cross  Society  of  San  Francisco  established  a  convalescent 
hospital  of  25  beds  in  a  sheltered  place  at  the  Presidio,  to  which  patients  were 
transferred  from  the  division  hospital  to  recuperate  before  going  on  furlough  or 
being  returned  to  duty.  The  chief  surgeon  of  the  department  testifies  to  the 
value  of  the  assistance  given  by  these  ladies,  not  only  as  regards  this  hospital,  but 
in  feeding  troops  on  their  arrival  and  departure,  and  in  providing  clothing  and 
delicacies  for  the  sick  in  the  camps,  hospitals,  and  transports. 

To  complete  this  general  review  of  the  camp  hospitals  a  further  reference  is 
needful  to  the  history  of  the  regimental  hospitals.  At  first  when  regimental  com- 
mands ceased  to  be  separate  commands,  in  becoming  the  constituent  units  of 
brigades  and  divisions  preparatory  to  operating  against  the  enemy,  the  regimental 
hospitals  were  disestablished  to  consolidate  the  working  force  of  the  medical 


654        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

department  and  hospital  corps  into  division  hospitals  and  ambulance  companies. 
The  objects  in  view  were,  first,  to  complete  the  field  organization  of  the  depart- 
ment, and,  second,  to  instruct  untrained  officers  and  men  in  their  respective  duties, 
so  that  when  field  service  was  undertaken  the  medical  department  would  be  effi- 
cient in  rear  of  a  marching  or  fighting  command. 

The  want  of  hospital- corps  men  was  the  main  cause  of  the  failure  of  chief  sur- 
geons to  accomplish  their  purpose  promptly.  Instead  of  organizing  for  field  serv- 
ice their  time  was  occupied  and  their  energies  spent  in  endeavoring  to  procure 
the  necessary  men  by  enlistment  or  transfer.  Instead  of  instructing  for  field  serv- 
ice they  had  to  instruct  untrained  men  in  caring  for  the  ordinary  percentage  of 
sick  in  a  healthy  command.  But  after  a  time,  when  sickness  invaded  the  camps, 
the  division  hospitals  became  filled,  and  preparation  for  field  service  had  to  give 
place  to  the  immediate  necessity  of  caring  for  the  sick.  The  division  hospitals 
became  expanded,  as  at  Siboney  and  Tampa,  into  base  hospitals  with  increased 
needs  and  increased  responsibilities.  To  these  I  sent  with  the  utmost  dispatch 
physicians  and  surgeons  under  contract,  to  relieve  the  strain  on  the  medical 
officers  attached  to  the  troops,  and  trained  nurses  to  relieve  the  details  from  the 
regiments  who  were  temporarily  acting  as  hospital-corps  men.  At  Camp  George 
H.  Thomas,  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.,  the  expansions  of  the  division  hospitals, 
under  the  conditions  brought  about  by  the  typhoid  invasion  of  the  camps,  became 
officially  recognized  as  general  hospitals,  and  were  promptly  provided  by  me  with 
the  best  available  medical  service,  with  male  and  female  trained  nurses,  with  all 
permissible  medical  and  hospital  supplies,  and  with  funds  for  special  purchases, 
contributed  by  relief  societies  and  by  individuals. 

The  altered  conditions  under  which  the  division  hospitals  were  operating  were 
immediately  recognized  by  the  chief  surgeon  of  the  Fifth  Army  Corps  at  Santiago 
on  the  breakdown  of  that  corps  after  the  surrender  of  the  city,  and  every  effort 
on  the  part  of  his  medical  officers  to  care  for  their  sick  locally  was  encouraged  by 
giving  them  every  available  facility.  The  effect  of  this  was  seen  in  the  camps  at 
Montauk  Point,  Long  Island,  where  regimental  medical  officers  cared  for  many 
sick  under  hospital  or  line  canvas,  with  details  by  the  regimental  commander  as 
hospital  attendants. 

Similarly,  in  the  home  camps,  regimental  hospitals  were  in  many  instances 
equipped  to  meet  the  necessities  of  the  occasion.  In  view  of  the  insidious  prog- 
ress of  typhoid  fever  in  infected  individuals,  febrile  cases  in  the  regimental  camps 
required  such  close  attention  as  could  not  be  given  when  the  men  were  scattered 
in  quarters,  and  this  called  for  hospital  shelter  and  supplies.  There  were,  there- 
fore, in  some  of  the  camps  regimental  hospitals  in  which  very  serious  cases  were 
treated  and  in  which  deaths  occurred,  but  these  latter  were  few  in  number,  as  a 
transfer  to  the  division  hospitals  was  usually  effected  when  the  dangerous  char- 
acter of  the  disease  became  manifest. 

The  tabulation  which  I  submit  below  does  not  include  all  the  cases  and  deaths 
in  the  field  hospitals,  because  medical  officers  have  not  in  every  instance  rendered 
the  required  reports.  The  work,  for  instance,  of  the  hospitals  of  the  Second  Army 
Corps  is  on  this  account  not  fully  represented  in  the  tabulation,  and  the  reports 
for  August  from  the  command  in  the  Philippine  Islands  have  not  been  received. 
Were  all  reports  available  that  are  due  but  not  rendered,  the  figures  in  this  tabu- 
lation would  be  materially  increased. 

Besides  this  the  cases  enumerated  below  do  not  represent  all  the  men  that  were 
taken  on  sick  report.  They  do  not  include  the  trivial  cases  that  were  treated  in 
quarters,  nor  those  cases  of  a  serious  character  which  were  treated  in  regimental 
hospitals  when  the  accommodations  of  the  division  hospitals  were  temporarily 
under  strain.  They  do,  however,  include  most  of  the  cases  that  were  tabulated 
in  the  reply  to  the  fifth  question  of  the  Commission  as  the  cases  admitted  into  the 


REPLY    OF    SUHGF.ON-GENERAL. 


655 


general  hospital  directly  from  the  regiments.  As  the  majority  of  those  admitted 
into  the  general  hospitals  passed  through  the  division  or  other  field  hospitals  en 
route,  the  cases  tabulated  in  the  reply  to  the  fifth  question  are  the  same  cases 
enumerated  below  as  admitted  into  the  field  hospitals. 

Tabulation  of  cases  and  deaths  in  field  and  general  hospitals  April  1  to  August  81, 

1898/ 


Army  corps. 


Location,  etc. 


Deaths. 


First 

Second 

Third. 

Fourth 

Fifth 

Seventh 

Eighth 

Separate  camps 


FIELD  HOSPITALS. 


Firsti  D vision,  Chickamauga,  Ga 

Second  Division.  Tampa  and  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga 

Third  Division,  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga 

First  Brigade,  First  Division,  San  Juan  Road,  Porto  Rico 

First  Division,  Camp  Alger,  Va 

Second  Division, Camp  Alger,  Va.,  and  Thoroughfare,  Va.... 

First  Division,  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga 

Second  Division,  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga 

Sternberg  Hospital,  Chickamauga,  Ga 

First  Division,  near  Mobile,  Ala 

Second  Division,  Fernandina,  Fla 

Third  Division,  Fernandina,  Fla.r 

Field  hospitals,  Tampa 

Reception  hospital,  Picnic  Island,  Fla 

Ponce,  Porto  Rico. 

Field  hospitals,  Tampa 

Camp  near  Santiago,  Cuba 

Siboney,  Cuba,  reserve  division  hospital .. 

Siboney,  Cuba,  yellow  fever  hospital 

Montauk  Point,  L.  I 

First  Division,  Miami  and  Jacksonville,  Fla 

Second  Division,  Jacksonville,  Fla 

Third  Division,  Panama  Park,  Fla 

Division  hospitals. 

Camp  Bushnell,  Columbus,  Ohio 

Camp  Black,  Long  Island,  N.  Y 

Target  Range,  Waco,  Ga 

Saint  Simons  Island,  Ga 

Fernandina,  Fla.  (Colonel  Coates) 

Camp  Hobson,  Ga 

In  general  hospitals 

In  post  hospitals  

In  civil  hospitals 


972 
,156 
412 
267 
893 
353 
,442 
,620 
758 
279 
374 


2,353 

39 

546 

91 

890 

2,654 

549 

4,430 

1,800 

2,013 

633 

2,030 

231 

163 

458 

48 

122 

715 


Aggregate 


29,517 


24 
25 
42 

2 
10 

2 
36 

3 
12 

1 
116 
106 
46 
124 
30 
58 
10 
53 


2 

256 
47 
60 


1,122 


Very  respectfully, 


Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General,  U.  S.  Army. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C. ,  October  10,  1898. 
The  President  Commission  on  the  Conduct  of  the  War. 

Sir:  The  fifth  question  addressed  to  the  Medical  Department  of  the  Army  by 
the  commission  calls  for  statements  as  to  general  hospitals,  their  number,  loca- 
tion, equipment,  and  management,  and  the  number  of  patients  and  of  deaths  in  each 
from  April  1  to  August  31,  1898.     In  reply  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  as  follows: 

Up  to  August  31  six  general  hospitals  were  established  and  fully  manned  and 
equipped.  These  had  a  capacity  of  3,167  beds.  At  the  same  time  there  were  in 
existence  certain  field  hospitals  which  were  practically  general  hospitals,  and 
which,  on  September  3,  1898,  were  officially  recognized  as  such.  These  were  the 
Sternberg  and  Sanger  field  hospitals  at  Chickamauga  Park,  Ga.,  and  the  tent  hos- 
pital at  Ponce,  Porto  Rico.  An  extension  of  the  post  hospital  accommodations  at 
Washington  Barracks,  D.  C,  also  received  official  recognition  as  a  general  hos- 
pital at  the  same  time.     Other  post  hospitals  having  good  accommodations  were 


65()         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

used  for  the  treatment  of  army  cases  generally  without  alteration  of  their  official 
status  as  post  hospitals;  those,  for  instance,  at  Forts  Columbus,  Hamilton,  and 
Wadsworth,  N.  Y.,  in  the  East,  and  at  the  Presidio  of  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  and 
Vancouver  Barracks,  Wash.,  on  the  Pacific  coast.  These  added  3,850  beds  to  the 
hospital  accommodation,  making  an  aggregate  of  over  7,000  beds.  The  vacant 
beds  in  the  hospital  of  the  Marine-Hospital  Service  of  the  Treasury  Department 
were  placed  at  my  disposal,  and  the  civil  hospitals  of  the  country  were  ready,  on 
call,  to  receive  and  care  for  sick  and  wounded  soldiers.  These  offers  of  hospital 
accommodations  and  medical  care  were  accepted  by  me  in  many  instances,  par- 
ticularly in  New  York,  Boston,  Philadelphia,  and  Providence,  to  relieve  the  tent 
hospitals  at  Montauk  Point  when  crowded  by  the  rapid  transfer  of  sick  from  San- 
tiago. 

There  was  also  in  progress  of  construction  near  Fortress  Monroe,  Va.,  the 
Josiah  Simpson  Hospital,  a  pavilion  hospital  of  1,000  beds.  Authority  for  the 
building  and  equipping  of  this  establishment  was  granted  by  the  Secretary  of  War 
on  my  application  July  12,  1898,  and  the  Quartermaster's  Department  promptly 
made  the  necessary  arrangements  for  its  construction.  It  was  to  consist  of  pavil- 
ion wards  arranged  en  echelon  on  the  plans  which  gave  the  best  satisfaction  during 
the  civil  war,  with  an  administration  building,  quarters  for  medical  officers,  hos- 
pital corps  men,  male  and  female  nurses,  etc.,  and  buildings  for  kitchens,  dining 
rooms,  storerooms,  laundry,  chapel,  crematory,  workshops,  etc.,  all  connected  by 
covered  board  walks  and  lighted  by  electricity.  This  hospital  is  now  ready  for 
the  reception  of  patients. 

The  general  hospitals  in  service  during  the  period  covered  by  the  inquiry  of  the 
commission  were  equipped  with  all  the  needful  furniture  and  appliances,  cots, 
bedding,  clothing,  medicines,  hospital  stores,  and  disinfectants.  An  experienced 
medical  officer  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  each;  but  the  medical  men  on  duty 
under  this  officer  were  as  a  rule  surgeons  under  contract  with  this  office,  as  it  was 
impossible  to  provide  commissioned  medical  officers  to  fill  the  positions  at  the 
general  hospitals  without  weakening  the  medical  service  of  the  troops  in  the  field. 
The  purpose  of  the  Medical  Department  was  to  have  all  the  nursing  and  other  work 
of  the  hospitals,  including  the  clerical  and  dispensary  work,  done  b^  trained  mem- 
bers of  the  Hospital  Corps;  but  the  act  approved  April  22, 1898,  providing  for 
temporarily  increasing  the  military  establishment,  failed  to  include  Hospital  Corps 
privates  for  the  volunteer  regiments.  It  was  found  impossible  in  the  short  time 
available  to  enlist  and  train  in  the  Hospital  Corps  of  the  Regular  Army  enough 
men  for  hospital  service  with  the  volunteer  forces.  The  trained  men  of  the  Hos- 
pital Corps  were  required  to  form  the  nuclei  of  ambulance  and  hospital  companies 
for  service  in  the  field,  so  that  few  could  be  spared  for  the  work  of  the  general 
hospitals.  This  work  was  accomplished  mainly  by  male  and  female  nurses  under 
contract.    Many  of  the  latter  were  Sisters  of  Charity. 

The  six  general  hospitals  may  be  briefly  described  as  follows: 

1.  The  Letter  General  Hospital,  Chickamauga,  Ga. — The  building  occupied  is  a 
summer  hotel  converted  to  hospital  uses.  It  is  a  modern  and  apparently  well-con- 
structed building,  well  furnished  throughout,  heated  by  steam,  and  lighted  by 
electricity.  It  is  situated  in  5  acres  of  ornamental  ground  near  Crawfish  Springs, 
on  a  railroad  direct  from  Chattanooga  to  Camp  George  H.  Thomas.  It  is  esti- 
mated to  accommodate  175  patients,  but  cots  for  30  convalescents  have  been 
placed  in  the  verandas,  and  two  wards  of  sixteen  tents  in  all,  with  an  occupancy 
of  80,  have  been  established  in  the  grounds.  The  total  capacity  is,  therefore,  285 
beds.  The  water  supply  is  pumped  from  Crawfish  Springs  into  a  distributing 
tank.  The  personnel  of  this  hospital  consists  of  14  medical  officers,  38  members 
of  the  Hospital  Corps,  and  34  female  nurses.  Its  kitchens,  including  special  diet, 
are  reported  as  excellent.  The  hospital  was  established  June  G,  1898,  since  which 
time  to  August  31  there  have  been  496  admissions  and  71  deaths. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  657 

2.  General  Hospital,  Key  West,  Fla.— On  April  20,  1898,  the  convent  and  two 
school  buildings  and  grounds  of  the  Sisters  of  Mary  Immaculate,  Key  West,  Fla. , 
were  turned  over  by  agreement  to  the  Medical  Department  of  the  Army  for  use 
as  a  hospital  during  the  war.  Cots  with  bedding  for  500  patients  were  immedi- 
ately forwarded  and  the  surgeon  in  command  was  instructed  to  call  for  such  sup- 
plies as  were  needful.  The  post  hospital  at  Key  West  Barracks  afforded  many 
desirable  facilities  for  the  establishment  of  a  general  hospital  at  this  place. 
Frame  buildings  were  erected  on  the  convent  grounds  for  use  as  isolation  wards, 
earth  closets,  etc.  A  pest  house  for  the  treatment  of  yellow  fever  and  smallpox 
cases  was  established  in  connection  with  the  general  hospital.  The  number 
treated  up  to  August  31, 1898,  was  547;  the  number  of  deaths,  6.  The  personnel 
consisted  of  7  medical  officers,  34  members  of  the  Hospital  Corps,  9  contract 
nurses,  23  sisters  of  the  convent,  and  29  employees— cooks,  laborers,  teamsters,  etc. 

3.  General  Hospital,  Fort  McPherson,  Ga.— This  hospital  may  be  said  to  have 
been  established  May  14,  1898,  when  a  train  load  of  patients  from  Tampa,  Fla., 
was  received  for  treatment.  Certain  of  the  barrack  buildings  of  the  post  were 
used  in  connection  with  the  wards  and  offices  of  the  post  hospital.  On  June  20 
the  accommodations  were  extended  by  the  use  of  35  hospital  tents,  and  shortly 
afterwards  100  more  tents  were  pitched  on  frames  and  floors  for  use.  The  num- 
ber of  available  beds  for  patients  is  922.  The  general  mess  hall  of  the  post  is  used 
as  a  dining  hall  for  convalescents,  hospital  corps  men,  trained  nurses,  and 
employees.  There  are  also  4  special-diet  kitchens,  which  suffice  for  the  needs  of 
those  seriously  sick.  The  personnel  consists  of  14  medical  .officers,  3  stewards.  5 
acting  stewards,  and  112  privates  of  the  hospital  corps,  with  2  hospital  matrons, 
71  female  nurses,  and  92  other  civilian  employees,  cooks,  waiters,  and  laborers. 
Up  to  August  31,  1898,  there  were  admitted  into  this  hospital  1,244  patients,  of 
whom  59  died.  These  were  mostly  derived  from  the  camps  at  Tampa,  Fla.,  but 
one  train  load  was  received  from  Chickamauga,  Ga. ,  and  two  from  Fernandina, 
Fla.,  with  a  number  of  cases  from  the  large  body  of  recruits,  2,000  to  3,800  men, 
aggregated  at  the  post. 

4.  The  General  Hospital  at  Fort  Monroe,  Va. — Orders  were  issued  June  26  for 
the  establishment  of  this  hospital  in  connection  with  the  post  hospital  of  the  fort. 
One  hundred  hospital  tents,  with  cots  and  bedding  for  500  patients,  were  fur- 
nished by  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  and  the  surgeon  in  charge  was  directed 
to  make  requisition  for  other  necessary  supplies.  The  tents  were  pitched  end  on 
to  each  other  in  threes  and  fours,  forming  pavilion  wards,  with  streets  between. 
They  were  raised  from  1  to  2  feet  above  the  surface  of  the  ground,  floored,  framed, 
and  rafted,  to  give  them  stability,  and  connected  with  other  parts  of  the  hospital 
camp  by  a  board  walk.  A  frame  building  was  erected  for  use  as  a  kitchen  and 
dining  hall,  the  latter  capable  of  seating  250  persons.  Other  buildings  were  con- 
structed for  use  as  water-closets  and  bath  houses,  the  latter  furnished  with  hot 
and  cold  water.  Water  from  the  post  supply  was  conducted  to  all  parts  of  the 
camp  and  a  condensing  plant  provided  a  sufficient  supply  of  distilled  water  for 
drinking.  All  sewage  was  delivered  by  sewers  into  the  mains  of  the  sewerage 
system  of  the  post.  This  hospital  was  strengthened  by  the  conveniences  of  the 
post  hospital,  including,  besides  its  wards,  an  operating  room,  laboratory,  dispen- 
sary, X-ray  room,  offices,  special  diet  kitchen,  and  storage  rooms. 

The  first  patients  were  received  July  13,  244  officers  and  men  from  the  City  of 
Washington,  a  transport  from  Santiago,  Cuba.  These  were  accommodated  in  the 
tent  pavilions,  but  as  the  kitchen  and  mess-hall  building  was  yet  unfinished,  Buz- 
zacott  ovens,  under  tent  flies,  were  used  until  July  18,  when  the  hospital  buildings 
were  completed.  This  hospital  received  sick  and  wounded  from  the  transports 
City  of  Washington,  Breakwater,  Solace,  Hudson,  Obdam,  and  Lampasas,  and 
from  the  camp  at  Newport  News,  Va.  To  August  31  there  were  admitted  978 
7833— vol.  1 42 


658         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

cases,  25  of  which  terminated  fatally.  The  medical  force  attached  to  the  hospital 
consisted  of  15  officers,  2  stewards,  4  acting  stewards,  and  94  privates  of  the  hos- 
pital corps,  and  43  female  and  11  male  contract  nurses. 

5.  General  Hospital  at  Fort  Myer,  Va. — On  May  13,  1898,  the  Secretary  of  War 
approved  my  request  to  utilize  the  vacant  barrack  buildings  of  Fort  Myer,  Va. , 
in  connection  with  the  post  hospital  at  that  place  as  a  general  hospital.  The 
buildings  were  speedily  fitted  up,  and  the  hospital  provided  with  all  needful  sup- 
plies. One  building  had  to  be  erected  as  a  deadhouse.  The  riding  hall  of  the 
post  was  floored  and  converted  into  a  ward  for  175  patients.  At  each  end  of  the 
riding  hall,  but  detached  from  it,  two  water-closets  were  constructed  for  the  dis- 
infection and  disposal  of  typhoid  excreta.  Water  was  brought  into  this  hall,  with 
two  faucets  at  each  end  of  the  building  for  use  in  filling  tubs  for  baths.  The 
hospital  kitchens  were  supplemented  by  a  Red  Cross  special- diet  kitchen.  The 
capacity  of  this  hospital  is  544.  Up  to  August  31  the  number  of  admissions 
amounted  to  734,  the  deaths  to  70.  Most  of  the  cases  were  derived  from  the 
Second  Army  Corps,  at  Camp  Alger,  Va.  The  personnel  consisted  of  18  medical 
men,  2  stewards,  9  acting  stewards,  67  privates  of  the  Hospital  Corps,  49  female 
and  12  male  contract  nurses,  and  28  laborers. 

6.  General  Hospital,  Fort  Thomas,  Ky. — On  April  27  I  requested  authority  to 
make  use  of  the  vacant  barrack  buildings  at  Fort  Thomas,  Ky. ,  as  a  general  hos- 
pital. This  was  granted,  and  I  immediately  sent  200  beds  and  bedding,  with 
instructions  to  the  surgeon  in  command  to  make  use  of  the  quartermaster's  bed- 
steads then  in  the  barracks  and  to  require  for  all  the  necessary  personnel  and  sup- 
plies for  active  service  in  his  hospital.  The  proposed  establishment  was  intended 
as  a  reserve  hospital,  and  patients  were  not  sent  to  it  until  July  7.  The  num- 
ber of  available  beds  was  416.  The  number  of  patients  received  up  to  August  31 
was  394,  among  whom  there  occurred  25  deaths.  Ten  medical  men  were  on  duty 
at  this  hospital,  1  steward,  3  acting  stewards,  67  privates  of  the  Hospital  Corps,  33 
female  and  3  male  contract  nurses. 

The  post  hospitals,  which  did  duty  as  general  hospitals  during  the  period  April 
1  to  August  31, 1898,  were  chiefly  six,  although  many  others  cared  occasionally 
for  sick  and  wounded  men  not  members  of  the  local  garrison.  The  hospital  build- 
ing at  each  of  these  posts  is  in  excellent  condition.  It  formed  the  administration 
building  of  the  extended  hospital  and  provided  commodious  wards  for  cases  of 
grave  sickness.  Fifty  or  more  cots,  bedding,  etc.,  for  250  or  more  patients  were 
sent  to  the  surgeon  in  charge  of  each  with  orders  to  get  in  readiness  for  immediate 
service.  These  movements  were  instituted  July  17-28.  The  tents  were  floored, 
framed,  and  pitched  in  pavilion  wards  and,  prior  to  the  reception  of  sick,  the  per- 
sonnel of  the  establishment  was  increased  to  meet  the  necessities  of  the  case. 

At  Washington  Barracks,  where  the  patients  were  mostly  convalescents  from 
the  general  hospital,  Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  it  was  not  at  first  needful  to  add  to  the 
number  of  medical  officers  nor  to  send  any  contract  nurses,  as  the  surgeon  in 
charge  had  a  hospital  corps  company  of  instruction  to  draw  upon  according  to  his 
needs.  At  Fort  Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  on  the  other  hand,  where  the  cases  came  direct 
from  Santiago,  there  were  assigned  to  duty  5  medical  men  under  contract,  1  stew- 
ard, 6  acting  stewards,  24  hospital  corps  privates,  and  4  male  and  15  female  con- 
tract nurses.  Details  made  by  the  commanding  officer  from  the  troops  in  garrison 
did  the  policing  and  other  heavy  work  of  the  extemporized  hospital. 

The  appended  tabulation  summarizes  the  cases  and  deaths  reported  to  August 
31, 1898,  from  the  general  hospitals  and  the  post  and  civil  hospitals. 
Very  respectfully, 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL. 


659 


APPENDIX. 

General,  post,  and  civil  hospitals,  cases  and  deaths,  April  1  to  August  31, 1898. 


Cases. 


Deaths. 


General  hospitals: 

Chickamauga,  Tenn.  (Leiter  general  hospital) 

Key  West,  Fla 

McPherson,  Foi  t,  Ga 

Monroe,  Fort,  Va 

Mver,  Fort,  Va 

Thomas,  Fort,Ky 

Total 

Post  hospitals : 

Washington  Barracks,  D.  C 

Columbus,  Fort,  N.  Y 

Hamilton,  Fort,  N.  Y 

Presidio  of  San  Francisco,  Cal 

Vancouver  Barracks,  Washington 

Wadsworth,  Fort,  New  York 

Honolulu,  Hawaiian  Islands 

Total 

Civil  hospitals : 

Charleston,  S.  C,  City  Hospital 

Charleston,  St.  F.  X.  Hospital 

Key  West,  Marine  Hospital,  Fla 

Mobile,  Ala.,  Marine  Hospital 

New  York  civil  hospitals 

Philadelphia  hospitals 

San  Francisco,  Cal.,  Marine  Hospital 

Stapleton,  H,  Y.,  Marine  Hospital 

Total 

Aggregate 


496 
547 
1,244 
978 
734 


256 


258 

78 

957 


240 

1 

438 

54 

i 

2,690 

47 





118 

7 

74 

4 

5 

77 

5 

1,084 

19 

427 

11 

100 

14 

106 

1,991 

60 

9,074 


363 


MEMORANDUM  RELATING  TO  THE  MEDICAL  DEPARTMENT. 


661 


MEDICAL  DEPARTMENT. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  October  6,  1898. 
Gen.  G.  M.  Dodge, 

President  of  Board  to  Investigate  the  War  Department. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a  memorandum  relating  to  the 
Medical  Department  of  the  Army;  subject,  medical  officers. 
Very  respectfully, 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General  United  States  Army. 


MEMORANDUM  RELATING  TO  THE  MEDICAL  DEPARTMENT 

MEDICAL  OFFICERS. 

The  number  of  medical  officers  allowed  by  law  is  inadequate  in  times  of  peace. 
The  total  number  allowed  is  192.  There  are  at  present  13  vacancies.  The  admin- 
istration of  the  Surgeon-General's  Office  and  the  Army  Medical  Museum  requires 
6.  Eleven  are  on  duty  at  medical  supply  depots  and  as  chief  surgeons  of  military 
departments.  One  is  at  the  Soldiers'  Home;  56  are  at  general  hospitals,  on  hos- 
pital ships,  and  at  garrisoned  posts.  Four  have  been  disabled  since  the  com- 
mencement of  the  war  by  sickness.  Five  are  on  duty  as  chief  surgeons  of  army 
corps.  This  leaves  97  medical  officers  available  for  duty  with  troops  in  the  field. 
Of  these,  35  have  been  appointed  brigade  surgeons  of  volunteers  and  are  distrib- 
uted among  the  various  army  corps.  Since  the  declaration  of  war  the  loss  by 
death  has  been  2,  and  23  are  now  absent  from  duty  on  sick  leave. 

This  deficiency  in  regular  medical  officers  has  made  it  necessary  to  employ  more 
than  650  contract  surgeons.  Most  of  these  doctors  from  civil  life  are  doing  good 
service,  and  many  of  them  are  thoroughly  well-equipped  physicians  and  surgeons, 
with  ample  hospital  experience;  but  it  has  been  impossible  to  make  a  careful 
selection,  owing  to  the  great  pressure  of  business  in  the  Surgeon-General's  Office, 
and  the  urgency  has  been  so  great  that  it  has  not  been  practicable  to  have  exam- 
ining boards  to  pass  upon  their  qualifications.  I  have  endeavored,  so  far  as  pos- 
sible, to  obtain  satisfactory  professional  indorsement  before  making  a  contract 
with  an  applicant.  The  number  of  applications  has  been  so  great,  and  the  per- 
sonal visits  of  applicants  and  their  friends  so  numerous,  as  to  constitute  a  serious 
embarrassment  in  conducting  the  business  of  my  office. 

There  have  been  appointed  by  the  President  8  corps  surgeons  with  the  rank  of 
lieutenant-colonel,  24  division  surgeons  with  the  rank  of  major,*  and  86  brigade 
surgeons;  also  3  medical  officers  for  each  of  the  regiments  of  United  States  vol- 
unteer infantry,  cavalry,  and  engineers.  All  volunteer  regiments  have  3  medi- 
cal officers  appointed  by  governors  of  States. 

The  very  small  proportion  of  experienced  medical  officers  has  seriously  impaired 
the  efficiency  of  the  Medical  Department,  but  many  of  the  division  and  brigade 
surgeons  from  civil  life  have  shown  great  aptitude  for  the  service  and  have 

*  Six  of  the  corps  surgeons,  2  of  the  division  surgeons,  and  35  brigade  surgeons  belong  to  the  Medi- 
cal Corps  of  the  Army. 


664        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

already  become  valuable  medical  officers.     The  same  is  true  of  many  of  the  doc- 
tors employed  under  contract. 

Referring  to  the  alleged  deficiency  of  medical  officers  with  the  Fifth  Army 
Corps  at  Santiago,  I  would  say  that  this  corps,  upon  leaving  Tampa,  had  with  it 
36  regular  medical  officers,  15  commissioned  volunteer  medical  officers,  and  20 
contract  doctors,  a  total  of  71,  or  over  4  per  thousand  of  the  strength  of  the  com- 
mand, which  I  am  informed  was  about  16,000.  Additional  medical  assistance 
was  sent  by  the  hospital  ship  Relief,  which  arrived  at  Siboney  July  7  with  20 
doctors  on  board.  There  was  also  some  volunteer  assistance  by  Dr.  Lesser,  of 
the  Red  Cross  Society;  Dr.  Rudberg  of  the  Swedish  navy;  and  several  surgeons 
of  the  Navy  from  ships  in  the  vicinity. 

It  has  not  been  the  expectation  of  the  Medical  Department  that  every  wounded 
man  would  immediately  receive  the  attention  of  a  surgeon.  No  modern  army 
makes  provision  for  so  large  a  number  of  medical  officers  as  this  would  require. 
But  attached  to  our  Army  there  is  a  corps  of  noncombatants  known  as  the  Hos- 
pital Corps,  which  is  the  organized  and  authorized  Red  Cross  Corps  of  the  Army. 
At  the  outbreak  of  the  war  we  had  800  Hospital  Corps  men  in  service.  At 
present  there  are  more  than  6,000.  These  men  wear  a  brassard  upon  the  left  arm 
bearing  the  red  cross  of  the  Geneva  Convention.  We  have  done  our  best  to 
instruct  them  in  giving  first  aid  to  the  wounded,  and  in  a  majority  of  cases  a  first- 
aid  dressing  properly  applied  by  one  of  these  men  is  all  that  is  required.  All  of 
the  surgeons  who  have  come  from  the  front  have  testified  to  the  remarkable 
results  attained  from  the  prompt  application  of  aseptic  dressings  by  our  Hospital 
Corps  men  and  by  the  soldiers  themselves  or  their  comrades.  The  proper  appli- 
cation of  the  dressings  contained  in  the  first-aid  packet, 'which  is  carried  by  every 
soldier,  is,  under  existing  regulations,  a  matter  in  which  every  enlisted  man  has 
special  instruction.  For  some  time  past  this  instruction  has  been  given  first  by 
our  medical  officers  to  the  company  officers,  and  by  them  to  the  enlisted  men. 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General  United  States  Army. 

Surgeon-General's  Office,  October  6, 1898. 

War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  October  6, 1898. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  the  report  of  Col.  Charles  R.  Green- 
leaf,  assistant  surgeon-general  United  States  Army  and  chief  surgeon  army  in  the 
field,  made  at  my  request  as  a  partial  reply  to  the  questions  10, 11,  12,  and  13. 

I  respectfully  invite  special  attention  to  the  following  telegrams,  as  evidence  of 
my  earnest  desire  that  our  troops  in  the  field  should  be  provided  with  all  neces- 
sary supplies: 

[Cables  from  General  Sternberg  to  Colonel  Greenleaf,  chief  surgeon  United  States  troops  in  the  field, 

Ponce,  Porto  Rico.] 

"August  3, 1898. 
"Relief  sails  for  Ponce  to-day.    Do  not  send  any  sick  on  transports  unless  there 
is  ample  accommodation,  medical  supplies,  suitable  diet,  and  competent  medical 
attendance.    Acknowledge  receipt." 

"August  10, 1898. 
"  Ocean  voyage  very  trying  for  severe  typhoid  cases.    Can't  you  establish  gen- 
eral hospital  at  Ponce  in  suitable  buildings?    Call  on  me  for  all  you  need.    Will 
send  hospital  tents  by  first  transport.    Will  send  money  to  your  supply  officer  if 
you  will  telegraph  his  name.    Acknowledge  receipt." 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  665 

"Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

"  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  18,  1898. 
"Huidekoper, 

"  Chief  Surgeon.  First  Army  Corps,  Guayama: 
"Plenty  of  cots  and  supplies  here.    Will  send  all  I  can  with  General  Grant's 
hospital  train  that  leaves  here  on  Saturday.    Shall  I  load  entirely  with  cots?    Can 
you  send  wagons  here  for  supplies?    Do  not  learn  anything  about  cots  from  Mas- 
sachusetts.    None  on  wharf.     Wire  daily  your  condition. 

"Greenleaf,  Chief  Surgeon:' 

"Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

"  Porto  Rico,  August  21,  1898. 
"Major  Crile,  Chief  Surgeon,  Utuado: 

"  McGillicuddy  has  reported  and  will  be  sent  by  rail  and  carriage  to-day.  Gen- 
eral Gilmore  tells  me  that  General  Henry  has  full  authority  to  move  his  command 
anywhere  within  the  lines  he  may  desire  on  account  of  health.  Use  your  discre- 
tion in  sending  Dr.  Gross  away.  Ample  medical  supplies  are  here.  Have  filled 
requisition  you  sent.    No  means  of  getting  it  to  you.     Can  you  not  send  for  it  and 

any  medical  supplies  you  require? 

"Greenleaf." 

[Cables  from  General  Sternberg  to  Colonel  Greenleaf,  chief  surgeon  army  in  the  field,  Ponce,  Porto  Rico.] 

"August  26, 1898. 
"  Do  not  fail  to  make  timely  requisition  for  everything  needed  for  the  care  and 
comfort  of  the  sick." 

"August  29, 1898. 
"If  you  need  more  money,  let  me  know.    Buy  everything  necessary  for  the 
care  and  comfort  of  the  sick.    Acknowledge  receipt." 

[Cablegram.] 

Headquarters  of  the  Army,  Office  of  the  Chief  Surgeon, 

"Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  August  29, 1898. 
"Sternberg,  Washington: 

"Relief  here,  unloading  supplies.  Plenty  of  money  for  present  use.  Have 
arranged  for  timely  renewal  of  supplies.  Nothing  leaves  here  except  in  good 
order.  Field  and  hospital  arrangements  satisfactory,  but  nurses  needed  as  cabled 
yesterday.    Huidekoper  and  Woodbury  fully  competent  to  manage  affairs  here. 

"Greenleaf." 
Very  respectfully, 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army. 
Gen.  G.  M.  Dodge. 

President  of  Board  to  Investigate  the  War  Department 


REPORT  RELATING  TO  THE  HOSPITAL  CORPS  OF  THE  ARMY. 

PREPARED   BY 

coij.  charges  h.  a:lde:n\ 


667 


HOSPITAL  CORPS  OF  THE  ARMY. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  October  13,  1898. 
Gen.  G.  M.  Dodge, 

President  of  Board  to  Investigate  War  Department. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a  report  relating  to  the  Hospital 
Corps  of  the  Army,  prepared  by  my  direction  by  Col.  Charles  H.  Alden,  assistant 
surgeon-general,  who  has  had  charge  of  the  Hospital  Corps  division  of  the 
Surgeon-General's  Office  during  the  past  five  years. 
Very  respectfully, 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General  United  States  Army. 


Hospital  Corps  Division,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  October  13, 1898. 
The  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor,  according  to  your  instructions,  to  submit  the  following 
answers  to  the  queries  addressed  by  the  commission  of  investigation  into  the 
operations  of  the  Army  in  the  war  with  Spain,  so  far  as  they  relate  to  the  Hospital 
Corps: 

Question  1.  What  was  the  organization  of  the  Medical  Department  on  April  1, 
1898?  How  many  officers,  with  their  rank;  how  many  hospital  stewards;  and  what 
was  the  size  of  the  Hospital  Corps? 

On  April  1,  1898,  there  were  in  service  100  hospital  stewards,  the  number 
fixed  by  law,  103  acting  hospital  stewards,  and  520  privates;  a  total  of  723.  The 
number  of  acting  hospital  stewards  and  privates  was  regulated  by  the  Secretary 
of  War  in  accordance  with  the  necessities  of  the  service.  The  members  of  the 
Hospital  Corps  were  scattered  in  detachments  at  the  various  posts  throughout 
the  United  States,  the  number  allowed  at  each  garrison  being  fixed  by  Army 
Regulations,  paragraphs  1409  to  1411.  The  following  circular  of  information 
shows  the  requirements  for  enlistment  as  private  and  for  promotion  to  the  grades 
of  acting  steward  and  steward,  by  which  it  will  be  seen  that  no  private  could  be 
detailed  an  acting  hospital  steward  except  after  one  year's  service  as  private  and 
passing  an  examination  successfully,  and  no  acting  steward  could  be  appointed 
hospital  steward  except  after  one  year's  service  as  such  and  after  passing  success- 
fully the  required  examination. 

circular  of  information  for  persons  desirous  of  enlisting  in  the  hospital 
corps,  united  states  army. 

The  Hospital  Corps  consists  of  hospital  stewards,  acting  hospital  stewards,  and 
privates. 

This  corps  offers  good  pay  and  at  the  same  time  gives  a  training  which  will  be 
of  great  usefulness  in  civil  life.  If  promotion  is  in  view,  it  opens  the  way  to  one 
of  the  best  positions  attainable  by  an  enlisted  man  in  the  United  States  Army. 

All  enlistments  are  for  the  grade  of  private,  but  provision  is  made  for  the  pro- 
motion of  those  who  show  themselves  to  be  earnest,  intelligent,  capable,  and 
trustworthy. 


670         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Original  enlistments  are  confined  to  persons  who  are  citizens  of  the  United 
States,  or  who  have  made  legal  declaration  of  their  intention  to  become  citizens 
thereof.    The  term  of  service  is  three  years. 

Applicants  must  be  between  the  ages  of  21  and  30  years,  unmarried,  of  good 
character  and  habits,  able-bodied,  free  from  disease,  not  less  than  5  feet  4  inches 
in  height,  and  able  to  speak,  read,  and  write  the  English  language.  Minor  defects 
of  vision  that  can  be  corrected  by  glasses  are  not  regarded  as  a  bar  to  enlistment. 

They  must  defray  their  own  expenses  to  the  place  of  enlistment,  satisfy  the 
recruiting  officer  regarding  age  and  character,  and  be  prepared  to  furnish  evidence 
thereof.  Their  fitness  for  the  military  service  can  only  be  ascertained  by  examina- 
tion at  a  recruiting  station  or  at  a  military  post. 

Under  the  act  of  June  16,  1890,  and  existing  rules  prescribed  by  the  President 
in  accordance  therewith,  a  man  in  his  first  enlistment,  having  served  one  year, 
may  be  accorded  the  privilege  of  purchasing  his  discharge  at  any  time  for  several 
months  thereafter  upon  payment  of  a  stipulated  sum,  the  maximum  purchase 
price  being  $120. 

The  following  is  the  rate  of  pay  as  now  established: 


First  enlistment. 

Grade. 

Pay  per 
month. 

Pay  per 
year. 

Pay  for 
three  years. 

$45.00 
25.00 
18.00 

$540. 00 
300.00 
216.00 

$1, 620. 00 
900.00 

648.00 

In  addition  to  the  rates  enumerated  above,  $1  per  month  is  added  during  the 
third  year  of  first  enlistment. 

Members  of  the  Hospital  Corps  reenlisting  within  three  months  from  date  of  dis- 
charge receive  a  further  increase  of  pay  for  the  fourth  and  fifth  years  of  service, 
and  a  still  further  increase  for  each  five  years  of  continuous  service.  They  also 
receive  from  the  Government  (in  addition  to  their  pay)  rations,  clothing,  bedding, 
medicines,  and  medical  attendance.  They  can  deposit  their  savings  in  sums  not 
less  than  $5  with  any  Army  paymaster,  and  for  sums  so  deposited  for  six  months 
or  longer  interest  at  the  rate  of  4  per  cent  per  annum  will  be  paid  on  final  dis- 
charge.   These  deposits  are  nonforfeitable,  except  for  desertion. 

For  those  who  have  become  infirm  during  twenty  years'  service,  or  who  have  been 
discharged  for  wounds  received  or  sickness  brought  on  in  service,  a  comfortable 
home  is  maintained  in  the  city  of  Washington.  The  sum  of  12£  cents  per  month 
is  deducted  from  each  soldier's  pay,  to  be  applied  toward  the  support  of  the  Home. 
After  thirty  years'  service  enlisted  men  are  entitled  to  be  retired,  and  upon  retire- 
ment to  receive  monthly  three-fourths  of  the  pay  allowed  to  them  by  law  in  the 
grade  they  held  when  retired,  with  an  allowance  for  clothing  and  subsistence. 

Furloughs  to  deserving  men  are  granted  during  the  term  of  enlistment  when 
their  services  can  be  spared  from  their  post  of  duty. 

When  a  man  is  honorably  discharged  at  the  expiration  of  his  enlistment,  or  on 
account  of  sickness,  his  travel  pay  is  ample  to  carry  him  to  the  place  of  enlist- 
ment. By  care  and  economy  he  can  save  from  his  clothing  allowance  a  consid- 
erable sum,  payable  to  him  on  his  discharge. 

The  accepted  candidate  for  enlistment  is  usually  sent  at  first  to  a  Hospital  Corps 
school.  He  is  there  given  the  instruction  that  is  needful  to  enable  him  to  do  his 
duty  intelligently  and  to  appreciate  what  are  the  requisites  for  promotion  in  the 
corps.    When  properly  qualified  he  is  sent  to  some  military  station  for  duty. 

Privates  who  have  served  one  year  or  more  and  who  have  displayed  particular 
merit  may  be  recommended  to  the  Surgeon-General  for  examination  with  a  view 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  6 VI 

to  detail  as  acting  hospital  steward.     If  graduates  in  pharmacy  they  may  not  be 
required  to  serve  the  full  year  of  probation. 

Under  existing  law  promotion  to  a  stewardship  is  not  authorized  until  the  can- 
didate has  demonstrated  his  fitness  for  the  position  by  one  year  of  service  as  an 
acting  hospital  steward.  His  application  must  be  approved  by  the  surgeon  of  his 
post  and  by  the  post  commander,  and  must  bear  satisfactory  certification  as  to 
character,  conduct,  general  fitness,  and  habits,  particularly  in  regard  to  the  use 
of  stimulants  and  narcotics.  Successful  candidates  examined  at  or  about  the 
same  time  take  precedence  for  appointment,  so  far  as  practicable,  in  the  order  of 
relative  merit  as  shown  by  the  results  of  their  examination. 

Applications  for  enlistment,  accompanied  by  testimonials  as  to  character,  phys- 
ical soundness,  and  special  knowledge  as  of  pharmacy,  cookery,  mechanics,  etc., 
should  be  addressed  to  "  The  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army,  Washington, 
D.  C."  (who  authorizes  enlistments);  or  candidates  may  apply  in  person  to  any 
recruiting  officer  of  the  Army,  or  preferably  to  the  medical  officer  at  any  military 
post  or  station. 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General  United  States  Army. 

War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  D.  C,  June  23, 1897. 

In  order  to  train  the  men  for  the  hospital  corps  for  their  duties,  there  was  a 
special  school  of  instruction  established  at  Washington  Barracks,  to  which  all 
recruits  for  the  Hospital  Corps  enlisted  in  the  Eastern  portion  of  our  country 
were  sent  for  training  from  four  to  six  months  before  being  sent  to  a  military 
post.  To  meet  the  necessity  for  instruction  in  the  West,  small  detachments  were 
stationed  for  instruction  at  the  principal  military  posts  at  each  of  the  several 
Western  departments:  Fort  Sheridan,  111.;  Fort  Leavenworth,  Kans.;  Fort  Snel- 
ling,  Minn.;  Fort  Crook,  Nebr. ;  Vancouver  Barracks,  Wash.;  Presidio  of  San 
Francisco,  Cal.;  Fort  Logan,  Colo.;  and  Fort  Sam  Houston,  Tex.  Men  were 
drafted  from  these  detachments  when  needed  at  posts  in  the  departments  to  which 
they  were  attached.  At  these  schools  of  instruction  the  men  were  trained  in 
nursing,  first  aid,  litter  and  ambulance  drill,  cooking,  to  assist  the  surgeon  in 
operations,  and  in  the  elements  of  pharmacy  and  hygiene. 

Question  3.  An  army  of  what  size  was  the  department  able  to  completely  fit 
out  with    *    *    *    stewards  and  hospital  corps?    *    *    * 

The  hospital  corps,  of  the  strength  above  mentioned,  was  designed  for  service 
with  troops  stationed  in  garrisons,  which  was  the  condition  of  the  Army  before 
the  declaration  of  war,  and  was  sufficient.  It  was  insufficient  for  the  Army  if 
mobilized  for  active  field  service,  especially  as  to  hospital  stewards,  of  which  the 
number — 100 — was  fixed  by  law.  It  was  possible  to  increase  the  number  of 
acting  stewards  and  privates  as  the  needs  of  the  service  required. 

Question  4.  Between  April  1  and  August  31,  1898,  what  steps  were  taken  for 
fully  supplying  an  army  of  250,000  men  with  all  the  necessary  *  *  *  stewards, 
hospital  corps?  ■  *    *    * 

Immediately  upon  the  declaration  of  war  and  the  call  by  the  President  for 
125,000  men,  the  necessity  for  additional  stewards  and  privates  of  the  Hospital 
Corps  was  recognized,  and  on  April  25,  1898,  the  Surgeon-General  addressed  the 
Secretary  of  War  as  follows: 

"  By  the  act  of  Congress,  approved  March  16, 1898,  the  number  of  hospital  stew- 
ards of  the  Hospital  Corps,  United  States  Army,  which  up  to  that  time  had  been 
restricted  only  by  the  needs  of  the  service  were  reduced  to  100.  I  have  the  honor 
now  to  request  that  this  restriction  be  removed  in  view  of  the  increase  of  military 
posts  and  the  necessity  of  additional  hospital  stewards  in  the  field." 


672         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

An  act  removing  this  restriction,  as  requested,  was  introduced,  but  did  not  seem 
to  meet  with  favor,  as  it  was  proposed  to  limit  the  increase  to  100. 

On  the  26th  of  April,  the  Surgeon-General  addressed  the  following  letter  to  the 
Hon.  J.  R.  Hawley,  of  the  United  States  Senate,  chairman  of  the  Military  Com- 
mittee of  the  Senate: 

''Dear  Sir:  Referring  to  the  House  amendment  to  Senate  bill  4556, 1  would 
respectfully  state  the  limitation  of  the  increase  of  hospital  stewards  to  100  may 
lead  to  embarrassment  and  may  call  for  additional  legislation  in  future,  especially 
in  view  of  the  second  call  for  75,000  volunteers.  We  will  no  doubt  have  to  estab- 
lish numerous  general  hospitals  if  the  war  is  protracted  (it  is  at  present  impossible 
to  say  just  how  many  hospitals  may  be  actually  required) ;  the  limitation  thereof 
appears  to  me  to  be  very  injudicious  and  unnecessary." 

In  order  to  provide  for  members  of  the  Hospital  Corps  for  the  Volunteer  Army 
called  out  by  the  President,  the  Surgeon-General  addressed  the  following  com- 
munication to  the  Secretary  of  War: 

April  24,  1898. 
To  the  Honorable  Secretary  of  War,  Washington  City. 

Sir:  Referring  to  the  call  by  the  President  of  the  United  States  for  125,000  vol- 
unteers, I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  recommendation:  I  recommend 
that  for  each  regiment  of  volunteer  infantry  or  cavalry  mustered  into  the  service 
of  the  United  States  there  be  enlisted  the  following  members  of  the  Hospital 
Corps:  One  hospital  steward,  1  acting  hospital  steward,  and  25  privates.  For 
each  battery  of  artillery,  1  hospital  steward  and  5  privates;  also,  that  for  each 
division  of  the  Army  there  be  enlisted,  in  addition  to  the  above,  1  hospital  stew- 
ard, 1  acting  hospital  steward,  and  50  privates  of  the  Hospital  Corps,  to  serve 
under  the  direction  of  the  chief  surgeon  of  the  division.  These  men,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  Geneva  Convention,  will  be  noncombatants,  and  will  wear  the  arm 
badge  bearing  a  red  cross  on  a  white  ground,  prescribed  by  article  7. 
Very  respectfully, 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General,  U.  S.  Army. 

This  recommendation  was  not  favorably  considered  by  Congress,  and  no  action 
was  taken  for  a  volunteer  hospital  corps.  In  view  of  this  want  of  action  on  the 
part  of  Congress,  the  following  letter  was  addressed  by  the  Surgeon-General  to 
the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army: 

Washington,  D.  C,  May  18, 1898. 
To  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army,  Washington  City. 

Sir:  As  no  provision  was  made  for  a  hospital  corps  in  the  act  authorizing  the 
enlistment  of  volunteers,  it  becomes  necessary  to  provide  the  necessary  number 
of  hospital  corps  privates  for  service  with  the  Volunteer  Army  by  increasing  the 
Hospital  Corps  of  the  Regular  Army.  This  can  be  done  under  existing  laws.  I 
am  informed  that -many  men  who  formerly  served  in  the  National  Guard  as 
members  of  the  hospital  corps  have  enlisted  in  the  volunteer  regiments  because 
there  was  no  authority  for  the  muster  into  the  service  of  a  volunteer  hospital 
corps.  In  view  of  this  fact,  I  have  the  honor  to  recommend  that  transfers  of 
enlisted  men  from  the  volunteer  regiments  to  the  Hospital  Corps  may  be  author- 
ized, and  that  division  commanders  may  have  authority  to  direct  such  transfers 
upon  the  recommendation  of  the  chief  surgeon;  the  men  so  transferred  to  be 
assigned  to  duty  with  the  regiment  belonging  to  the  command  with  the  division 
hospital,  or  wherever  their  services  may  be  required.  The  Judge- Advocate- 
General  of  the  Army  has  rendered  an  opinion  favorable  to  such  action  in  an 
indorsement  dated  May  16,  1898,  which  is  as  follows: 

"Respectfully  returned  to  the  Adjutant-General. 

"  This  is  a  question  as  to  whether  an  enlisted  man  in  the  volunteer  branch  of 
the  Army  may  be  transferred  to  the  Hospital  Corps.     It  would  Seem  that  such 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL. 


673 


transfer  may  be  held  to  be  authorized  by  the  act  of  March  1,  1897,  creating  the 
hospital  corps,  which  provided  that  any  enlisted  man  in  the  Army  shall  be  eligible 
to  transfer  to  the  Hospital  Corps  as  a  private. 

"Norman  Lieber,  Judge-Advocate-General" 
Very  respectfully, 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General,  U.  S.  Army. 


On  May  31,  1898,  in  General  Orders,  No.  58,  Headquarters  of  the  Army,  the 
decision  just  referred  to,  together  with  additional  provisions  of  regulations  for 
the  Hospital  Corps  in  time  of  war  and  in  the  field,  were  published  in  accordance 
with  the  request  of  the  Surgeon-General.  His  letter  is  omitted,  but  a  copy  of  the 
general  order  referred  to  is  given  below; 

General  Orders,  \  Headquarters  of  the  Army, 

[■  Adjutant-General's  Office, 

No.  58.  )  Washington,  May  31,  1898. 

I.  By  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  the  following  is  published  to  the  Army 
for  the  information  and  guidance  of  all  concerned: 

Enlisted  men  of  the  volunteer  organizations  may  be  transferred  to  the  Hospital 
Corps  of  the  Regular  Army  by  the  commanding  general  of  the  army  corps  in 
which  the  soldier  is  serving,  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  chief  surgeon  of 
the  corps. 

The  provisions  of  Army  Regulations  governing  the  Hospital  Corps  so  far  as 
they  are  inapplicable  in  time  of  war  and  with  troops  in  the  field  are  hereby 
suspended  during  the  existence  of  such  conditions. 

The  commander  of  an  army  corps,  or  of  a  division  or  brigade  acting  independ- 
ently of  a  corps,  is  charged  with  the  full  control  of  the  transfer  from  the  line, 
the  enlistment,  reenlistment,  and  discharge  of  members  of  the  hospital  corps 
of  his  command,  with  the  detail  of  acting  hospital  stewards,  and  the  appointment 
of  hospital  stewards. 

Acting  hospital  stewards  will  be  detailed  from  privates  of  the  Hospital  Corps 
who  are  recommended  by  their  medical  officers  as  possessing  the  necessary  quali- 
fications. Hospital  stewards  will  be  appointed  from  acting  hospital  stewards 
who  are  recommended  by  their  medical  officers  and  who  have  served  not  less  than 
three  months  in  the  Hospital  Corps  and  are  approved  by  a  board  of  not  less 
than  three  medical  officers. 

Enlistment  papers  in  duplicate,  examination  forms,  and  outline  figure  cards  for 
members  of  the  Hospital  Corps  will  be  forwarded  to  the  Surgeon-General's  Office, 
as  now  required,  and  monthly  reports  will  be  made  by  the  chief  surgeon  of  the 
corps,  or  division  if  acting  independently,  showing  the  number  of  stewards,  act- 
ing stewards,  and  privates  on  duty,  the  names  of  men  transferred  from  the  line, 
of  those  enlisted  or  reenlisted,  discharged,  died,  detailed  acting  hospital  steward, 
or  appointed  hospital  steward. 

The  quota  of  members  of  the  Hospital  Corps  for  a  corps  of  25,000  men  is: 


For  each  regiment  of  infantry 

For  ea<'h  artillery  battalion,  three  light  batteries 

For  each  regiment  of  cavalry 

For  each  corps  headquarters 

For  each  division  headquarters 

For  each  brigade  headquarters 

For  each  division  ambulance  company  and  for  the  reserve  corps  com- 


pany 


For  each  division  field  hospital  and  for  the  reserve  corps  field  hospital 


Hospital  '.  ±t^tf, 
stewards,  8^P.W 


Privates. 


1 
1 
2 
2 
1 
1 

104 
90 


7833— vol.  1 


43 


674        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  three  volunteer  hospital  stewards  mustered  in  with  each  regiment  are 
included  in  this  strength. 

The  corps  commander  may  make  such  distribution  of  the  members  of  the  Hos- 
pital Corps  within  his  command  as  he  considers  for  the  best  interests  of  the 
service. 

n.  By  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  when  recruits  of  the  Hospital  Corps 
are  sent  to  posts  or  stations,  recruiting  officers  will  forward  in  each  case  the 
descriptive  and  assignment  card  required  by  army  regulation  850  for  the  line  of 
the  Army. 

By  command  of  Major-General  Miles: 

H.  C.  Corbin,  Adjutant-General. 

At  once  on  the  declaration  of  war,  measures  were  taken  to  increase  the  Hospital 
Corps  by  direct  enlistments  as  rapidly  as  possible.  Circulars  of  information, 
posters,  giving  the  rates  of  pay,  etc.,  were  sent  out  to  the  recruiting  officers  and 
medical  officers;  and  correspondence  was  entered  into  with  superintendents  of 
hospitals  and  medical  men  in  many  localities  to  enlist  their  aid  in  obtaining  suit- 
able men  for  the  Hospital  Corps.  It  being  evident  that  it  would  be  impossible  to 
obtain  enough  Hospital  Corps  men  by  general  enlistment  in  this  way  for  the  needs 
of  the  whole  Army,  regular  and  volunteer,  the  Surgeon-General,  on  May  14, 1898, 
wrote  to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army  as  follows: 

' '  Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  request  that  instructions  be  sent  to  each  officer  charged 
with  the  muster  in  of  volunteer  regiments  to  enlist,  in  accordance  with  existing 
regulations,  desirable  men  who  are  approved  by  the  medical  officer  for  the  Hospital 
Corps,  United  States  Army,  at  the  rate  of  15  privates  for  each  regiment  and  5  for 
each  battalion  and  battery.  Further,  that  orders  may  be  given  that  these  men 
accompany  the  regiments  to  their  future  destinations.  It  does  not  seem  to  be 
clearly  understood  in  some  States  that  3  hospital  stewards  are  allowed  to  be  mus- 
tered in  with  each  volunteer  regiment,  and  I  would  suggest  that  this  provision 
be  communicated  to  the  mustering  officer  also." 

Action  was  taken  in  accordance  with  the  Surgeon-General's  request.  Special 
efforts  were  made  to  obtain  recruits  for  the  Hospital  Corps  among  men  who  had 
had  experience  as  nurses  in  civil  hospitals,  but  it  was  found  that  no  considerable 
number  could  be  obtained.  Cooks,  mechanics,  and  men  who  were  used  to  the 
care  of  animals  were  also  sought  for.  Among  the  men  offering  themselves  were 
physicians,  medical  students,  and  pharmacists,  many  of  whom  were  enlisted. 

Question  9.  What  number  of  *  *  *  hospital  stewards,  nurses,  attendants, 
etc.,  were  employed  between  April  1  and  August  31,  in  addition  to  those  in  the 
service  of  the  United  States  on  April  1,  1898? 

Men  obtained  by  general  enlistment  at  the  recruiting  stations  were  sent  at  once 
to  the  hospital  school  of  instruction  at  Washington  Barracks,  D.  C,  and  were 
given  such  training  as  the  limited  time  at  disposal  allowed.  Unfortunately,  the 
demands  of  the  service  in  the  field  were  so  great  that  it  was  impossible  to  give 
extended  instruction,  and  in  many  cases  men  were  sent  direct  from  the  recruiting 
stations  to  their  duties  in  the  field.  It  has  been  impracticable  to  obtain  full  and 
complete  records  of  the  Hospital  Corps  of  men  enlisted  in  the  various  parts  of 
this  extended  country.  It  appears  from  the  records  of  this  office,  on  August  :51 
there  were  in  service  176  stewards,  250  acting  stewards,  and  4,939  privates;  total, 
5,365.  It  is  certain,  however,  that  a  largely  increased  number  must  have  been  in 
service  at  that  date.  Owing  to  the  failure  of  officers  to  report  enlistments  to  this 
office,  the  exact  number  can  not  be  given. 

Question  11.  Were  the  armies  operating  in  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  and  the  Philip- 
pines fully  supplied  with  efficient    *    *    *    stewards  and  Hospital  Corps?    *    *   * 

The  army  under  command  of  General  Shafter  (Fifth  Army  Corps)  was  largely 
made  up  of  regiments  taken  from  the  Regular  Army,  who  had  with  them,  in 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  675 

accordance  with  orders,  nearly  all  of  the  hospital  stewards  and  privates  of  the 
Hospital  Corps  from  their  posts.  Only  enough  stewards  and  privates  were  left  to 
take  care  of  the  hospital  and  hospital  property  at  the  scattered  stations.  Some 
of  the  old  stewards  also  were  too  infirm  to  take  active  service  in  the  field,  although 
still  able  to  do  duty  at  a  military  post.  So  far  as  information  can  be  obtained, 
when  the  Fifth  Army  Corps  left  Florida  for  Cuba  it  took  with  it  18  stewards,  25 
acting  stewards,  and  207  privates  of  the  Hospital  Corps. 

Under  the  operations  of  General  Order  No.  58,  Headquarters  of  the  Army,  May 
31,  1898,  already  referred  to,  the  hospital  corps  of  each  army  corps  was  recruited 
partly  by  transfers  from  the  line  and  partly  by  direct  enlistment;  and  in  most 
cases  the  number  of  men  obtained  was  nearly  equal  to  the  number  fixed  by  that 
order.  They  were  enlisted,  however,  without  very  much  training  for  nursing, 
but  there  was  ample  opportunity  for  their  being  trained  in  first  aid  and  hospital 
corps  drill  by  the  medical  officers,  under  whose  direction  they  served,  and  the 
prevalence  of  disease  in  many  of  the  camps  afforded  an  opportunity  for  their 
securing  training  in  nursing,  which  they  needed. 

Referring  to  the  hospital  corps  with  the  expeditions  sent  to  the  Philippine 
Islands,  stewards  and  acting  stewards  were  sent  from  Washington  Barracks  and 
Eastern  stations — all  that  could  be  spared.  Direct  enlistments  of  privates  were 
made  chiefly  at  San  Francisco  and  other  points  on  the  Pacific  Coast,  as  well  as 
transfers  from  the  line,  to  make  up  the  necessary  number  of  hospital  corps  men. 
It  is  understood  from  the  reports  of  the  chief  surgeons  of  the  Philippine  and 
Manila  expeditions  that  they  were  quite  adequately  supplied. 

It  became  evident  as  soon  as  malarial  and  typhoid  fevers  commenced  to  prevail 
among  the  troops  that  it  would  be  impracticable  to  take  proper  care  of  the  sick 
with  only  the  hospital  corps  men  and  the  male  nurses  that  could  be  employed. 
Attention  is  invited  to  the  report  in  regard  to  the  employment  of  female  trained 
nurses,  whose  aid  has  been  indispensable  in  this  emergency.  Not  less  than  5,000 
additional  hospital  corps  men  were  employed  between  April  and  August  31  in 
addition  to  those  in  the  Army  on  April  1,  1898. 

Question  15.  How  were  the  hospital  stewards,  nurses,  and  attendants  selected? 

Under  the  regulations  (see  General  Order,  No.  58,  before  referred  to)  hospital 
stewards  were  appointed  from  acting  hospital  stewards  who  had  at  least  three 
months'  service  in  the  grade  of  private  and  acting  hospital  steward.  They  were 
examined  by  a  board  of  at  least  three  medical  officers  and  had  to  pass  a  success- 
ful examination  before  recommendation  for  appointment  was  made.  Acting 
hospital  stewards  were  detailed  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  medical  officer 
under  whom  they  were  serving  in  the  grade  of  private.  Nurses  and  attendants 
were  selected  by  the  recruiting  officers  and  army  surgeons  acting  as  such  upon 
instructions  from  this  office  to  the  effect  that  "great  care  should  be  taken  that 
the  men  accepted  are  in  your  judgment  fit  for  the  performance  of  duty  for  which 
they  are  enlisted. "  Attention  was  invited  to  the  requirements  of  regulations  bear- 
ing upon  this  subject — existing  regulations  as  to  age  and  general  qualifications 
of  recruits  were  to  govern  in  the  acceptance  of  suitable  men.  They  were  par- 
ticularly instructed  not  to  complete  any  enlistment  unless  they  were  perfectly 
satisfied  that  the  applicant  possessed  all  of  the  requirements  needed  for  the  special 
service. 

Very  respectfully,  C.  H.  Alden, 

Assistant  Surgeon-General,  U.  S.  Army. 


REPORT  RELATING  TO  THE  MEDICAL  SUPPLIES  OF  THE  MEDICAL 
DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  ARMY. 


677 


MEDICAL  SUPPLIES. 


LIST  OF  INCLOSURES.      * 

1.  Letter  of  Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army,  transmitting  report  of  the  operations 
of  the  Medical  Department  of  the  Army  as  regards  medical  supplies. 

2.  Answers  to  questions  2,  3,  and  4,  respecting  supply  division,  Medical  Depart- 
ment, ambulances,  litters,  etc. 

3.  Pamphlet  showing  field  supply  table.  Medical  Department,  U.  S.  Army. 

4.  Circular  No.  6,  from  Surgeon-General's  Office,  relating  to  the  ordering  of 
medical  supplies. 

5.  List  of  supplies  sent  to  the  army  at  Tampa,  Fla. 

6.  List  of  supplies  furnished  hospital  ship  Relief,  leaving  New  York  City  July 
2,  1898. 

7.  Letters  of  Deputy  Surg.  Gen.  J.  V.  D.  Middleton  respecting  medical  supplies 
for  the  Philippine  expedition. 

8.  Letter  of  September  12,  1898,  from  W.  C.  M.  Clay,  editor  New  York  Sun, 
evening  edition,  to  President  McKinley,  referring  to  conditions  at  Santiago,  fol- 
lowed by  reply  of  General  Lawton,  commanding  at  Santiago;  also  report  of 
Edward  L.  Munson,  captain  and  assistant  surgeon,  U.  S.  Army,  commanding 
Reserve  Ambulance  Corps,  as  to  service  at  Santiago;  also  letters  from  Chief 
Surgeon  Hysell,  Gen.  Fitzhugh  Lee,  Surg.  E.  T.  Comegys,  and  extracts  from 
Brigadier-General  Coppinger  and  chief  surgeon,  Colonel  Maus. 

9.  Memoranda  showing  date  as  to  hospital  stewards,  etc. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  October  11,  1898, 
Gen.  G.  M.  Dodge, 

President  Board  to  Investigate  the  War  Department. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a  report  with  reference  to  the  oper- 
ations of  the  Medical  Department  of  the  Army  as  regards  medical  supplies.  This 
report  is  made  by  Col.  Charles  H.  Alden,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  U.  S.  Army, 
who  has  been  in  charge  of  the  supply  division  of  this  office  during  the  past  five 
years. 

The  temporary  deficiency  in  medical  supplies  at  Santiago  is  fully  accounted  for 
by  the  fact  that  some  of  the  supplies  of  the  Fifth  Army  Corps  were  left  at  Tampa, 
and  owing  to  the  rapidity  with  which  the  troops  were  disembarked  at  Siboney 
and  pushed  to  the  front  a  considerable  quantity  of  the  supplies  taken  were  left 
upon  the  transports.  This  is  shown  by  the  letter  of  Capt.  Edward  L.  Munson, 
assistant  surgeon,  U.  S.  Army,  attached  to  Colonel  Alden's  report,  and  also  by 
the  following  extracts  from  the  report  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Pope,  chief  surgeon, 
Fifth  Army  Corps: 

"  Three  days  prior  to  the  order  of  embarkation,  which  was  given  on  the  night  of 
June  8,  I  directed  Capt.  CM.  Gandy,  assistant  surgeon,  the  acting  medical  sup- 
ply officer  at  Tampa,  Fla.,  to  set  aside  one-half  of  all  the  medicines  and  surgical 
supplies  remaining  in  the  storehouses  to  be  taken  as  a  reserve  upon  the  headquar- 
ters' ship,  the  Seguranca,  under  my  own  charge.     At  the  time  the  order  was  given 

679 


880         [NTR8T1GATIOH   OF   CONDUCT    or    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

supplies  were  beginning  to  be  unloaded  from  the  trains  by  the  quartermaster's 
department,  and  issues  were  made  to  regimental  surgeons  of  both  volunteer 
and  regular  organizations  of  such  articles  as  were  needed.  The  reserve  was  not 
large  and  was  gotten  out  of  the  storehouse  by  myself  and  two  hospital-corps 
men  at  midnight  of  the  8th  and  put  upon  the  train  which  left  for  Port  Tampa 
at  2.30  a.  m.  of  the  9th.  There  were  two  wagonloads  taken  that  night  and  Cap- 
tain Gandy  sent  two  more  on  the  following  morning.  Among  this  lot  of  medi- 
cines there  was,  fortunately,  a  large  amount  of  quinine,  two  barrels  in  all,  and 
other  material,  and  three  sets  of  surgical  chests,  and  sterilizer.  The  medicines 
received  on  the  morning  of  the  9th  were  ultimately  placed  on  the  steamer  Olivette, 
where  they  were  much  needed. 

"  My  reason  for  taking  only  one-half  the  amount  of  supplies  in  the  storehouses 
was  that  volunteer  regiments  were  continually  arriving  at  Tampa,  and  I  felt  cer- 
tain that  they  would  need  everything  that  I  could  spare,  as  these  troops  were 
usually  destitute  of  everything. 

"  Medical  and  surgical  chests,  with  which  the  regular  regiments  were  in  nearly 
every  instance  provided,  were,  in  the  hurry  of  departure,  unfortunately  left  on  the 
transports,  together  with  all  ex^ra  medical  supplies.  A  few  medical  officers  took 
their  chests  with  them  only  to  abandon  them  within  the  first  mile  of  the  march, 
leaving  them  to  be  afterwards  picked  up  by  passing  wagons  or  ambulances." 
Very  respectfully, 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  October  10,  1898. 
The  Surgeon-General  of  the  Army. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  containing  answers  to  the 
questions  of  the  committee  of  investigation  into  the  operations  of  the  War 
Department  during  the  war  with  Spain,  so  far  as  they  relate  to  the  supply  divi- 
sion, which  is  under  my  charge: 

Question  2.  How  many  ambulances  and  litters  were  available  April  1 ,  1898? 

At  this  date  there  were  on  hand  at  military  stations  109  ambulances  and  790 
litters.  In  addition,  the  Quartermaster's  Department  had  at  depots  96  ambu- 
lances, and  each  battery,  troop,  and  company  was  supposed  to  have  2  litters  each, 
though  it  is  probable  many  of  these  were  of  old  patterns,  and  possibly  some 
organizations  were  not  supplied. 

Question  3.  An  army  of  what  size  was  the  War  Department  able  to  completely 
fit  out  with  medical  officers,  stewards,  and  hospital  corps,  and  necessary  surgical 
instruments,  and  supplies  of  every  character? 

The  authorized  strength  of  the  Army  April  1,  1898,  was  a  little  over  28,000  offi- 
cers and  men.  This  force  was  stationed  as  garrisons  at  military  posts,  and  while 
the  supplies  furnished  were  more  especially  adapted  to  the  medical  wants  of 
troops  serving  under  such  conditions  there  was  ample  provision  for  field  service, 
especially  at  posts  where  active  service  against  Indians  or  riot  duty  was  possible. 
Further  than  this,  it  is  believed  the  medical  supplies  of  every  character  that  were 
available  were  sufficient  for  the  then  existing  Army  for  any  duty,  though,  neces- 
sarily, additions  would  have  to  be  made  in  mobilizing  it  into  an  army  for  foreign 
service. 

Question  4.  Between  April  1  and  August  31,  1898,  what  steps  were  taken  for 
fully  supplying  an  army  of  250,000  men  with  all  necessary  surgeons,  stewards, 
hospital-corps  ambulances,  litters,  surgical  instruments,  and  medical  supplies  of 
all  and  every  character? 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  681 

My  reply  to  this  question  relates  only  to  medical  supplies,  and  naturally  divides 
itself  into  the  general  measures  taken  at  the  Surgeon-General's  Office  and  those 
carried  out  at  the  several  supply  depots  and  camps. 

Up  to  the  time  that  war  was  declared  it  was  not  practicable  to  take  any  imme- 
diate steps  to  obtain  supplies,  as  it  was  not  known  until  that  date  that  the  troops 
would  actually  be  called  out,  nor  were  there  funds  available  from  which  to  make 
purchases.  But  already,  before  April  1 ,  in  view  of  the  possibility  of  future  needs, 
orders  were  given  to  have  the  field  medical  outfits,  medical  and  surgical  chests, 
instruments,  etc.,  at  the  supply  depots  put  in  order  for  issue  in  case  of  need,  and 
early  in  March  the  preparation  of  a  new  pattern  medical  and  surgical  chests  was 
begun  so  as  to  have  them  ready  for  manufacture  immediately  upon  necessity 
arising. 

Immediately  upon  information  being  received  that  orders  were  about  to  issue 
from  the  Adjutant-General's  Office  directing  the  regular  regiments  to  leave  their 
western  stations  and  concentrate  in  camps  at  Chickamauga  and  elsewhere  the 
following  recommendation  was  made  to  the  Adjutant-General,  under  date  of 
April  15: 

"Each  regiment  to  take  2  ambulances,  4  extra  litters,  a  field  hospital  for  k10 
men,  medical  and  surgical  chests,  field  supplies  for  three  months. 

"  Infantry  regiments  to  have  a  steward  or  acting  steward  and  10  privates  of 
Hospital  Corps. 

"  Cavalry  regiments  to  have  2  stewards  or  acting  stewards  and  15  hospital  corps 
men. 

"A  light  battery  to  have  1  ambulance,  field  hospital  for  5 men  (1  hospital  tent), 
an  acting  steward,  and  5  privates  of  the  hospital  corps." 

Immediately  upon  the  declaration  of  war,  April  21,  steps  were  taken  to  obtain 
medical  supplies  for  the  new  Volunteer  Army.  For  the  more  important  articles 
and  those  of  highest  cost,  bids  were  invited  at  short  notice — such,  for  instance,  as 
medical  and  surgical  chests,  litters  and  slings,  field  operating  cases,  surgeons'  field 
cases,  pocket  cases,  orderly  and  hospital-corps  pouches,  etc. — orders  were  given, 
and  the  manufacture  expedited  with  the  utmost  dispatch.  Requests  for  proposals 
for  the  usual  spring  purchases  had  been  made  in  March,  but  to  obtain  medicines 
and  other  additional  supplies  in  view  of  a  state  of  war,  advantage  was  taken  of 
the  authority  granted  by  act  of  Congress  and  purchases  were  made  in  open 
market,  the  interests  of  the  Government  being  guarded  by  obtaining  informal 
bids  when  the  amount  needed  was  large  and  time  permitted. 
•  On  May  3,  foreseeing  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  have  ready  for  issue  to  the 
volunteer  regiments  as  soon  as  they  were  mustered  in  the  medical  and  surgical 
chests  above  referred  to,  as  well  as  other  articles  of  field  equipment,  as  it  would 
necessarily  take  some  time  to  prepare  them,  though  their  preparation  was  pushed 
with  the  utmost  dispatch,  the  Surgeon-General  sent  the  following  telegram  to  the 
governors  of  the  several  States: 

Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  May  3,  1898. 
Governor  of  Massachusetts,  Boston,  Mass.: 

Please  authorize  the  use  by  the  medical  department  of  volunteer  troops  from 
your  State  of  the  field  medical  equipment  of  your  National  Guard.  These  will 
be  returned  when  our  supplies  ordered  are  ready  for  issue.    Answer. 

Sternberg,  Surgeon-General. 

Most  of  the  governors  of  the  States  who  had  field  equipment  responded 
promptly  and  satisfactorily;  but,  unfortunately,  many  of  the  State  medical 
departments  had  no  such  equipment.    These  deficiencies  were  supplied  by  the 


682         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

issue  of  the  advance  field  regimental  outfits  referred  to  hereafter.  Most  of  the 
State  field  medical  equipments  so  loaned  have  been,  or  probably  will  be,  event- 
ually paid  for  by  the  United  States. 

When  it  became  evident  what  the  size  of  the  Army  would  be,  the  officers  in 
charge  of  the  medical  supply  depots  in  New  York  and  St.  Louis  were  directed  to 
keep  in  stock  or  make  arrangements  so  that  supplies  could  be  immediately 
obtained  for  100,000  men  for  six  months. 

The  supply  table  published  in  the  Manual  for  the  Medical  Department  in  1896 
gives  allowance  of  medical  supplies  for  troops  located  in  garrisons,  and  was  inap- 
propriate, consequently,  for  the  troops  in  the  field.  A  field  supply  table  was 
prepared  and  approved  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  May  9,  1898.  This  supply  table 
gives  the  contents  of  the  medical  and  surgical  chests,  of  the  Hospital  Corps  and 
orderly  pouches,  field  operating,  surgeons'  field  and  pocket  cases,  mess  chest, 
food  chest,  field  desk,  and  gives  the  allowance  of  medicines  and  disinfectants, 
hospital  stores,  stationery,  furniture,  bedding,  clothing,  and  miscellaneous  articles 
for  a  brigade  or  division  field  hospital  and  for  division  ambulance  train.  A  copy 
of  the  field  supply  table  is  appended,  marked  "A." 

An  examination  of  this  field  supply  table  will  show  that  it  was  arranged  with 
special  reference  to  the  needs  of  troops  in  active  service,  on  the  march,  and  in 
battle,  and  is  in  accordance  with  the  advanced  requirements  of  modern  surgery 
and  medicine. 

This  field  supply  table  was  intended  to  provide  for  the  allowance  for  commands 
in  active  service  and  where  only  a  limited  supply  of  articles  could  be  taken  owing 
to  the  necessity  of  restricting  transportation.  As  soon  as  it  was  evident  that  the 
troops  were  likely  to  be  retained  in  camps  of  instruction,  notification  was  given 
that  it  was  not  expected  that  the  provisions  of  the  field  supply  table  should  apply, 
and  that  articles  on  the  regular  supply  table  could  be  obtained.  On  August  12, 
in  circular  No.  6,  from  this  office  (copy  appended  marked  "B"),  attention  was 
again  invited  to  this  matter,  and  cheif  surgeons  of  Army  corps,  of  divisions,  and  of 
smaller  commands  were  enjoined  to  make  timely  requisition  for  supplies,  by 
telegraph  if  necessary,  and  that  division  and  field  hospitals  in  which  typhoid 
fever  and  other  serious  cases  were  treated  should  be  liberally  supplied  with  all 
articles  necessary  for  the  treatment  and  comfort  of  the  sick. 

The  medical  and  surgical  chests  in  use  up  to  the  outbreak  of  the  war  were 
issued  in  1891,  remodeled  in  1895,  and  were  in  the  hands  of  the  regular  regiments. 
They  were  serviceable,  but  advantage  was  taken  of  preparing  a  new  supply  for 
the  increased  Army,  to  make  them  more  efficient  and  more  thoroughly  in  accord- 
ance with  modern  practice.  The  patterns  of  these  new  medical  and  surgical 
chests  were  prepared  in  this  office  under  the  immediate  supervision  of  the  Surgeon- 
General  of  the  Army,  and  the  chests  for  issue  were  put  up  at  the  Army  Medical 
Museum  in  the  city  of  Washington.  This  was  done,  not  only  to  obtain  them 
more  satisfactorily  and  more  promptly,  but  in  order  to  relieve  the  supply  depots 
of  this  work. 

New  patterns  for  the  field  operating  case  had  been  already  fixed  upon  in  the  fall 
of  1897. 

New  forms  of  surgical  dressings,  especially  designed  for  field  use,  composed  of 
sterilized  gauze,  sublimated  and  iodoform;  sterilized  gauze  bandages,  absorbent 
cotton,  catgut  and  silk,  sterilized  and  packed  in  convenient  envelopes;  tow,  com- 
pressed cotton  sponges,  and  plaster  of  paris  bandages  were  prepared  under  the 
immediate  direction  of  this  office.  Samples  of  these  were  supplied  to  the  three 
supply  depots — New  York,  St.  Louis,  and  San  Francisco — and  all  issues  directed 
to  be  in  conformity  therewith. 

Forty  boxes  of  these  specially  prepared  dressings  were  put  up  at  the  temporary 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  683 

supply  depot,  Army  Medical  Museum,  Washington.  D.  C,  and  sent  to  Tampa, 
Fla.,  for  the  use  of  the  army  about  to  sail  for  Cuba.  The  following  is  the  list  of 
contents: 

1  Schering's  formaldehyde  sterilizer,  lamp  and  6  boxes  pastels. 
4  pairs  rubber  gloves. 

2  rubber  aprons,  38-inch. 

2  dozen  finger  cots,  assorted  sizes. 

2  pounds  green  soap. 

4  Halstead's  rubber  cylinders. 
300  gauze  bandages  (3  sizes). 
300  packages  sublimated  gauze,  1  meter  long. 
150  ounces  absorbent  cotton,  in  1-ounce  packages. 
50  packages  iodoform  gauze,  £  meter  long. 
150  packages  catgut  ligatures  (3  sizes). 
150  packages  silk  ligatures  (3  sizes). 

2  rubber  irrigating  bags. 
24  dozen  compressed  cotton  sponges  (Burney's),  large  size. 

In  order  to  provide  temporarily  for  volunteer  regiments  organized  and  ordered 
to  camps  before  the  new  medical  and  surgical  chests  were  ready  for  issue,  sup- 
plies of  medicines,  instruments,  hospital  stores,  stationery,  and  miscellaneous 
articles,  according  to  a  prescribed  list  and  packed  in  convenient  boxes,  were  pre- 
pared at  the  supply  depots. 

An  important  article  to  be  provided  was  the  first-aid  packet,  containing  anti- 
septic dressing  for  immediate  use  in  emergencies  and  intended  to  be  carried  by 
each  individual  soldier.     These  were  promptly  and  liberally  supplied. 

Whenever  notice  was  received  from  the  Adjutant-General's  Office  that  move- 
ment of  troops  or  formation  of  camps  had  been  ordered,  the  Surgeon-General 
anticipated  their  wants  according  to  his  best  judgment,  telegraphing  to  the  officer 
in  charge  of  the  nearest  supply  depot  to  forward  supplies  for  the  necessary  num- 
ber of  men  according  to  the  field-supply  table. 

Requests  for  supplies  from  medical  officers  and  orders  based  thereon  for  sup 
plies  sent  to  the  several  supply  depots  have  been  largely  by  telegraph,  and  orders 
have  been  given  that  the  supplies  should  be  forwarded  by  express  from  the  depots 
when  they  were  needed  promptly.  Whenever  the  medical  officer  requested 
authority  to  purchase  medical  and  other  supplies  for  use  in  immediate  emergen- 
cies, it  has  always  been  granted. 

Extensive  purchases  of  medical  supplies  have  been  made  direct  from  this  office 
from  dealers  in  Washington,  Baltimore,  and  Philadelphia  to  provide  for  the 
immediate  wants  of  the  troops  at  Camp  Alger,  Va. ,  and  the  general  hospitals  at 
Fort  Myer,  Va.,  Washington  Barracks,  D.  C,  and  Fort  Monroe,  Va.  This  course 
was  taken  not  only  to  meet  urgent  needs  of  troops  and  hospitals  in  this  vicinity 
more  promptly,  but  to  relieve  somewhat  the  great  pressure  upon  the  medical 
supply  depot  at  New  York. 

In  addition  to  the  field  supply  table  already  referred  to,  issued  May  9,  1898,  a 
revised  edition  of  the  Manual  for  the  Medical  Department  was  published.  These, 
together  with  2,400  copies  of  a  revised  edition  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Smart's 
Handbook  for  the  Hospital  Corps,  were  freely  distributed  throughout  the  Army, 
so  that  medical  officers  might  become  acquainted  with  the  proper  mode  of  obtain- 
ing supplies  and  their  other  many  important  duties. 

It  is  impossible  to  give  a  complete  list  of  medical  supplies  that  have  been  sup- 
plied, no  complete  report  of  purchases  from  the  medical  supply  depots  being  at 


684         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

tliis  time  obtainable,  but  the  following  will  give  some  idea  of  the  amounts  of  the 
principal  articles: 

First-aid  packets number..  272,000 

Hospital  Corps  pouches. do 5, 797 

Orderly  pouches - .-  -do 509 

Pocket  cases - -  do 962 

Surgeons'  field  cases do 369 

Field  operating  cases. .do 328 

Medical  and  surgical  chests _ do 1,204 

Litters ..do 2,250 

Litter  slings do 7 ,  600 

Cots  and  bedsteads,  with  bedding. do 18,185 

Blankets,  gray do 23,950 

Field  desks do 440 

Quinine  pills _ do 7,500,000 

Chloroform  and  ether bottles..  13,220 

Gauze,  sublimated,  1-meter  packages packages. .  100, 625 

Gauze  bandages,  3  sizes number.  _  331, 776 

There  are  three  permanent  medical  supply  depots,  in  charge  of  the  following 
officers:  Col.  J.  P.  Wright,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  United  States  Army,  St. 
Louis,  Mo.;  Lieut.  Col.  J.  M.  Brown,  Deputy  Surgeon-General,  United  States 
Army,  New  York  City;  and  Lieut.  Col.  J.  V.  D.  Middleton,  Deputy  Surgeon- 
General,  United  States  Army,  San  Francisco,  Cal.  These  officers  were  charged 
with  the  purchase  of  supplies  except  those  ordered  direct  from  this  office  to  sup- 
ply needs  in  this  vicinity,  as  already  indicated.  Each  depot  supplies  the  portion 
of  country  contiguous  to  it.  The  depot  in  New  York  supplies  the  posts  in 
New  England,  the  Middle  States,  and  along  the  Atlantic  coast,  including  Florida, 
and  troops  that  have  been  sent  to  and  are  now  serving  in  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico. 
Ordinarily  requisitions  received  from  officers  serving  in  the  district  supplied  from 
the  New  York  depot  are  acted  on  and  sent  by  the  next  mail  to  the  depot  for  issue, 
but  owing  to  the  rapid  movement  of  troops  and  the  necessity  for  prompt  action, 
many  requisitions  have  been  made  by  telegraph,  and  telegraphic  orders  have 
been  issued  to  the  officer  in  charge  of  depot  directing  immediate  action.  When- 
ever there  was  urgency  in  the  demand,  and  always  for  some  time  past,  it  has 
been  ordered  that  medicines,  hospital  stores,  and  the  less  bulky  articles  asked  for 
be  sent  by  express,  leaving  the  furniture,  bedding,  and  such  articles,  as  a  rule,  to 
be  sent  by  fast  freight.  In  many  cases,  however,  where  the  necessity  for  cots 
and  bedding  was  urgent,  these  also  have  been  expressed. 

When  Camp  Wikoff ,  Montauk  Point,  was  about  to  be  established,  there  being 
great  necessity  for  prompt  action,  the  officer  charged  with  the  medical  affairs  at 
Montauk  Point  being  one  of  experience  and  discretion,  he  was  given  authority  to 
draw  on  the  medical  supply  depot,  New  York  City,  for  any  articles  that  he  deemed 
necessary  for  the  care  of  the  sick  at  Camp  Wikoff,  and  in  any  quantity,  and  the 
supply  officer  at  New  York  was  ordered  to  honor  all  his  requisitions  without 
obtaining  special  authority  from  this  office. 

The  pressure  on  the  supply  depot  at  New  York  City  has  been  extremely  great, 
and  there  have  necessarily  been  delays  in  putting  up  some  requisitions,  but  it  is 
believed  that  no  serious  inconvenience  has  resulted.  The  officer  in  charge  was 
authorized  to  increase  his  working  force  and  to  secure  additional  room. 

In  addition  to  the  expeditions  that  have  been  sent  to  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico,  the 
large  camps  at  Falls  Church,  Va.;  Middletown,  Pa.;  Hempstead  and  Montauk 
Point,  N.  Y.;  Jacksonville,  Fernandina,  and  Miami,  Fla.,  have  been  supplied  from 
the  New  York  depot. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  685 

The  medical  supply  depot,  St.  Louis,  supplies  the  States  extending  along  the 
Mississippi  Valley  and  region  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  including  Texas.  The 
large  camp  at  Chickamauga  was  supplied  entirely  from  this  depot,  also  those 
subsequently  formed  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.;  Lexington,  Ky.;  Anniston  and  Hunts- 
ville,  Ala.;  also  Mobile  and  New  Orleans. 

In  order  to  provide  for  the  large  aggregation  of  troops  at  Camp  George  H. 
Thomas,  Chickamauga,  Ga.,  a  special  supply  depot  was  organized  immediately 
upon  its  establishment  and  put  under  the  charge  of  Maj.  E.  T.  Comegys,  surgeon, 
United  States  Army,  which  depot  was  supplied  from  St.  Louis,  and  in  turn  sup- 
plied the  regiments  and  hospitals  at  Camp  Thomas.  This  depot  was  discontinued 
on  the  departure  of  the  troops  from  Camp  Thomas. 

Owing  to  the  distance  of  the  camps  at  Lexington,  Knoxville,  Huntsville,  and 
Anniston,  the  chief  surgeons  in  charge  of  these  several  camps  were  authorized  to 
draw  direct  upon  the  depot  at  St.  Louis  for  any  article  on  the  supply  table  without 
submitting  requisitions  in  advance  to  this  office.  By  this  means  much  time  was 
saved. 

The  officer  in  charge  of  the  St.  Louis  depot  was  directed,  July  8,  to  keep  in  stock 
1,000  iron  beds  or  cots  with  full  supply  of  bedding,  ready  for  immediate  issue. 
The  same  instructions  were  sent  to  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  New  York  supply 
depot. 

As  in  the  case  of  the  New  York  depot,  both  the  working  force  was  increased 
and  additional  space  was  secured  to  meet  the  pressure  of  the  largely  increased 
demands. 

In  addition  to  supplying  the  region  directly  depending  upon  the  St.  Louis  depot, 
many  articles  were  sent  from  that  depot  to  the  supply  officer  at  San  Francisco  for 
the  use  of  the  Manila  expedition. 

The  supply  depot  at  San  Francisco  was  charged  not  only  with  supplying  posts 
on  the  Pacific  coast,  but  with  outfitting  with  medical  supplies  the  troops  leaving 
for  the  Philippine  Islands.  As  much  delay  and  expense  of  transportation  would 
have  been  incurred  by  sending  supplies  from  eastern  depots  to  San  Francisco,  the 
officer  in  charge  of  that  depot  was  authorized  to  purchase  at  discretion  all  neces- 
sary medicines,  hospital  stores,  instruments,  and  miscellaneous  supplies  of  every 
kind  needed  for  the  troops  going  to  Manila.  Articles  of  special  manufacture, 
such  as  medical  and  surgical  chests,  litters  and  litter  slings,  hospital  corps  and 
orderly  pouches,  and  especially  prepared  field  dressings,  already  referred  to,  were 
shipped  to  San  Francisco  from  St.  Louis,  not  being  obtainable  on  the  Pacific 
coast.  The  distance  of  San  Francisco  from  the  center  of  Government  was  so 
considerable  that  the  officer  in  charge  of  that  depot  was  necessarily  given  large 
discretion  in  the  purchase  of  supplies  and  expenditure  of  funds. 

Question  8.  *  *  *  What  arrangements  were  made,  and  how  were  the  armies 
operating  in  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  and  the  Philippines  supplied  with  medical  officers, 
medical  supplies,  and  food  for  the  sick  and  wounded? 

The  army  destined  for  operations  in  Cuba,  which  was  organized  at  Tampa,  Fla. , 
under  the  command  of  General  Shafter,  was,  it  is  believed,  amply  supplied  with 
medical  supplies  and  hospital  stores.  Not  only  were  the  requisitions  of  the  chief 
medical  officer  and  supply  officer  of  that  army  supplied,  but  many  additional 
supplies  not  called  for,  but  deemed  advisable  in  the  judgment  of  the  Surgeon- 
General,  were  sent. 

Reference  has  already  been  made  to  the  fact  that  the  regular  regiments,  of 
which  General  Shafter 's  army  was  chiefly  formed,  were  directed  to  take  with 
them  from  their  respective  posts  their  medical  and  surgical  chests,  complete  field 
outfit,  and  three  months'  medical  supplies,  but  this  was  not  relied  upon  as  being 
sufficient,  and  additional  medical  supplies  were  sent  them,  as  already  indicated. 
Further,  on  April  20, 1898,  instructions  were  issued  to  Lieut.  Col.  B.  F.  Pope,  chief 


f>8fi         IN  frATIUX    OV    roNDIGT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

surgeon,  Tampa,  directing  him  to  inspect  the  medical  department  of  each  regi- 
ment upon  its  arrival  and  report  to  this  office  its  deficiencies  in  medical  supplies. 

Difficulties  arose  owing  to  delay  in  receiving  these  supplies  caused  by  insufficient 
transportation  facilities  on  the  railroads  leading  to  Tampa.  There  was  for  a 
short  time  not  actual  scarcity,  it  is  believed,  but  a  fear  that  the  supplies  destined 
for  use  of  the  expedition  would  not  be  received  in  time.  Before  sailing,  however, 
they  were  delivered  in  sufficient  quantities.  It  is  probable,  further,  that  on 
account  of  insufficient  transportation  all  the  supplies  that  were  intended  for  Gen- 
eral Shaffer's  army  were  not  actually  loaded  upon  the  transports  accompanying 
his  expedition,  but  no  definite  information  on  this  point  is  obtainable. 

The  appended  list  "C"  shows  the  dates  when  ordered  and  supplies  sent  to 
Tampa,  Fla.,  for  General  Shaffer's  army;  list  "  D  "  those  sent  to  Cuba  by  Relief 
and  other  vessels. 

The  expedition  sent  to  Porto  Rico  under  the  command  of  General  Miles  was 
fully  outfitted  at  the  camps  from  which  the  troops  were  taken,  and  supplies  have 
been  sent  to  Ponce  in  accordance  with  the  judgment  of  the  Surgeon-General  as  to 
what  might  be  needed,  and  every  requisition  of  the  chief  surgeon  of  the  com- 
mand operating  in  Porto  Rico  has  been  filled  by  the  next  opportunity  afforded  for 
shipment. 

As  already  indicated  in  remarks  upon  the  San  Francisco  depot,  the  Manila  expe- 
dition was  almost  entirely  fitted  out  with  supplies  from  that  point;  only  special 
articles  that  were  manufactured  at  the  East,  such  as  medical  and  surgical  chests, 
hospital  corps  and  orderly  pouches,  litters  and  litter  slings,  surgical  instruments, 
desks,  mess  chests  and  surgical  dressings,  were  sent  from  New  York  and  St. 
Louis.    Appendix  E  is  a  report  of  outfitting  of  Manila  expedition. 

Question  10.  Were  all  vessels  used  in  transporting  sick  and  wounded  thoroughly 
inspected  by  a  medical  officer  before  troops  were  permitted  to  embark,  and  were 
they  fully  supplied  with  surgeons,  surgical  instruments,  medical  supplies  of  every 
character,  potable  water,  and  proper  food  for  sick  and  convalescents? 

The  two  hospital  ships  the  Belief  and  the  Missouri  were  fully  supplied  with 
everything  necessary  for  the  treatment,  the  comfort,  and  the  diet  of  the  sick. 
Ordinary  transports  upon  which  sick  and  convalescents  were  sent  to  the  United 
States  from  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico  were  under  the  supervision  of  the  authorities 
at  the  points  of  sailing  from  those  islands. 

Question  11.  Were  the  armies  operating  in  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  and  the  Philip- 
pines fully  supplied  with  efficient  surgeons,  stewards,  and  hospital  corps,  and 
with  ambulances,  litters,  surgical  instruments,  medical  supplies  of  all  kinds,  and 
proper  food  for  the  sick  and  wounded? 

So  far  as  it  was  possible  for  the  Surgeon-General  to  provide,  it  is  believed  that 
the  armies  operating  during  the  present  war  with  Spain  have  been  fully  furnished 
with  medical  supplies.  It  is  believed  that  the  remarks  already  made  showing 
the  measures  taken  by  him  will  sustain  this  belief.  That  supplies  have  not  in 
all  cases  been  on  hand  just  at  the  time  they  were  needed  has  been  due  to  cir- 
cumstances such  as  delay  on  the  part  of  medical  officers  in  making  requisitions, 
and  delays  in  receipt  owing  to  defective  or  inadequate  transportation  facilities, 
beyond  the  control  of  the  Surgeon-General. 

Question  16.  What,  if  any,  complaints  in  writing  have  been  received  by  the 
Surgeon-General  in  reference  to  the  prompt  compliance  with  requisitions,  the 
lack  of  proper  medical  attendance,  the  lack  of  surgical  instruments,  the  lack  of 
proper  care,  food,  and  water  for  the  sick  and  wounded  with  armies  in  the  field  or 
with  troops  in  camp  or  men  in  general  hospitals  and  field  hospitals  or  on  railroad 
trains  or  transports  at  sea;  in  fact,  what,  if  any,  complaints  have  been  made  in 
writing  in  reference  to  the  issuing  of  proper  supplies  or  the  performance  of  any 
duty  appertaining  to  the  Medical  Department  of  the  Army? 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  687 

Very  few  complaints  in  regard  to  nonreceipt  of  supplies  and  lack  of  medical 
supplies  have  reached  this  office  considering  the  very  large  operations  of  the 
supply  department,  the  wide  extent  of  country  involved,  and  the  numerous  camps 
and  commands  to  be  supplied.  There  were  temporary  delays  in  the  arrival  of 
supplies  at  Camp  Thomas,  Chickamauga,  and  Tampa,  Fla.,  for  General  Shafter's 
army,  as  already  stated,  but  they  were  in  all  cases  due  to  defective  transportation 
facilities  and  not  to  want  of  foresight  or  prompt  attention  to  requisitions  on  the 
part  of  the  Surgeon-General.  Trifling,  if  any,  difficulties  have  been  experienced 
at  the  other  camps  and  stations. 

It  is  not  believed  to  be  necessary  or  advisable  to  submit  the  telegrams  referring 
to  the  delays  in  nonreceipt  of  supplies  and  orders  given  by  the  Surgeon-General 
for  expediting,  tracing  up,  or  duplicating  them.  In  every  instance  prompt  meas- 
ures were  taken  to  remedy  the  difficulty. 

It  has  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Surgeon-General  indirectly,  chiefly  through 
the  press,  that  some  medical  officers  of  volunteer  regiments  have  complained  that 
they  could  not  get  medicines  and  other  medical  supplies.  Very  few  direct  com- 
plaints have  been  made  to  this  office.  The  complaints  can  be  accounted  for  in 
several  ways:  Volunteer  medical  officers,  being  taken  directly  from  civil  life,  were 
accustomed  to  prescribing  from  the  extensive  and  varied  assortment  of  drugs  and 
preparations  found  in  the  drug  store,  not  realizing  that  the  army  field  supply  is 
limited  in  variety  by  the  necessarily  limited  field  transportation  and  by  the  neces- 
sity of  supplying  medicines  in  tablet  or  solid  form,  to  obviate  danger  of  breakage 
of  bottles  of  liquids.  In  the  army  field  supply  every  important  or  necessary  article 
of  the  materia  medica  is  represented,  and  it  is  perfectly  possible  to  treat  diseases 
adequately  by  using  one  of  the  preparations  allowed.  It  is  possible  that  some 
medical  officers,  not  being  able  to  get  exactly  the  preparation  or  combination 
they  wanted,  were  unfair  enough  to  say  that  they  could  not  get  medicines  neces- 
sary (as  they  considered)  for  the  care  of  the  sick.  Again,  difficulty  has  arisen,  no 
doubt,  from  the  ignorance  of  volunteer  medical  officers  of  the  proper  mode  of 
making  requisition  for  medical  supplies,  and  because  they  did  not  always  take 
the  trouble  to  inform  themselves  or  to  consult  the  manuals  and  regulations,  which 
were  freely  distributed. 

Some  medical  officers,  it  is  believed,  finding  that  the  agents  of  relief  associa- 
tions at  hand  were  not  only  willing  but  anxious  to  supply  medicines  and  stores, 
accepted  them  rather  than  make  requisition,  and  thus  incur  accountability  for 
the  articles  when  received. 

It  is  therefore  easy  to  see  that  the  unjust  impression  might  arise  that  the  Med- 
ical Department  had  failed  to  supply  the  needs  of  the  sick,  while  the  simple  fact  is 
that  the  proper  authorities  were  not  informed  of  their  needs. 

As  already  stated,  field  hospitals  where  fevers  and  other  serious  affections  were 
treated  were  not  restricted  to  the  articles  on  the  field  supply  table.  Not  only  so, 
but  many  articles  never  heretofore  furnished  by  the  Government  have  been  sup- 
plied in  order  to  gratify  the  wishes  of  those  immediately  charged  with  the  care  of 
the  sick  and  to  place  in  their  hands  everything  that  would  be  likely  to  aid  their 
treatment. 

I  find  that  an  answer  to  question  16  has  already  been  prepared  for  your  signa- 
ture by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Smart,  and  has,  together  with  complaints  that  have 
been  received  at  this  office  in  regard  to  failure  to  receive  medical  supplies,  already 
been  forwarded  to  the  president  of  the  investigating  commission.  A  few  addi- 
tional papers  relating  to  this  subject  are  herewith  appended,  marked  "F." 
Very  respectfully, 

C.  H.  Alden, 
Assistant  Surgeon-General,  U.  S.  Army,  in  Charge  of  Supply  Division. 


688         INVESTIGATION   OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Appendix  A. 

MEDICAL    DEPARTMENT    UNITED    STATES    ARMY,    FIELD    SUPPLY 

TABLE. 

[Approved  by  the  Secretary- of  War  May  9,  1888.] 

Outfit  and  Allowance  for  Six  Months  for  One  Thousand  Men. 

[Articles  in  italic*  are  not  expendable.] 

MEDICAL  CHEST  No.  1. 


TOP  DRAWER. 


LEFT. 


Twelve  120-cc.  bottles. 


Ammonii  chloridi  trochisci. 

Caniphora. 

Glycyrrhizae  mist.  comp.  tablets. 

Linimentum  rubefaciens,  tablets. 

Pilulae  carminativaB. 

Pilulae  catharticae  composite. 

Potassii  bromiduni. 

QuininaB  sulphas,  pills. 

Sodii  bicarbonas,  tablets. 

Sodii  bicarb,  et  menthae  pip.  tab. 

Sodii  salicylas,  tablets. 

Warburg's  tincture,  pills. 

( 1  pill = 1  drachm. ) 


right. 

Twenty  60-cc.  bottles. 

Acidum  nitricum. 

Acidum  tannicum. 

Antipyrinum,  tablets. 

Bismuthi  subnitras. 

Chloral. 

Collodium. 

Ferri  chloridi  tinctura. 

Hydrargyri  massa,  tablets. 

Iodum. 

Ipecacuanha,  tablets. 

Ipecacuanha  et  opium,  tablets. 

Phenacetinum,  tablets. 

Pilulse  camph.  et  opii. 

Potassii  arsenitis  liquor. 

Potassii  iodidum,  tablets. 

Potassii  permanganas. 

Salol,  tablets. 

Sodii  boras. 

Veratri  viridis  tinctura. 

Zinci  sulphas,  tablets. 


center  of  drawer. 


Corkscrew number..  1 

Corks  for  vials dozen. .  2 

Cup. number. .  1 

Envelopes  for  tablets. gross. .  1 

Labels  for  vials dozen. .  2 

Measures,  graduated,  glass, 
100-cc.  (incase) number..  1 


Medicine  glass  (in  cup) number. 

Paper,  filtering __ pack. 

Paper,  litmus book. 

Pill  boxes,  small .dozen. 

Spatula number. 

Tongue  depressor. _  _do_  - . 

Urinometer  (in  case) do. . . 


SMALL  DRAWER  AT  RIGHT   OF  UPPER  DRAWER. 


Hypodermic  tablets. 


Apmorphinae  hydrochloras 
Atrophias  sulphas. 
CocainaB  hydrochloras. 
Digitalinum. 


Hyoscinae  hydrobromas. 
Morphinae  sulphas. 
Nitroglycerinum. 


Amyl  nitris  (5-drop  pearls) ,  12  in  box box..  1 

Clinical  tliermometer number.  _  2 

Hypodermic  syringe .do 1 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL. 


689 


Medicine  droppers number. 

Pencils,  camel's  hair do. . . 

Pencils,  indelible. do. . . 

Pencils,  indelible,  leads  for box. 


LOWER  DRAWER. 


LEFT. 


Twelve  235-cc.  bottles. 


Acidum  carbolicnm. 

Acidum  sulphuricum  aromaticum. 

iEther  spiritns  compositus. 

.ZEther  spiritus  nitrosi. 

Alcohol. 

Amnioniae  aqua. 

Ammoniae  spiritus  aromaticus. 

Brandy. 

Glycerinum. 

Oleum  terebinthinae. 

Squibbs  mixture. 

Tinctura  opii  camphorata. 


RIGHT. 


Alcohol  lamp _ number. .  1 

Atomizers,  hand  _ do 2 

Copaibae  pilulae  comp bottles. .  2 

Probangs number..  2 

Speculum,  rectal .do 1 

Sponge  holders  for  throat do 2 

Stethoscope,  double do 1 

Test  tubes do 6 

Vials,  1  doz.  1-oz. ;  1  doz.  2-oz_  .dozen.  _  2 
Tape  measure number. .  1 


SMALL  DRAWER  AT  RIGHT   OF  LOWER  DRAWER. 


Thirty-five  15-cc.  bottles. 


Acidum  arsenosum,  tablets. 

Aconiti  tinctura,  tablets. 

Aloini  pilulse  comp.  (bott.  2). 

Ammonii  carbonas. 

Argenti  nitras,  in  crystals. 

Argenti  nitras  fusus. 

Bismuthi  subgallas. 

Caffeina  citrata. 

Cannabis  indicae  tinctura,  tablets. 

Capsicum,  tablets. 

Cocainae  hydrochloras,  hypod.  tablets. 

Codeina. 

Cupri  arsenis,  tablets  (bott.  2). 

Digitalis  tinctura,  tablets  (bott.  2). 

Ergotinum,  tablets. 

Guaiacolis  carbonas. 


Hydrarg.  chlor.  mite  cum  sodi  bicarb. 

tablets  (bott.  3). 
Hydrarg.  iodidum  navum,  tablets. 
Hyoscyami  pilule©  compositae. 
Ichthyolum. 
Menthol. 

Morphinae  sulphas. 
Morphinae  sulphas,  tablets. 
Oleum  tiglii,  tablets. 
Opii  pilulae. 
Plumbi  acetas,  tablets. 
Podophylli  resina,  tablets. 
Quininae  hydrochloris,  hypod.  tablets. 
Strychninae  sulphas,  tablets. 
Sulphonal,  tablets. 
Zinci  oxidum. 


REAR  COMPARTMENT 
Four  tin  cans. 

Magnesii  sulphas. 

Oleum  ricini. 

Potassii  et  sodii  tartras. 

Sinapis  nigra. 

Banaages,  gauze,  3  sizes number.. 

Bandages,  suspensory do 

Belladonnae  emplastrum,  in  2-meter  tin _ tin 

Cantharidis  emplastrum,  in  1-meter  tin do 

Gauze,  sublimated packages. . 

Plaster,  adhesive,  1-in spool-  _ 

7833— VOL.  1 44 


690         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Plaster,  isinglass - tin. _  1 

Pocket  case - number..  1 

Sinapis  emplastrum,  in  4-meter  tins --. tin..  2 

Sponges,  compressed  cotton -  -box. .  1 

Syringes,  penis,  glass --- - - .number. _  6 

Tooth-extracting  case do 1 

MEDICAL  CHEST  NO.  2. 

UPPER   DRAWER. 

Bags,  rubber,  hot  water number. .  2 

Bags,  rubber,  ice,  for  head - do 1 

Bougies  and  catheters,  6  of  each  in  box .box.  _  1 

Pump,  surgical __ - .number. _  1 

Thermometer. - . .  _  do 1 

Towels.. - -- - do 6 

Trusses,  single - do 3 

LOWER  DRAWER. 

Blank  book _ _ .number. .  1 

Hygiene,  Notter  and  Firth _ _. do 1 

Medicine,  Practice  of,  Osier .do 1 

Surgery,  operative,  Zuckerkandl do 1 

Surgery,  wounds  in  war,  Stephenson do 1 

Therapeutics,  Hare do 1 

REAR  COMPARTMENT. 

Acidum  tannicum,  in  25-gm.  bottles -bottles. .  4 

Antipyrinum,  324-mgm.  tablets  (200  in  bottle do 2 

Bismuthi  subgallis,  in  250-gm.  bottles do 2 

Bismuthi  subnitras,  in  500-gm.  bottles do 6 

Capsicum,  32-mgm.  tablets  (150  in  bottle) do 4 

Hydrargyri  chloridum  mite  cum  sodii  bicarb. ,  tablets  (200  in  bottle)  _ .  _do 6 

Ipecacuanhas  et  opii  pulvis,  324-mgm.  tablets  (200  in  bottle) do 1 

Morphinae  sulphas,  8-mgm.  tablets  (100  in  bottle) do 6 

Phenacetinum,  324-mgm.  tablets  (200  in  bottle) do 2 

Pilulae  camphore  et  opii  (or  tablets)  (200  in  bottle) do 4 

Pilulae  catharticae  compositae  (or  tablets)  (200  in  bottle) do 6 

Podophylli  resina,  16-mgm.  tablets  ( 100  in  bottle) -do 4 

Potassii  bromidum,  324-mgm.  tablets,  in  500-gm.  bottles do 2 

Quininae  sulphas,  200-mgm.  pills  (500  in  bottle) do 6 

Strychninae  sulphas,  1-mgm.  tablets  (500  in  bottle) -do 2 

Sulphonal,  324-mgm.  tablets  (200  in  bottle) do 1 


HOSPITAL  CORPS  POUCH. 

[One  for  each  private  of  the  Hospital  Corps. J 


Ammonias  spiritus  aromaticus  in 
flask  with  cup,  cubic  centimeters. 

Bandages,  gauze,  sterilized,  num- 
ber  _ 

Case  containing  pins,  common  and 
safety,  scissors,  and  dressing  for- 
ceps   number.  _ 


60 


First-aid  packets number  _ .  6 

Jackknife ,  with  saw  blade do 1 

Rubber  bandage! do 1 

Splints,  wire  gauze  for,  in  roll,  num- 
ber   1 

Surgical  plaster spool. .  1 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL. 


691 


ORDERLY  POUCH. 

[One  for  each  medical  officer's  orderly.] 


Ammoniae  spiritus  aromaticus  in 
flask  with  cup,  cubic  centimeters . 

Bandages,  gauze,  sterilized,  num- 
ber   _ ___ 

Case  pocket. number.  _ 

Chloroform  in  case.  _ .grams. . 

Catheter,  Eng., rubber  in  box,  num- 
ber   _ 

Diagnosis  tags  and  pencil. _ .book.. 

First-aid  packets number. . 

Gauze,  sublimated,  1-meter  pieces, 
number 

Jackknife,  with  saw  blade,  number. 


60 

6 

1 
100 

1 
1 
4 

4 
1 


Ligatures,  catgut,  sterilized,  pack- 
age   

Ligatures,  silk,  sterilized,  package. 

Mist,  chloroformi  et  opii,  in  case, 
fluid  or  tablets ,  cubic  centimeters. 

Pins,  common  and  safety,  of  each, 
paper _ 

Rubber  bandage number. . 

Scissors do 

Splints,  wire  gauze  for,  in  roll,  num- 
ber _ _ 

Surgical  plaster spool.  _ 

Syringe,  hypodermic number. . 


POCKET  CASE. 

Bistoury,  curved,  probe  pointed number. . 

Bistoury,  straight do 

Catheter,  plated _ _ do 

Caustic  holder do 

Director,  grooved,  with  myrtle  leaf. _ do 

Forceps,  dissecting,  mouse  tooth _ .do 

Forceps,  haemostatic  and  needle _ do 

Forceps,  hcemostatic,  short _ do 

Forceps,  hcemostatic,  long _ do 

Horsehair _  .coil. . 

Needle,  aneurism _  .number. . 

Needle,  exploring . do 

Needles ,  surgeon's  _ _ _ do 

Probe,  with  Nelaton's  tip do 

Scalpel .._, .do 

Scissors,  straight ._ _ _ do 

Silkworm  gut _ coil. . 

Tenaculum ._ number. _ 

Case,  leather do 

Pouch,  leather. _ _ do 

FIELD  CASE  (SURGEON'S). 

[One  for  each  medical  officer.] 

Bistoury  curved,  probe  pointed number.  _ 

Bistoury,  straight,  sharp  pointed do 

Case,  mahogany.  do 

Catheter,  male, plated. .do 

Director,  grooved,  with  myrtle  leaf do 

Forceps,  bone,  open  box  joint,  corrugated  handles,  scooped  out. __do 

Forceps,  bullet  and  dressing  combined do 

Forceps,  dissecting,  mouse  teeth _ _ do 

Forceps,  h&mostatic  and  needle _do 

Haimostats,  "  baby  " . _ do 

Handles,  hard  rubber,  for  knife  and  saw do 

Horsehair,  black _ .coil. . 

Knife,  amputating _ number. . 


1 

1 

30 


12 


6M2         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Needle,  aneurism -  - number . . 

Needles - - dozen.. 

Pouch,  leather,  with  sling  strap - number. . 

Probe,  silver,  with  Nelaton's  tip.. do 

Saw,  amputating,  liftingback . do 

Saw,  metacarpal - -- -  -do 

Scalpel.. - - do 

Scissors,  curved  on  flat,  with  Collins's  lock _ _.do 

Scissors,  light  knee  bent,  with  Collinses  lock _ ___ do 

Silk - --  .cards. . 

Silkworm  gut  (20  strands) coil 

Tenaculum  _ .number. . 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Field  desk 1 

Lanterns _ _ .  — 2 

Litters _. 2 

A  renewal  of  supplies  can  be  obtained  by  regimental  surgeons  from  the  surgeon 
in  charge  of  a  brigade  or  division  hospital,  upon  a  special  requisition  approved 
by  the  chief  surgeon.    No  receipt  is  to  be  given  for  expendable  articles. 

FOR  BRIGADE  OR  DIVISION  FIELD  HOSPITAL. 

MEDICINES. 

Acidium  arsenosum,  1-mgm.  tablets  (125  in  bottle) bottles. .  3 

Acidum  boricum,  324-mgm.  tablets  (125  in  bottle)  _ do 2 

Acidum  carbolicum,in  250-gm.  bottles do 10 

Acidum  nitricum,  in  250-cc.  g.  s.  bottles. do 1 

Acidum  sulphuricum  aromaticum,  in  250-cc.  g.  s.  bottles do 10 

Aconiti  tinctura,  0.1-cc.  tablets  (200  in  bottle) ._ do 5 

JEther,  in  100-gm.  tins tins..  20 

^Etheris  spiritus  compositus ,  in  250-cc.  bottles .bottles _ .  2 

^theris  spiritus  nitrosi,  in  500-cc.  bottles 1 ...do 5 

Alcohol,  in  1-liter  bottles .- -do 24 

Ammoniae  aqua,  10  p.  c,  in  500-cc.  g.  s.  bottles. do 10 

Ammonae  spiritus  aromaticus,  in  250-cc.  bottles _ ._  .do 6 

Ammonii  carbonas,  in  250-gm.  bottles _ do 3 

Ammonii  chloridi  trochisci  (100  in  bottle) .do 10 

Amylnitris  (5-drop  pearls),  12  in  box. boxes..  2 

Antipyrinum,  324-mgm.  tablets,  in  125-gm.  bottles bottles. .  10 

Argenti  nitras,  in  crystals,  in  25-gm.  bottles do 1 

Argenti  nitras  fusus,  in  25-gm.  bottles do 1 

Atropines  sulphas,  0.65-mgm.  hypodermic  tablets tubes. .  2 

Belladonnas  emplastrum,  in  2-meter  tins. tins. .  4 

Bismuthi  subnitras,  in  500-gm.  bottles .bottles. .  10 

Caffeinae  citrata,  in  25-gm.  bottles. do 2 

Camphora,  in  500-gm.  bottles do 6 

Cantharidis  emplastrum, in  1-meter  tins. tins. .  4 

Capsici  tinctura,  in  100-cc.  bottles _ bottles.  _  2 

Chloral,  in  50-gm.  g.  s.  bottles. do 2 

Chloroformum,  in  100-gm.  g.  s.  bottles _ .do 48 

Cocainae  hydrochloras,  10-mgm.  hypodermic  tablets,  in  15-cc.  bottles,  .do 5 

Codeina,  in  50-gm.  bottles. do 2 

Collodium,  in  25-cc.  bottles do 10 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  693 

Copaibae  pilulae  comp.  or  tablets  (500  in  bottle) bottles. .  5 

Digitalinum,  in  1-mgm.  hypodermic  tablets tubes. .  2 

Digitalis  tinctura,  0.3-cc.  tablets  (200  in  bottle) .bottles. .  10 

Emplastrum  ferri  (porous) ,  in  boxes  of  24 boxes. .  4 

Ergotinum,  130-mgni.  tablets  (200  in  bottle) bottles. .  2 

Ferri  chloridi  tinctura,  in  500-cc.  g.  s.  bottles .do 4 

Ferri  pilulae  composite  (200  in  bottle) -do 10 

Glycerinum,  in  500-cc.  bottles .do 10 

Glycyrrhizae  mistura  composita,  tablets  (400  in  bottle) do 10 

Guaiacolis  carbonas,  in  250-gm.  bottles do 4 

Hydrargyri  chloridum  mite,  in  100-gm.  bottles do 1 

Hydrargyri  iodidum  flavum,  10-mgin.  tablets  (200  in  bottle) do 10 

Hydrargyri  massa,  324-mgm.  tablets  (125  in  bottle) do 5 

Hydrargyri  unguentum,  in  500-gm.  jars .jars. .  2 

Hy oscyami  pilulae  compositae  ( 200  in  bottle ) bottles . .  2 

Ichthyolum,  in  25-gm.  bottles do 4 

Iodoformum,  in  100-gm.  bottles ." do 6 

Iodum,  in  50-gm.  g.  s.  bottles _ do 2 

Ipecacuanha,  65-mgm.  tablets  (200  in  bottle) dc 5 

Ipecacuanhae  et  opii  pulvis,  324-mgm.  tablets  (200  in  bottle) ...  .do 5 

Ipecacuanhae  extractum  fluidum,  in  250-cc.  bottles .do 2 

Linimentum  rubefaciens,  tablets  (50  in  bottle) do 10 

Magnesii  sulphas,  in  4-kilo.  tins. tins. .  4 

Menthol,  in  50-gm.  bottles bottles. .  2 

Morphinae  sulphas,  8-mgm.  tablets  (100  in  bottle) do 2 

Morphinae  sulphas,  8.mgm.  hypodermic  tablets .tubes. .  12 

Nitroglycerinum,  0.65  mgm.  hypodermic  tablets. do 2 

Oleum  menthae  piperitae,  in  100-cc.  bottles bottles.  _  2 

Oleum  ricini,  in  1-liter  bottles do 24 

Oleum  terebinthinae,  in  1-liter  bottles _ do 6 

Oleum  theobromatis,  in  250-gm.  tins tins. .  2 

Petrolatum  spissum,  48.8  C. ,  in  500-gm.  tins do 2 

Phenacetinum,  324-mgm.  tablets  (100  in  bottle) bottles.  _  5 

Pilulae  camphorae  et  opii  (or  tablets)  (200  in  bottle) do 10 

Pilulae  carminativae  (200  in  bottle) do 5 

Pilulae  catharticae  compositae  (or  tablets)  (200  in  bottle) do 18 

Plumbi  acetas,  130-mgm.  tablets  ( 100  in  bottle) do 4 

Potassa,  in  25-gm.  bottles do 1 

Potassii  arsenitis  liquor,  in  250-cc.  bottles do 2 

Potassii  bromidum,  324-mgm.  tablets,  in  500-gm.  bottles . do 6 

Potassii  et  sodii  tartras  (pulvis) ,  in  500-gm.  bottles do 6 

Potassii  iodidum,  324-mgm.  tablets  (200  in  bottle) do 5 

Potassii  permanganas,  in  50-gm.  bottles do 5 

Quininae  hydrochloras,  32-mgm.  hypodermic  tablets tubes. .  10 

Quininae  sulphas,  200-mgm.  tablets  or  pills  (500  in  bottle) bottles. .  48 

Salol,  324-mgm.  tablets  (125  in  bottle) do 5 

Sinapis  emplastrum,  in  4-meter  tins .tins.  _  20 

Sinapis  nigra  (pulvis)  in  500-gm.  tins tins.  _  5 

Sodii  bicarbonas,  324-mgm.  tablets  (200  in  bottle) .bottles. .  24 

Sodii  bacarb.  et  menthae  pip.  (tablets) ,  (250  in  bottle) do 5 

Sodii  boras  (pulvis) ,  in  500-gm.  bottles _ do 2 

Sodii  salicylas,  324-mgm.  tablets  (200  in  bottle) _ do 5 

Veratri  viridis  tinctura,  in  100-cc.  bottles  __ _ _ .do 2 

Zinci  oxidum,  in  250-gm.  bottles. _ do 2 


694         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Zinci  sulphas,  324-mgm.  tablets  ( 100  in  bottle) .bottles . .  5 

Zingiberis  extractuni  fluidum,  in  250-cc.  bottles do 4 

ANTISEPTICS  AND   DISINFECTANTS. 

Antiseptic  tablets,  hydrarg.  chlor.  corros.  (200  in  bottle) bottles. .  10 

Lime,  chloride,  in  500-gm.  w.  m.  bottles . . . _ do 48 

Mercury  corrosive  chloride,  in  500-gm.  bottles do 4 

Tricresol  in  1-Mlo.  bottles do 6 

HOSPITAL  STORES. 

Condensed  milk _ cans. .  48 

Beef  extract,  in  100-gin.  tins  or  jars tins. .  48 

Brandy,  in  1-liter  bottles bottles.  _  12 

Soap,  castile  or  its  equivalent kilos. .  4 

Sugar,  white,  in  6-kilo.  tins tins. .  2 

Tea,  in  £  kilo,  tins _ _*_ .  _ _ do 5 

Whisky,  in  1-liter  bottles _ _ . bottles . .  2 

STATIONERY. 

Blank  books,  cap, 4-quire number. .  2 

Blank  books,  8vo,  4-quire do 2 

Envelopes,  official,  letter _ do 400 

Ink,  writing,  in  120-cc.  bottles _ bottles. .  4 

Ink,  carmine,  in  30-cc.  bottles do 1 

Mucilage _ do 2 

Pads,  prescription. ._ number. .  48 

Pads,  letter _ do 6 

Paper,  blotting _ quires. .  1 

Paper,  writing,  letter do 24 

Pencils,  lead _ _ _ number. .  12 

Penholders do 6 

Pens,  steel _ gross. .  1 

SURGICAL  INSTRUMENTS,  APPLIANCES,  AND  DRESSINGS. 

gauze,  sterilized,  144  in  box,  3  sizes .gross. .  12 

5,  plaster do 1 

Bandages,  rubber, 4  meters  by  33  mm number. .  2 

Bandages,  suspensory do 12 

Case,  emergency do 1 

Case, pocket _ _ .do 3 

Cotton,  absorbent,  sterilized,  in  1-oz.  pkgs. kilos. .  10 

First-aid  packets,  as  required number. . 

Gauze,  sublimated, in  packages,  1  meter  each packages. .  500 

Gauze,  iodoform,  in  packages,  \  meter  each do 75 

Ligatures,  catgut,  sterilized,  in  packages,  3  sizes. .number . .  300 

Ligature,  silk,  sterilized,  in  packages,  3  sizes do 300 

Microscope. do 1 

Muslin,  unbleached meters. .  20 

Oakum  or  tow kilos.  _  10 

Pins,  assorted _ papers. .  10 

Pins, safety, 3  sizes r. .dozen. .  18 

Plaster,  adhesive,  on  spools,  1-inch number. .  24 

Plaster,  adhesive,  on  spools,  2-inch do 6 

Plaster,  isinglass,  in  1-meter  rolls meters. .  4 

Plaster  of  paris,  in  2-kilo  tins kilos. .  10 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  695 

Rubber  sheeting .meters. .  10 

Silk,  oiled,  in  5-meter  rolls - do 15 

Splints,  wire  for pieces.  .  30 

Sponges,  compressed  cotton,  4  dozen  in  box .boxes. .  30 

Thermometers,  clinical number.  _  3 

Tourniquet, rubber, Esmarch's  _ . ._  do. ...  4 

Trusses, single _ _ .do. . . .  6 

FURNITURE,  BEDDING,  AND  CLOTHING. 

Basins, wash, hand, agate  ware number. .  4 

Blanket  cases _ .do 16 

Blankets,  gray do 100 

Desk,  field  .... do 1 

Furniture,  field,  folding set. .  5 

Mosquito  bars .number. .  50 

Pillows,  feather do 10 

Pillows,  hair do 50 

Pillowcases,  cotton do 100 

Sheets,  cotton do 100 

Shirts,  cotton.  _ _ ..do 50 

Towels,  hand _ dozen..  30 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Bedpans,  agate  ware  _ _ .number.  _  2 

Boxes,  pill _ _  _  .dozen.  _  6 

Boxes, powder _ __ do 6 

Brooms _ number.  _  2 

Brushes,  for  cleansing .do 6 

Buckets, fiber  or  wood _ _. __ ..do 

Buckets,  agate,  3  in  nest  _ •_ nest. . 

Chest,  commode number.  _ 

Chest,  food .do 

Chest,  medical  (Nos.  1  and  2) ,  of  each do 

Chest,  mess .do 

Chest,  sterilizing do 

Chest,  surgical  (Nos.  1  and  2) ,  of  each _ do 

Corks,  assorted,  in  bags  of  12  dozen dozen.  _  12 

Crutches pairs. .  3 

Crutches, rubber  tips  for number. _  6 

Cups,  spit do 3 

Cushions,  rubber,  small .do 2 

Cushions,  rubber,  with  open  center _ do 2 

Dippers do 2 

Envelopes  for  tablets, 5  by  6  cm 1 dozen..  50 

Hatchet number.  _  1 

Labels  for  vials gross. .  1 

Lantern  glasses,  extra,  red  or  white,  as  required. number. . 

Lantern  wicks,  as  required do 

Lanterns _ _ _ _do 3 

Litters _ do 10 

Litter  slings __ do 25 

Medicine  glasses do 4 

Paper,  wrapping,  brown quires.  _  2 

Saw,  hand,  small number.  _  1 

Sponges,  bath,  large do 2 


G96  INVKSTICATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Syringes, penis,  glass,  in  case .number. .  36 

Talcum  (French  chalk) ,  1-kilo  packages kilos. .  2 

Test  tubes .number. .  12 

Urinals,  agate  ware. .. do 3 

Vials ,  30-cc dozen . .  6 


CONTENTS  OF  SURGICAL  CHEST  NO.  1. 

TOP  DRAWER. 


RIGHT. 

Heater,  alcohol .number . 

Corkscrew do. . . 

Pins,  common packages. 

Pins,  safety do. . . 

Scissors pair. 

Soap,  green,  in  tin  _ pounds. 

Tags,  diagnosis packages. 


LEFT. 

[Nine  120-cc.  bottles.] 

Hydrarg.  bichlor.,  tablets  .bottles. . 

Petrolatum do 

Pil.  camph.  et  opii do 

Pil.  cath.  comp do 

Quin.  sulph.  200-mgm.  pills  _  .do 

Salt,  table do 

Sodii  carbonas,  tablets do 

Sodii  chloridum,  etc.,  tablets,  bot- 
tles   1 

,        fin  paper  packets.] 

Ligature,  catgut,  No.  1,  2,  and  3, 
number 100 

Ligature,  silk,  No.  1, 2,  and  3,  num- 
ber   80 

Tubes,  drainage,  i,  ■§,  and  \  meter, 
each number..      2 


SMALL  DRAWER  AT  RIGHT  OP  UPPER  DRAWER. 

Pencil,  indelible _ _ number. 

Pencil ,  indelible,  leads  f or _ _  .box . 

Syringe ,  hypodermic _ number . 

Thermometer,  clinical _ do. . . 

Wire,  silver _ coil. 

Hypodermic  tablets. 

Apomorphinae  hydrochloras.  Digitalinum. 

Atropinae  sulphas.  Nitroglycerinum. 

Cocainae  hydrochloras.  MorphinaB  sulphas. 

Quininae  hydrochloras. 


LOWER  DRAWER. 


LEFT. 
[Nine  235-cc.  bottles.] 

Acid,  carbolic bottle. .  1 

Alcohol do 3 

Brandy do 2 

Chloroform do 3 


RIGHT. 


Basin,  rubber. number. . 

Blank  book _ do 

Brushes,  hand,  scrub do 

Cylinders,  rubber  (intest.  suture), 

number 

Inhaler,  chloroform number. . 

Plaster,  rubber,  adh spools. . 

Sterilizer,  instrument number. . 

Strop,  razor. do 

Towels  (in  sterilizer) do 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  697 

REAR  COMPARTMENT. 

Bandages,  gauze,  2£,  3,  and  3£  inches number.  _  36 

Case,  field,  operating do 1 

Cotton,  absorbent,  in  1-ounce  packages do 36 

Cup do 1 

Gauze,  iodoform,  in  i-meter  packages do 12 

Gauze,  sublimated,  in  1-meter  packages do 36 

Sponges,  cotton,  compressed,  large  size dozen. .  12 

Tourniquet,  rubber,  Esmarch's number. .  1 

SURGICAL  CHEST  NO.  2. 
UPPER  DRAWER. 

Bandages,  plaster,  2-in_ _ number.  _  6 

Beef  extract,  Armour's cans.  _  4 

Gauze,  wire rolls. .  8 

Milk,  condensed cans. .  4 

Pliers,  cutting,  for  fixed  bandages number. .  1 

Soap,  germicidal .  1 . cakes.  _  6 

Sprinkler,  iodoform. _ number. .  1 

Tool,  universal _ do 1 

Tourniquet,  rubber,  EsmareWs do 1 

LOWER  DRAWER. 

Chloroform,  in  250  c.  c.  bottles .bottles. .  4 

Cotton,  absorbent,  in  1-oz.  packages .packages. .  32 

Gauze,  iodoform do 12 

Splints,  wooden,  veneer number.  _  6 

Sponges,  cotton,  compressed,  4  dozen  in  box ._ .dozen. .  20 

Tow,  in  £-lb.  packages _ _ packages. .  4 

REAR  COMPARTMENT. 

Alcohol.  Tea.  Plaster  of  paris.  Tricresol.  Sugar. 

Bandages,  gauze,  3  sizes '. _ number.  _  50 

Gauze,  sublimated,  in  1-meter  packages packages. .  40 

STERILIZER. 
TOP  DRAWER. 


LEFT. 

Aprons ,  rubber number . .  3 

In  cases: 

Bands,  rubber 24 

Cots, finger 12 

Gloves,  rubber, pairs. .  4 

Rubber  bag  and  tube  for  flushing. 


RIGHT. 

Base  of  petroleum  stove. 


LOWER  DRAWER. 


LEFT. 

Upper  part  of  petroleum  stove. 


RIGHT 

Sterilizer,  Arnold's. 

Matches,  safety boxes..      6 

Wicks package..      1 


REAR  COMPARTMENT. 


Can  for  petroleum.  I  Can  of  water. 

Berkef  eld  filter.  |  Dipper. 


(J98         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 
CONTENTS  OF   FIELD   OPERATING  CASE. 

Bistoury,  curved,  probe-pointed number. . 

liistoury,  straight,  sharp-pointed . _ .do 

Box,  ligature,  with  three  spools _ do 

Muttons,  Murphy's,  3  in  set. . set. . 

Case,  mahogany _ number. . 

Canula,  silver,  Belocques _. _ do 

Catlieters,  silver,  Nos.  8  and  10 do 

Catheter  staff,  tunneled,  Gouley's do 

Catlin,  medium,  5-in.  blade do 

Chisel do 

Clamps,  intestinal,  McLauren's. do 

Depressor,  tongue,  wire,  folding.  _ _ _ do 

Director,  grooved,  medium do 

Drills,  bone,  in  handle,  set  of  3 set. . 

Ear  hook  and  spoon,  Gross's. number. . 

Eye  spud,  Dix's do 

Forceps,  bone-cutting,  flat-blade,  Liston's do 

Forceps,  clamp,  Keen's do 

Forceps,  clamp,  Kelley's __ do 

Forceps,  delicate do 

Forceps,  dressing  and  bullet,  Forwood's do 

Forceps,  haemostatic,  curved  . _ _ _. do 

Forceps,  hemostatic,  Jones's,  2-in.  bite _ do 

Forceps,  haemostatic,  Penn's do 

Forceps,  haemostatic,  Wyeth's do 

Forceps,  rongeur  and  bone-holding,  Forwood's _ do 

Forceps,  mouse-tooth,  with  teeth do 

Forceps,  T-shaped,  Pratt's _ do 

Gag,  mouth,  French's do 

Gouge do 

Guide,  filiform,  Gouley's _ .do 

Horse  hair _. coil. . 

Knife,  amputating,  large,  7-inch  blade  ... _ .number. _ 

Mallet,  Foncood's. do 

Needle,  aneurism _ _ .do 

Needle,  curved,  Reverdin's _  .do 

Needle  holder,  MeBumey's _ .do 

Needles,  artery,  blunt, right  and  left ... do 2 

Needles,  case  for do i 

Needles,  curved,  assorted _ _ .do 12 

Needles,  straight,  round _ do 6 

Needles,  straight,  triangular. do 6 

Pereosteotome,  light,  Sayre's _ do 1 

Pins,  latest,  Wyeth's do 2 

Pouch,  leather,  with  sling  strap do 

Probe,  double  end,  8  in.  long,  one  end  a  porcelain  tip,  silver do 

Probe,  hard  rubber,  Fluhrer's do 

Razor, hard  rubber  handle ._ .do 

Retractors,  double  ends,  nested do 

Rongeur,  medium,  Keen's do 

Saw,  amputating,  two  blades,  IAttle's do 

Saw,  metacarpal do 

Scalpels,  assorted do 4 

Scissors,  angular,  blunt-pointed do 1 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL. 


699 


?,  curved  on  flat,  Weir's number.  _  1 

Scissors,  heavy,  blunt _ do 1 

Scoop,  Wyeth's do 1 

Silkworm  gut _coil_ _  1 

Sponge  holders,  1  Sims  and  1  regular number. .  2 

Syringe,  aspirating,  with  three  points do 1 

Tenaculum  _ do 1 

Trephine,  $-in. ,  OaWs. do 1 

Trocar  and  canula,  set  of  4,  silver,  in  metal  box do 1 

Tube,  tracheotomy,  silver _ do 1 

CONTENTS   OF  MESS   CHEST. 


Basin,  wash,  hand,  agate  ware,  num- 
ber   1 

Boiler, double,  agate  ware.number  _  _  1 

Bowls,  soup,  agate  ware do 6 

Box  for  salt ; do 1 

Box  for  pepper do 1 

Brush,  scrubbing do 1 

Can  openers do 2 

Cleaver '. do 1 

Cookbook,  Army do...  1 

Cups,  coffee,  agate  ware do 6 

Cup,  large,  agate  ware do 1 

Dipper,  agate  ware do 1 

Grater, nutmeg do 1 

Gridiron do 1 

Hatchet i  _  _do 1 

Kettles,   steel,   nested,  with  covers, 

number 3 

Knife,  butcher number  _  _  1 

Knife  and  fork,  carving,  of   each, 

number 1 

Knife  and  saw, combined  .number. .  1 

Knives  and  forks ,  of  each do 6 

Ladle,  agate  ware :do 1 


Lantern,  candle number .  _  1 

Matches,  in  waterproof  case,boxes. .  12 

Meat  cutter,  small number .  _  1 

Meat  dishes,  agate  ware do 2 

Mill,  coffee .do 1 

Nails,  assorted kilos.  _  2 

Pan,  frying,  steel number..  1 

Pans,  mess,  agate  ware .  do 2 

Pan,  sauce,  steel,  tinned  inside,  with 

cover number. . 

Plates,  dinner,  agate  ware  _ .  .do 

Pot,  coffee,  agate  ware do 

Pot,  tea,  agate  ware do 

Rope,  6-mm meters.  _ 

Sickle number. . 

Spoon,  basting,  agate  ware. .  _do 1 

Spoons,  table do 6 

Spoons,  tea do 6 

Steel do 1 

Towels,  crash do 6 

Tray,  metal,  japanned do .  1 

Tumblers ,  agate  ware do <> 

Wire . .coil. .  1 


CONTENTS   OF   FOOD  CHEST. 


Beef  extract  or  an  equivalent  prepara- 
tion. 

Candles. 

Condensed  milk,  in  original  cans,  4 
kilos. 

Soap. 

Vinegar,  in  1-liter  wicker-covered  bot- 
tles, 2  bottles. 

Yeast  powder,  in  £-kilo  original  cans. 


Tins  for  the  following  articles: 
Beans. 
Butter. 
Coffee. 

Salt  and  pepper. 
Sugar  (2  tins). 
Tea. 


In  this  food  chest  considerable  vacant  space  is  left  in  order  to  allow  latitude  to 
each  medical  officer  as  to  the  exact  character  of  the  supplies  he  may  wish  to 
carry. 

CONTENTS   OF   COMMODE  CHEST. 


Bedpan,  agate  ware number . .       1 

Chamber  pot,  agate  ware do 1 

Paper,  toilet packages. .      6 


Spit  cup,  agate  ware number. .      1 

Urinal,  agate  ware do_ . . .      1 


700        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 


CONTENTS  OF   FIELD   DESK. 


BOOKS. 

Army  Regulations copy..  1 

Drill  Regulations  for  the  Hospital 

Corps .copy. .  1 

Handbook  for  the  Hospital  Corps, 

Smart copy. .  1 

Information  slip  book do 1 

Information  slip  book,  desertions, 

copy 1 

Morning  Report,  Hospital  Corps, 

copy 1 

Morning  Report,  sick  and  wonnded, 

copy 1 

Order  and  letter  book copy  _  _  1 

Register    and    prescription    book, 

copy 1 

Manual  for  the  Medical  Department, 

copy 1 

Transfer  book copy.  _  1 

STATIONERY. 

Book,  blank nnmber _  _  1 

Elastic  bands ,  assorted gross .  _  £ 

Envelopes,  official,  large _ number ._  12 

Envelopes ,  official ,  letter do 50 

Envelopes ,  official ,  note do 25 

Eraser,  steel do 1 

Ink,  black bottles.  _  2 

Ink,  red do 1 

Inkstands .number.  _  2 

Mailing  tubes. do 4 

Pad,  letter do 1 

Pads,  prescription do 4 

Paper,  blotting,  pieces  q.  s. 

Paper  fasteners number . .  12 

Paper ,  writing ,  legal-cap . . .  quire . .  1 

Paper,  writing,  letter do 2 

Paper,  writing,  note do 1 

Pencils,  lead number.  _  4 

Pens,  steel do 12 

Penholders do 2 

Rubber piece. .  1 

Ruler number.  _  1 


BLANKS. 

MEDICAL  DEPARTMENT. 

Examination  of  recruits,  monthly 

report number..      4 

Hospital-fund  statement do 4 

Medical  property ,  return  of . .  do 2 

Medical  supplies,  invoice  of,  single 

sheet number. .      6 

Medical  supplies,  receipt  for,  single 

sheet .number. .      6 

Medical  supplies,  special  requisition 

for number.  _      8 

Report  of  sick  and  wounded. do 12 

Report  of  completed  cases ...  do 12 

Return  of  personnel,  etc.,  H.  C, 

number  _ 6 

SUBSISTENCE  DEPARTMENT. 

Ration  returns number. .     12 

ORDNANCE  DEPARTMENT. 

Invoices number. .      2 

Quarterly  statements do 2 

Receipts do 2 

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'8  DEPARTMENT. 

Certificates  of  disability  .number. .  2 

Descriptive  lists do 2 

Discharges do 2 

Final  statements do 4 

Furloughs do 2 

Inventory  of  effects  of  deceased  sol- 
diers  number. .  2 

Muster  rolls do 8 

Outline-figure  cards do 6 

Payrolls  _ do 12 

Physical  examination  of  recruits, 

form  for number.  _  6 

Surgeon's  certificate  of  disability 

for  officers number. .  2 


FOLDING   FIELD  FURNITURE. 


A  set  consists  of- 


Chair ,  arm ,  folding number . .      1 

Chairs,  small,  folding do 10 

Cots,  adjustable,  folding do 10 


Table ,  mess ,  folding number  _  _      1 

Tables,  bedside,  folding. . .  .  .do 10 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  701 

For  convenient  reference  the  following  lists  are  appended,  although  the  articles 
are  not  issued  by  the  Medical  Department: 

ISSUED  BY  THE  QUARTERMASTER'S  DEPARTMENT. 

Ambulance.  Hatchet.  Shelter  for  meteorological 

Ambulance,  harness  for.  Ladder.  instruments. 

Ax.  Lamps,  bracket.  Spade. 

Clothing,  uniforms,  etc.  Lamps,  hanging.  Stoves,  heating. 

Cooking  utensils.  Lockers.  Tentage,  etc. 

Dippers.  Piping  for  ranges  and  Travois. 

Flags*  stoves.  Wheelbarrow. 

Gas  fixtures.  Range  and  fixtures.  Wood  saw. 

Handcart.  Shovel. 

ISSUED  BY  THE  ORDNANCE   DEPARTMENT. 

Canteen.  Haversack.  Spoon. 

Canteen  strap.  Haversack  strap.  Waist  belts. 

Cup,  tin.  Knife.  Waist-belt  plate. 

Fork.  Meat  can. 

FOR  DIVISION   AMBULANCE  TRAIN. 

Chest,  surgical  (Nos.  1  and  2) , of  each __ number.-      1 

Chest,  sterilizing do 1 

Buckets,  agate,  3  in  nest  _. _ nest. _      1 

Hatchets number. .      1 

Lantern  glasses,  extra,  red  or  white,  as  required. 
Lantern  wicks,  as  required. 

Lanterns _ number.  _      3 

Litters _ do 20 

Litter  slings,  as  required. 
Hospital  Corps  pouch,  as  required. 
Orderly  pouch,  as  required. 


Appendix  B. 

Circular  )  War  Department,  Surgeon  General's  Office, 

■No*  6-     f  Washington,  August  12, 1898. 

Chief  surgeons  of  Army  corps,  of  divisions,  and  of  smaller  independent  com- 
mands are  expected  to  make  timely  requisition  for  medical  supplies.  It  must  be 
remembered  that  some  delay  is  often  unavoidable  in  putting  up  supplies  at  the 
supply  depots  and  in  their  transportation  to  the  point  at  which  they  are  needed. 
In  an  unexpected  emergency  telegraphic  requisition  must  be  made  and  supplies 
will  be  sent  by  express;  but  it  must  be  remembered  that  this  mode  of  transporta- 
tion is  very  expensive,  and  that  failure  to  make  requisition  in  advance  of  imme- 
diate needs  entails  unnecessary  expense  upon  the  Government.  Division  and 
field  hospitals  in  which  typhoid  fever  and  other  serious  cases  are  treated  should 
be  liberally  supplied  with  all  articles  necessary  for  the  treatment  and  comfort  of 
the  sick.  The  field  supply  table  applies  only  to  mobile  commands  and  division 
hospitals  to  accompany  them  on  short  notice. 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army. 

*  See  A.  R.,  214. 


702         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Appendix  C. 

List  showing  dates  when  ordered  and  supplies  sent  to  Tampa,  Fla. ,  for  General 

Shafter's  army. 

Apr.  29,  1898.  8,500  first-aid  packets  issued  from  this  city. 

May  9,  1898.  Letter  to  New  York  depot  to  issue  by  express  17  principal  articles 
of  medicines  and  hospital  stores,  including  250  bottles  chloroform, 
100  bottles  of  quinine,  144  tins  beef  extract,  144  bottles  each 
brandy  and  whisky. 

May  11, 1898.  40  boxes  dressings  sent  from  this  city,  each  containing  a  formalin 
sterilizer,  rubber  gloves  and  aprons,  300  each  packages  bandages, 
sublimated  gauze,  ligatures,  compressed  cotton  sponges,  absorb- 
ent cotton,  irrigating  bags,  etc. 

May  16,  1898.  From  New  York  depot,  10  field  desks. 

May  17,  1898.  From  New  York  depot,  10,000  first-aid  packets,  condensed  milk  and 
tea. 

May  17,  1898.  From  New  York  depot,  five  times  the  medicines,  hospital  stores, 
disinfectants,  stationery,  surgical  instruments  and  dressings, 
furniture  and  bedding,  and  miscellaneous  articles  on  field-supply 
table. 

May  18,  1898.  From  New  York  depot,  180  cans  beef  extract,  300  bottles  chloro- 
form. 

May  19,  1898.  From  New  York  depot,  15  advance  regimental  medical  outfits 
intended  for  regiments  that  were  not  supplied  with  medical  and 
surgical  chests.  The  outfit  includes  medicines,  hospital  stores, 
stationery,  instruments,  and  dressings,  furniture,  bedding  and 
clothing,  and  miscellaneous  articles. 

May  20,  1898.  From  New  York  depot,  100  bottles  quinine. 

May  24,  1898.  From  New  York  depot,  48  bottles  quinine. 

May  24,  1898.  Requisition  for  medical  supplies  for  field  hospital  at  Port  Tampa, 
comprising  medicines,  hospital  stores,  surgical  instruments  and 
dressings,  stationery,  furniture  and  bedding,  and  miscellaneous 
articles,  etc. 

May  24,  1898.  From  this  city,  7  operating  tables. 

May  27,  1898.  From  New  York  depot,  1,000,000  quinine  pills. 

May  28,  1898.  Authority  to  buy  medicines  given. 

May  29,  1898.  From  New  York  depot,  10  times  the  field-supply  table,  being  medi- 
cines, hospital  stores  and  dressings,  furniture,  bedding  and 
clothing,  miscellaneous  articles,  etc.,  in  allowance  for  1,000  men 
for  six  months. 

May  30,  1898.  From  this  city,  2  operating  tables. 

June   3,  1898.  From  this  city,  5  surgical  sets. 

June   3,  1898.  From  this  city,  5,000  first-aid  packets. 

June  4,  1898.  From  New  York  depot,  sundry  medicines,  including  200  ounces 
bismuth  subnitrate,  50  ounces  powdered  opium,  100  bottles  castor 
oil,  etc. 

June    6,  1898.  From  this  city,  6  medical  sets  and  3  surgical  sets;  100  litter  slings. 

June  6,  1898.  From  New  York  depot,  60  litters,  62  hospital  corps  pouches,  38 
orderly  pouches,  25  bull's-eye  lanterns. 

June  7,  1898.  From  this  city,  25  copies  each  of  following  books:  Tropical  Diseases, 
Wounds  in  War,  Operative  Surgery. 

June    8,  1898.  From  this  city,  2  surgical  sets. 

June    9,  1898.  From  this  city,  5  medical  sets. 

June  10,  1898.  From  this  city,  100  litter  slings,  9  medical  sets. 

June  11,  1898.  From  this  city,  3  surgical  sets;  from  St.  Louis  depot,  6  surgeon's 
field  cases. 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  703 

List  of  more  important  supplies  issued  to  the  troops  at  Tampa,  Fla.,  before  leaving 

for  Santiago. 

JEther.... ..tins..  370 

Alcohol.. ..bottles..  408 

Bismuth  subnitras do 197 

Chloroformum do.  . .  1, 366 

Morphinse  sulphas,  tablets do 127 

Oleum  ricini _ do 620 

Pilulse  camphorae  et  opii  _ . do 214 

Pilulae  catharticae  compositae _ _ .do 382 

Quininae  sulphas,  tablets  (500  in  bottle) _do 3, 116 

Sodii  bicarbonas,  tablets do 434 

Antiseptic  tablets do 200 

Lime,  chloride _ do 816 

Beef  extract _ .tins. .  1, 230 

Brandy bottles..  317 

Soap,  castile kilos. .  107 

Sugar,  white tins. .  49 

Whisky _. bottles..  481 

Condensed  milk tins. .  906 

Tea pounds..  1,210 

Bandages,  gauze _ gross.  _  287 

Cotton,  absorbent .* _ . kilos. .  360 

First-aid  packets number. .  24, 000 

Gauze,  sublimated _.. packages. .  20, 000 

Gauze,  iodoform do 3, 200 

Ligature,  catgut,  sterilized do 10, 800 

Ligature,  silk,  sterilized _ do 10, 800 

Oakum : kilos. .  170 

Sponges,  compressed  cotton boxes. .  1, 470 

Blankets,  gray number.  _  1, 340 

Mosquito  bars ...do 670 

Pillows,  feather do 150 

Pillows,  cotton do 750 

Pillowcases,  cotton do 1, 500 

Sheets,  cotton do 1, 500 

Shirts,  cotton do 750 

Litters do 370 

Litter  slings do 475 

Medical  sets do 29 

Surgical  sets _  .do 21 

Chairs,  arm,  folding do 75 

Chairs,  small,  folding do 750 

Cots,  adjustable,  folding do 750 

Tables,  mess,  folding do 75 

Tables,  bedside,  folding  _ _ _  .do 750 


704  I.W  HSTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Appendix  D. 

List  of  the  more  important  supplies  placed  on  the  hospital  ship  Relief  for  issue  U 
troops  in  the  field,  leaving  New  York  City  on  July  2. 

iEther tins..  1,400 

Alcohol bottles..  1,480 

Bismuthi  subnitras do 200 

Chloroformum do 1,960 

Morphinae  sulphas,  tablets do 40 

Oleum  ricini do 730 

Pilulse  camphorse  et  opii _ do 700 

Pilulae  catharticae  composite do 860 

Quininae  sulphas,  tablets  or  pills  (500  in  bottle) _  .number. .  1, 048, 000 

Sodii  bicarbonas,  tablets bottles.  _  680 

Antiseptic  tablets do 400 

Lime,  chloride _ _ do 1, 920 

Beef  extract .tins. .  3, 840 

Brandy .bottles..  480 

Soap ,  castile kilos  _ .  320 

Sugar,  white tins. .  160 

Whisky ....bottles..  960 

Milk,  condensed _ _  .tins. .  1, 920 

Tea pounds..  2,000 

Bandages,  gauze gross..  480 

Cotton ,  absorbent _ .kilos. .  200 

Gauze,  sublimated packages.  _  10, 000 

Ligature,  catgut,  sterilized do 6, 000 

Ligature,  silk,  sterilized do 6, 000 

Oakum. : kilos..  400 

Sponges,  compressed  cotton .boxes. .  1, 200 

Blankets,  gray _ number. .  1, 100 

Mosquito  bars ^ do 400 

Pillows,  feather. do 200 

Pillows,  cotton do 1, 000 

Pillowcases,  cotton _ do 2, 000 

Sheets,  cotton L do 2,000 

Shirts,  cotton do 1, 000 

Litters _ _ do 200 

Litter  slings do 500 

Chairs,  arm,  folding.  _ do 100 

Chairs,  small,  folding _ do 1,000 

Cots,  adjustable do 1, 000 

Tables,  mess,  folding _ .do 100 

First-aid  packets do 10, 000 

Soups,  canned  (Franco- American) cases. .  61 

Tables,  bedside,  folding number..  1,000 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  705 

List  of  more  important  supplies  placed  on  the  U.  S.  S.  Resolute  for  issue  to  troops 
in  the  field,  leaving  New  York  City  July  18,  1898. 

^Ether . .  .bottles. .  40 

Alcohol do 48 

Bismuthi  subnitras do 20 

Chloroformum do 96 

Morphinss  sulphas,  tablets do 4 

Oleum  ricini do 48 

Pilulae  camphorae  et  opii .do 20 

Pilulae  catharticae  composite do 36 

Quininae  sulphas,  tablets  or  pills number. .  1, 048, 000 

Sodii  bicarbonas,  tablets bottles. .  48 

Antiseptic  tablets . . do 100 

Lime,  chloride do 480 

Beef  extract tins. .  480 

Brandy .bottles..  120 

Soap,  castile kilos. .  40 

Sugar,  white tins.  _  20 

Whisky . .  bottles . .  120 

Milk,  condensed tins. .  480 

Tea pounds . .  500 

Bandages,  gauze gross. .  48 

Cotton,  absorbent kilos..  40 

Gauze  sublimated packages. .  2, 000 

Gauze,  iodoform do 300 

Ligatures,  catgut,  sterilized * do 1, 200 

Ligatures,  silk,  sterilized do 1, 200 

Oakum kilos. .  40 

Sponges,  compressed  cotton boxes. .  120 

Cots,  folding number. .  2, 000 

Blankets,  gray do 2, 000 

Mattresses . do 2, 000 

Mosquito  bars do 2, 000 

Pillows,  feather do 400 

Pillows,  hair  or  cotton do 2, 000 

Pillowcases,  cotton do 3, 200 

Sheets,  cotton do 5, 000 

Shirts,  cotton do 2, 000 

Litters . do 40 

Soups, canned  (Franco- American) cases. .  615 

Chairs,  arm,  folding number. .  4  ) 

Chairs,  small,  folding do 400 

Tables,  mess,  folding do 40 

Tables,  bedside,  folding do 400 

Table  and  kitchen  furniture  for  field  hospital 2, 000 

7833— vol.  1 45 


706         INVESTIGATION    OP    CONDUCT    OP    WAB    WITH    SPAIN. 

sh  j>pl  it  s  placed  cm  tfie  Olivette  for  use  <>/  troops  in  the  field  leaping  New  York  dtp 

on  July  26. 

iEther tins. .  90 

Alcohol bottles. .  24 

Bisniuthi  subnitras. do 10 

Chloroformum do 48 

Calomel  and  soda  tablets do 100 

Calomel. grams. .  200 

Fowler's  solution bottles . .  1 ,  000 

Morphinae  sulphas,  tablets do % 

Nitric  acid,  2-ounce  vials vials. .  100 

Oleum  ricini bottles. .  24 

Pilulae  camphorae  et  opii do 10 

Pilulae  catharticae  compositae . do 18 

Quininae  sulphas,  tablets  or  pills number. .   1 .  034, 000 

Strychninae  sulphas,  tablets bottles. .  100 

Sodii  bicarbonas,  tablets do 24 

Acidum  carbolicum .do 1 ,  000 

Antiseptic  tablets do 50 

Lime,  chloride do 1 ,  240 

Sulphur  in  roll ..... pounds. .  2, 000 

Beef  extract tins. .  240 

Brandy bottles. .  60 

Soap,  castile kilograms.  _  20 

Sugar,  white _ tins.  _  10 

Whisky bottles..  60 

Milk,  condensed * tins. .  240 

Tea pounds..  250 

Bandages,  gauze gross. .  24 

Cotton,  absorbent kilograms. .  20 

First-aid  packets number. .  5, 000 

Gauze,  sublimated packages. .  1 ,  000 

Gauze,  iodoform do 150 

Ligature,  catgut,  sterilized do 600 

Ligature,  silk,  sterilized do. .   .  600 

Oakum kilograms. .  20 

Sponges,  compressed  cotton boxes. .  00 

Test  tubes number..  1,000 

Clinical  thermometers _ .  _do 100 

Formal  gas  generators,  with  supplies do 2 

Cots,  folding do 500 

Blankets,  gray do....  1,000 

Mattresses do 500 

Mosquito  bars do 500 

Pillows,  feather. do 100 

Pillows,  cotton do 500 

Pillowcases do 1,000 

Sheets,  cotton do 1, 500 

Shirts,  cotton do 1,000 

Litters do ... .  20 

Chairs,  arm,  folding do 20 

Chairs,  small,  folding _  _  _ do 200 

Tables,  mess,  folding .  _ do . . .  20 

Tables,  bedside,  folding .  .do 300 

Table  and  kitchen  furniture  for  field  hospital  of                               beds. .  1 .  000 

Soaps,  canned  (Franco-American) cases. .  805 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  707 

Appendix  E. 

Headquarters  Department  of  California, 

Chief  Surgeon's  Office, 
Sail  Francisco,  Cat.,  May  27,  1898. 
The  Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  action  so  far  in  equipping  the  Philippine 
expedition  with  medical  supplies. 

The  first  three  ships  of  this  expedition  left  this  port  on  the  25th  instant,  viz,  the 
City  of  Peking,  the  City  of  Sidney,  and  the  Australia. 

The  First  California  Volunteer  Infantry,  49  officers  and  978  men,  was  assigned 
to  the  Peking.  The  field,  staff,  and  Companies  F,  I,  and  M,  Third  Battalion, 
Second  Oregon  Volunteer  Infantry,  12  officers  and  239  men;  the  California  Vol- 
unteer Heavy  Artillery,  1  officer  and  50  men,  and  the  band  and  Companies  A,  C, 
D,  and  F,  Fourteenth  United  States  Infantry,  9  officers  and  378  men;  total,  22 
officers  and  667  men,  to  the  City  of  Sidney. 

The  commanding  general  and  staff,  5  officers,  went  on  the  Australia;  also 
the  Second  Oregon  Volunteer  Infantry,  field,  staff,  and  band,  First  and* Second 
battalions,  and  Company  C,  Third  Battalion,  38  officers  and  732  men;  total,  43 
officers  and  732  men. 

Asst.  Surg.  Harlan  E.  McVay  was  assigned  to  the  Fourteenth  Infantry,  and 
went  as  senior  medical  officer  of  the  Sidney,  having  with  him  as  assistant  one 
of  the  assistant  surgeons  of  the  Second  Oregon  Volunteers. 

The  First  California  Volunteers,  one  surgeon  and  three  assistant  surgeons,  had 
three  medical  and  surgical  chests  combined,  all  complete;  each  containing  one 
month's  supply  for  a  battalion  of  400  men.  A  supplementary  list  of  medicines, 
surgical  dressings,  and  hospital  stores  was  also  put  on  board.  This  ship  was  also 
furnished  with  many  articles  belonging  to  the  National  Guard  of  California,  and 
was  liberally  supplied  by  the  Red  Cross  Society  with  many  useful  things. 

The  City  of  Sidney  has  on  board  a  full  six  months'  supply  of  nearly  every  article 
on  the  annual  requisition  (and  in  some  instances  the  amounts  were  very  much 
increased  over  the  allowance,  such  as  brandy,  whisky,  quinine,  potass,  perinang., 
and  other  articles  suitable  for  a  hot  climate),  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a 
hospital  at  Manila,  and  to  supply  1,000  men  for  six  months.  A  month's  supply 
of  everything  needful  for  the  voyage,  consisting  of  one  medical  and  surgical  chest, 
field  desk,  and  a  number  of  articles  supplementary,  of  medicines  and  surgical 
dressings,  to  replenish  the  chests,  were  put  in  an  accessible  place. 

The  Australia  was  fitted  out  with  a  sufficient  quantity  of  supplies  for  the  voyage 
including  a  medical  and  a  surgical  chest,  also  a  field  desk.  The  medical  officers  of 
the  Australia  are  the  surgeon  and  assistant  surgeon  of  the  Second  Oregon  Vol- 
unteer Infantry. 

There  are  114  officers  and  2,377  enlisted  men  (2,491)  on  the  three  ships,  and  I  am 
sure  the  supplies  will  last  them  until  another  full  supply  can  be  sent. 

Regiments  for  the  expedition  are  arriving  every  day,  and  they  bring  nothing  in 
the  way  of  a  medical  supply  with  them.  I  have  fitted  them  out,  as  far  as  possible, 
v  with  necessary  medicines,  etc.,  in  boxes  for  temporary  use,  and  requisitions  are 
being  filled  at  the  depot  that  will  give  every  regiment,  so  far  as  possible,  the  six 
months'  allowance  authorized  by  the  new  field  supply  table,  and  it  is  hoped  that 
before  they  leave  here  the  medical  and  surgical  chests- and  sterilizers  and  field 
desks  will  be  on  hand  for  issue,  also  a  sufficient  number  of  hospital  corps  and 
orderly  pouches,  and  litters  to  supply  the  hospital  corps.  I  neglected  to  mention 
that  the  surgeons  on  the  ships  are  well  supplied  with  surgical  instruments  and 
dressings. 

Very  respectfully, 

J.    V.    D.    MlDDLETON, 

Deputy  Sarqeon-G enteral,  U.  S.  Army,  Chief  Surgeon. 


708         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Appendix  F. 

Editor's  Office  of  the  Evening  Sun. 

New  York,  September  12, 1898. 
Hon.  William  McKinlky. 

President  of  the  United  States. 
Sir:  In  the  regular  course  of  business  I  have  received  a  letter  from  Santiago 
which  admits  of  no  question  as  to  the  honesty  and  knowledge  of  the  writer,  and 
which  sets  forth  that  the  condition  of  our  troops  at  Santiago  ' '  is  very  bad.  There 
is  a  very  great  deal  of  actual  starvation  and  a  very  great  deal  of  sickness.  We 
need  cots  and  medicines  of  all  sorts  in  large  amounts." 

It  is  not  the  policy  of  the  Evening  Sun  to  rush  into  print  with  stories  of  the  mis- 
fortune of  our  countrymen,  but  to  regard  is  as  the  duty  of  the  citizen  to  seek  to 
alleviate  their  condition.  I  desire  only  to  call  your  attention  to  the  conditions 
there,  and  suggest  that  you  call  for  reports  from  either  General  Lawton  or  Gen- 
eral Wood,  both  of  whom  I  know  are  doing  all  they  can  with  what  they  can  get, 
but  are  unable  to  get  sufficient  supplies  on  account  of  the  red  tape  at  Washington. 
I  am  satisfied  that  it  is  only  necessary  to  bring  the  matter  to  your  attention  to 
have  the"  trouble  rectified  at  once. 

With  great  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be.  very  respectfully,  yours, 

Wm.  C.  M.  Clay, 
Managing  Editor  of  the  Evening  Sun. 


General  Corbin:  The  within  report  is  astounding.     Can   it  be  true?    Make 
immediate  inquiry  by  cable  and  report  to  me  the  fact. 

Wm.  McK. 
September  14,  1898. 


[Copy  of  cablegram.] 

Santiago,  Cuba,  via  Hayti.  ;.../  p.  m. 
Adjutant-General,  Washington: 

Ref  erring  to  your  message  concerning  starvation  and  sickness  of  troops  at  San- 
tiago, I  repeat  the  following  just  received  from  general  commanding  city  Santi- 
ago: "  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  the  statement  contained  in  the  extract 
of  telegram  forwarded  by  the  War  Department  to  the  effect  that  there  is  actual 
starvation  among  the  troops  at  Santiago,  and  that  medical  supplies  are  insuf- 
ficient, is  absolutely  without  foundation.  Food  is  ample  and  of  good  quality; 
meat  supplied  by  Swift  &  Co.  is  a  good  deal  of  it  somewhat  damaged;  vege- 
etables  in  greater  amount  than  at  present  are  required.  The  supply  of  medicines 
on  hand  is,  I  am  informed  by  the  chief  surgeon  and  the  regimental  surgeons  of 
my  command,  ample.  There  is  a  good  deal  of  sickness  among  the  troops,  also 
among  the  native  Cubans,  but  it  is  almost  entirely  malarial  and  incident  to  the 
season."    A  thorough  investigation  is  being  made  in  each  regiment,  and  report 

will  be  duly  forwarded. 

Lawton,  Major-General . 
[seal.  J 
For  the  Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army. 


Tampa  Heights,  Fla.,  July  29, 1898. 
The  Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  In  view  of  the  recent  charges  made  affecting  the  efficiency  of  Army  Medi- 
cal  Department  at  Santiago,  and  especially  with  reference  to  the  conditions  pre- 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON -GENERAL.  709 

vailing  on  the  hospital  transports  sent  north  with  wonnded,  I  have  the  honor  to 
submit  the  following  facts,  believing  that  my  position  as  adjutant  to  the  chief 
surgeon,  Fifth  Corps,  and  as  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  outfitting  of  the  hospital 
transports  Iroquois,  Cherokee,  and  Breakwater  may  possibly  give  value  to  such 
report: 

Drugs,  medicines,  dressings,  instruments,  hospital  tentage,  and  supplies  were 
loaded  on  the  transports  at  Tampa  in  quantities  sufficient  to  meet  the  needs  of  the 
Santiago  expedition.  These  supplies  were  divided  up  on  the  various  vessels,  each 
organization  having  its  own  equipment.  While  the  bulk  of  the  supplies  were 
with  the  organized  hospitals,  the  regimental  equipment  was  largely  in  excess  of 
its  needs  and  was  intended  to  be  called  in  to  supplement,  if  necessary,  the  equip- 
ment of  these  hospitals. 

The  landing  on  Cuban  soil  was  made  as  rapidly  as  possible,  each  organization 
accompanied  by  the  medical  attendance  assigned  to  it,  and  troops  were  pushed 
forward  with  no  other  equipment  and  supplies  than  could  be  carried  by  the  soldier. 
Having  no  means  of  transportation  for  even  their  field  chests,  the  regimental 
medical  officers  had  absolutely  no  resources  at  their  command  except  such  as  were 
provided  by  the  orderly  and  hospital  corps  pouches  and  the  first-aid  packets  car- 
ried by  the  soldiers.  Having  once  left  their  ships  the  latter  were  promptly  ordered 
out  of  the  small  bays  at  Siboney  and  Daiquiri  to  permit  the  unloading  of  other 
ships.  These  partially  unloaded  ships,  in  obedience  to  their  orders,  then  proceeded 
to  sea  from  5  to  15  miles,  where  they  remained  hove  to  indefinitely.  Such  orders 
were  given  the  transports  carrying  the  reserve  and  the  first  division  hospitals. 
The  one  carrying  the  reserve  hospital,  in  obedience  to  its  orders,  proceeded  to  join 
the  naval  blockading  squadron  off  Morro  Castle,  where  it  remained  five  days  and 
nights,  the  other  transport  disappearing,  if  I  was  correctly  informed,  for  an  entire 
week.  During  this  time  the  fight  at  Guasima,  had  occurred  and  large  numbers  of 
sick  and  wounded  were  requiring  treatment.  In  the  meantime  a  report  of  the 
conditions  prevailing  on  shore  was  made  to  the  chief  surgeon,  who  promptly  laid 
the  case  before  the  commanding  general,  requesting  that  a  launch  be  placed  under 
the  control  of  the  medical  department  for  the  collection  of  medical  supplies  from 
the  various  transports.  It  was  also  requested  that  a  pack  train  be  organized, 
in  the  proportion  of  1  pack  mule  to  each  regiment,  to  transport  supplies,  especially 
the  field  chests,  to  the  front  for  proper  distribution;  and  I  was  suggested  by  the 
chief  surgeon  as  available  for  the  performance  of  these  duties.  The  exigency  of  the 
situation  did  not  apparently  appeal  to  the  commanding  general,  and  for  two  days  the 
medical  department  was  unable  to  get  transportation  of  any  kind  to  the  other  ships 
or  to  the  shore,  although  there  were  a  large  number  of  naval  launches  and  boats 
employed  on  various  other  duties.  On  the  third  day,  by  order  of  the  Adjutant- 
General,  one  rowboat  was  turned  over  to  the  medical  department  for  the  purposes 
above  named,  and  at  that  time  an  order  was  issued  for  land  transportation  to 
carry  medical  supplies  to  the  front,  "  not  to  exceed  one  6-mule  team."  On  getting 
into  this  boat  with  supplies  from  the  headquarters  transport  I  was  directed  by 
sundry  staff  officers  to  take  them  on  various  errands.  On  my  refusal  to  recog- 
nize their  authority  the  commanding  general,  who  had  appeared  on  the  scene, 
personally  revoked  the  previous  order  and  directed,  after  the  landing  of  the  sup- 
plies already  in  the  boat,  that  it  should  return  without  delay.  Presenting  the 
order  for  land  transportation  to  the  quartermaster  on  shore,  I  was  informed  that 
only  pack  mules  had  as  yet  been  landed;  that  neither  wagons  nor  harness  had 
been  brought  ashore,  and,  finally,  that  the  road  was  impassable  for  wagons.  After 
this  boat  had  been  taken  away  the  chief  surgeon  was  without  any  means  of  com- 
munication with  the  medical  officers  on  shore  or  still  on  transports,  of  finding  out 
their  wants  or  of  remedying  the  many  already  known  to  him.  This  condition  of 
things  remained  until  after  the  fight  at  Las  Guasimas,  at  which  time  there  were 


710        l\vi>l  h.ATloN    OF    CONDUCT    OF    W.\li    with    SPAIN. 

absolutely  no  dressings,  hospital  tentage,  or  supplies  of  any  kind  on  shore  within 
reach  Of  the  surgeons  already  landed.    The  news  of  the  Guasima  fight  being 

reported  to  the  chief  surgeon,  he  was  finally  able  to  get  on  hoard  the  Olivette  and 
send  her  to  Siboney,  where  she  received  the  wounded.  Within  the  following  day 
or  so  the  transports  carrying  the  reserve  and  first  divisional  hospitals  were  found 
and  unloaded  of  their  hospital  contents;  the  latter  hospital  finally  obtaining 
limited  transportation  to  the  front. 

After  a  couple  of  days'  duty  on  board  the  Olivette  I  was  directed  to  put  the  7  m- 
otiotf  in  condition  to  receive  patients  and  to  take  the  full  capacity  of  the  ship  on 
board.  While  doing  this  I  was  able  to  set  ashore  considerable  hospital  tentage 
and  supplies  found  aboard  her,  and,  having  control  of  her  boats,  I  was  able  to 
visit  other  transports  in  the  harbor  and  land  medical  supplies  from  them.  While 
subsequently  outfitting  the  Cherokee  and  Breakwater  this  work  was  continued  as 
well  as  opportunity  and  limited  facilities  permitted,  getting  supplies  from  perhaps 
a  third  of  the  transports  composing  the  fleet.  Outside  of  this  it  is  believed  that  no 
other  regimental  medical  property  was  ever  unloaded  up  to  the  time  of  my  depar- 
ture with  wounded  on  July  10.  Appealing  on  several  occasions  for  the  use  of  a 
lighter  or  small  steamer  to  collect  and  land  medical  supplies,  I  was  informed  by 
the  Quartermaster's  Department  that  they  could  render  no  assistance  in  that  way, 
and  the  Medical  Department  was  compelled  to  rely  entirely  upon  its  own  energies 
and  improvise  its  own  transportation.  I  feel  justified  in  saying  that  at  the  time 
of  my  departure  large  quantities  of  medical  supplies  urgently  needed  on  shore 
still  remained  on  transports,  a  number  of  which  were  under  orders  to  return  to 
the  United  States.  Had  the  Medical  Department  carried  along  double  the  amount 
of  supplies,  it  is  difficult  to  see  how,  with  the  totally  inadequate  land  and  water 
transportation  provided  by  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  the  lamentable  con- 
ditions on  shore  could  have  been  in  any  way  improved. 

The  outfitting  of  transports  for  the  reception  of  sick  and  wounded  is  a  duty 
demanding  thought  and  experience,  and  should  never  be  intrusted  to  anyone 
except  a  regular  medical  officer.  It  includes  the  proper  policing  of  the  portions 
of  the  ship  to  be  used  by  the  wounded,  the  removal  of  bunks  and  partitions  to 
give  space  and  air,  the  utilization  of  the  ship's  blankets,  door  mats,  rugs,  and  car- 
pets to  render  the  bunks  more  comfortable,  the  securing  of  extra  supplies,  such 
as  canned  soups  and  fruits,  lime  juice,  and  oatmeal,  the  establishment  of  a  mess 
and  laundry,  and  the  assignment  of  convalescents  to  specific  light  duties  which 
materially  relieve  the  overworked  hospital  corps.  Usually  it  is  necessary  to  over- 
come passive  resistance  and  opposition  on  the  part  of  the  crews  and  a  tendency 
on  the  part  of  the  captains  to  disregard  or  modify  orders.  In  several  instances  in 
my  own  experience  this  action  of  the  crew  amounted  almost  to  mutiny,  and  was 
only  to  be  dealt  with  by  threats,  a  show  of  force,  and  in  one  instance  by  the  use 
of  the  irons.  While  executive  officer  at  the  general  hospital,  Fort  Monroe,  I 
learned  officially  that  the  captain  of  the  steamship  Seneca  positively  refused  to 
obey  the  orders  emanating  from  your  office,  given  him  by  the  contract  surgeon 
in  charge,  to  proceed  to  New  York,  he  remaining  nearly  an  additional  day  at 
Hampton  Roads  with  sick  and  wounded,  and  asserting  that  he  would  obey  no 
orders  given  by  the  Medical  Department.  A  similar  experience  of  my  own  at 
Daiquiri,  which  had  to  be  settled  by  force,  emphasizes  the  fact  that  no  one  should 
be  placed  in  charge  of  such  a  ship  who  is  not  accustomed  to  command  men  and 
enforce  obedience. 

With  regard  to  the  Red  Cross  Society,  it  would  seem  as  if  the  lofty  purposes  of 
this  organization  were,  on  the  Santiago  expedition,  subverted  to  individual  inter- 
ests. While  at  Tampa  the  Red  Cross  ship  State  of  Texas  was  formally  placed 
under  the  control  of  the  chief  surgeon  Fifth  Corps  by  Dr.  Egan,  the  repre- 
sentative of  this  society,  he  acting  under  telegraphic  instructions  to  that  effect. 


REPLY    OF   SURGEON-GENEKAL.  711 

Colonel  Pope  accepted  this  offer  and  directed  that  the  State  of  Texas  accompany 
the  expedition  of  General  Shafter  to  its  destination.  Although  this  order  was 
fully  understood  by  Dr.  Egan,  the  State  of  Texas  did  not  accompany  the  expedi- 
tion, nor  did  it  arrive  at  Siboney  until  the  forces  had  been  landed,  a  battle  fought, 
and  our  hospitals  established  and  in  working  order.  The  first  offers  of  aid  made 
by  this  society  dealt  largely  in  generalities  and  manifested  reluctance  to  subordi- 
nate the  organization  to  the  Medical  Department.  Too  much  praise  can  not  be 
given  to  the  individual  efforts  of  Dr.  Lesser  and  the  Red  Cross  nurses.  Their 
work  was  untiring  and  unselfish  and  the  assistance  rendered  by  them  was  of 
great  value. 

In  conclusion,  it  is  desired  to  emphasize  the  fact  that  the  lamentable  conditions 
prevailing  in  the  army  before  Santiago  were  due,  first,  to  the  military  necessity 
which  threw  troops  on  shore  and  away  from  the  possibility  of  supply,  without 
medicines,  instruments,  dressings,  or  hospital  stores  of  any  kind;  second,  to  the 
lack  of  foresight  on  the  part  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  in  sending  out 
such  an  expedition  without  properly  anticipating  its  needs  as  regards  temporary 
wharfage,  lighters,  tugs,  and  dispatch  boats,  and  without  an  adequate  number  of 
stevedores  to  handle  property.  The  quartermasters  personally  accompanying 
this  expedition  were  entirely  unable  to  properly  carry  out  the  severe  burdens 
imposed  on  them  in  spite  of  the  personal  energy  displayed  by  them  in  making  the 
most  of  the  limited  facilities  and  resources  at  their  command. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Edward  L.  Munson, 
Captain  and  Assistant  Surgeon,  U.  S.  Army, 

Commanding  Reserve  Ambulance  Corps, 


[Not  official.] 

Camp  Poland, 
Knoxwlle,  Tenn.,  September  14,  1898. 
Gen.  Geo.  M.  Sternberg,  Washington,  D.  C. 

My  Dear  Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  should  there  be  at  any  time  an 
investigation  or  an  attempt  to  censure  the  conduct  of  your  department  during 
our  stay  at  Chickamauga  Park,  will  say  that  my  opportunity  to  know  the  work- 
ing of  the  Medical  Department  while  at  Camp  George  H.  Thomas  was  perhaps  as 
good  as,  if  not  much  better  than,  almost  any  medical  officer  on  duty  there;  and  I 
will  say  that  at  no  time  during  my  stay  in  the  park  was  there  any  difficulty  in  pro- 
curing all  necessary  medical  and  hospital  supplies  if  the  proper  effort  was  made. 
Should  you  come  to  Knoxville,  I  will  be  glad  to  explain  further,  and  if  at  any 
time  I  am  in  Washington  I  will  surely  call  and  give  you  all  the  information  that  I 
can. 

Very  truly,  yours, 

J.  H.  Hysell, 
Chief  Surgeon,  Second  Division,  First  Army  Corps. 


Headquarters  Seventh  Army  Corps, 

Office  of  Adjutant-General, 
Camp  Cuba  Libre.  Jacksonville,  Fla..  September  27.  1S0S. 
Brig.  Gen.  George  M.  Sternberg, 

Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 
My  Dear  General  :  Appreciating  the  interest  manifested  at  all  times  by  you 
in  the  health  and  welfare  of  this  corps,  your  efforts  to  provide  us  with  materials, 


712        tNVKSTlGATfOfl    of   <<>Ni>rcT   Of    wai;    with   SPAIN 

medicines,  nurses,  and  attendants,  together  with  your  generous  assistance  in  aid- 
ing us  in  every  way  in  the  care  of  the  sick,  I  take  pleasure  in  authorizing  the  chief 
surgeon  to  present  you  with  the  corps  badge,  and  will  feel  gratified  to  have  you 
wear  the  same. 

Very  respectfully,  Fitzhugh  Lee, 

Major-General,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Cor.imanding  Seventh  Corps. 


Medical  Supply  Depot, 
18  Loyd  Street,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  September  29,  1898. 
Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  Referring  to  our  conversation  when  you  were  in  Atlanta,  I  have  the  honor 
to  state  that,  although  two  separate  boards  of  officers,  properly  appointed,  had 
reported  that  sufficient  quantities  of  medicines  and  medical  supplies  had  not  been 
furnished,  no  inquiry  was  ever  made  of  me  upon  the  subject  by  either  board, 
officially  or  unofficially,  directly  or  indirectly,  verbally  or  in  writing. 

I  can  further  state  that  I  twice  asked  of  the  commanding  general,  verbally,  that 
he  investigate  my  office  in  case  such  reports  were  rendered,  but  it  was  not  done. 
I  know  of  no  reason  why  the  troops  should  have  suffered  from  lack  of  medi- 
cines, etc.    Supplies  were  sometimes  slow  in  getting  to  the  depot  on  account  of 
the  overtaxing  of  the  capacity  of  the  railroad. 
Very  respectfully, 

E.  T.  Comegys, 
Major  and  Surgeon,  U.  S.  A.,  Acting  Medical  Purveyor. 


[Extract  from  report  of  Brigadier-General  Coppinger,  commanding  the  Fourth  Army  Corps.] 

While  many  complaints  have  been  made  concerning  medical  supplies,  my  expe- 
rience with  the  Fourth  Corps  leads  me  to  believe  that  the  Surgeon-General  has 
accomplished  an  arduous  task  under  very  trying  circumstances.  It  is  difficult  to 
provide  a  full  supply  of  medical  stores  when  troops  are  ordered  suddenly  to  many 
unexpected  places,  and  when  the  movements  are  accompanied  by  serious  out- 
breaks of  sickness.  This  difficulty  was  increased  in  many  instances  by  the  fact 
that  most  of  the  regimental,  brigade,  and  division  surgeons  were  entirely  new  to 
military  work.  I  am  well  satisfied  that  the  Surgeon-General  worked  admirably 
to  supply  my  corps,  and  was  ably  assisted  by  Chief  Surg.  Robert  M.  O'Reilly, 
to  whose  ability  and  energy  I  feel,  on  behalf  of  my  troops,  deeply  indebted. 


[Extract  from  report  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Maus,  chief  surgeon  Seventh  Army  Corps.] 

On  my  arrival  at  Jacksonville  I  found  no  medical  supplies  or  hospital  equipment 
on  hand,  except  a  few  articles  that  Major  Pilcher  had  brought  with  him  from 
Tampa,  Fla.,  a  week  or  two  previous.  The  day  after  my  arrival  I  sent  him  to 
Tampa  with  a  requisition  for  a  complete  outfit  for  one  division  hospital  and 
ambulance  company,  the  latter  consisting  of  ambulances,  escort  wagons,  teams, 
etc.  The  Surgeon-General  of  the  Army  had  informed  me  a  few  days  previous, 
when  I  was  in  Washington  City,  that  I  should  obtain  my  supplies  from  the  depots 
at  Tampa.  On  Major  Pilcher's  arrival  at  Tampa,  he  presented  these  requisitions 
for  approval  to  the  chief  surgeon  of  the  corps,  Maj.  Benjamin  F.  Pope,  who 
approved  them,  but  informed  him  that  it  was  necessary  to  get  General  Shatter's 
approval  also.  Major  Pilcher  informed  me  that  General  Shafter  refused  to  allow 
him  anything  whatever,  stating  that  he  would  not  let  a  thing  leave  Tampa  until 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  713 

his  corps  had  left  for  Cuba.  In  addition  to  this  he  placed  Major  Pilcher  on  duty 
at  Tampa,  and  retained  him  there  for  about  two  weeks.  In  the  meantime,  I  was 
daily  expecting  supplies  from  Tampa,  and  did  not  consider  it  proper  to  make 
requisitions  on  Washington  City  under  the  circumstances;  however,  I  found  it 
necessary  to  purchase  here  cots,  sheets,  medical  supplies,  kitchen  equipment,  and 
other  things  for  the  hospital,  which  I  had  organized  from  material  taken  from 
the  regiments.  About  the  12th  of  June,  I,  myself,  was  ordered  to  Tampa  on 
a  retiring  board,  and  there  obtained,  through  General  Miles's  approval,  a  carload 
of  hospital  supplies,  consisting  of  hospital  tents,  common  tents,  medical  and 
hospital  supplies,  quartermaster  supplies,  together  with  12  ambulances,  14  escort 
wagons,  and  104  mules,  and  on  my  return  from  Tampa  I  was  thus  enabled  to 
organize  the  Second  Division  Ambulance  Company  and  to  complete  the  organiza- 
of  the  Second  Division  hospital.  Since  that  date  medical  supplies  have  been  fur- 
nished regularly  from  Washington  City,  New  York,  St.  Louis,  and  other  points, 
under  the  direction  of  the  Surgeon-General,  upon  my  requisitions,  which  were 
mostly  telegraphic  in  character.  The  Seventh  Army  Corps  has,  since  the  refusal 
of  General  Shafter's  approval  of  my  requisition,  suffered  in  no  wise  for  lack 
of  medical  and  hospital  supplies,  and  the  Surgeon-General  of  the  Army  has 
been  exceedingly  generous,  and  has  never  refused  anything  that  I  have  asked,  but 
on  the  other  hand  has  had  them  sent  here,  as  a  rule,  by  express.  The  success  of 
the  administration  of  the  medical  department  of  this  corps  is  greatly  due  to  the 
Surgeon-General,  through  his  generous  approval  of  my  requisitions. 


MEMORANDA— HOSPITAL  CORPS. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  war  the  Hospital  Corps  consisted  of  100  hospital  stew- 
ards, 103  acting  hospital  stewards,  and  520  privates,  making  a  total  of  723.  The 
larger  part  of  this  number  was  ordered  with  the  troops  that  left  their  respective 
stations  to  the  camps  of  concentration  and  accompanied  the  regular  regiments  in 
the  Fifth  Army  Corps  to  Cuba,  the  smaller  part  being  left  behind  at  the  various 
army  posts,  they  being  just  enough  to  take  care  of  the  medical  property. 

Enlistments  were  at  once  ordered  throughout  the  country  of  suitable  men  for 
the  Hospital  Corps,  special  attention  being  paid  to  enlisting  nurses,  pharmacists, 
cooks,  drivers,  mechanics,  etc.  A  good  many  medical  students  and  young  physi- 
cians were  also  accepted. 

By  means  of  enlistments,  and  afterwards  by  transfers  from  volunteer  regiments 
to  the  Hospital  Corps,  a  large  number  of  men  were  obtained,  and  to-day  there  are 
in  service  by  actual  count  5,084.  Probably  a  thousand  are  in  service  whose  enlist- 
ment and  transfer  is  not  yet  reported. 

In  addition  to  the  members  of  the  Hospital  Corps  enlisted  for  the  purpose  of 
taking  care  of  our  sick  and  wounded,  we  have  employed  168  male  nurses  and  over 
700  female  nurses  under  contract. 


MEMORANDA  FROM  SURGEON-GENERAL,  U.  S.  A.,  RELATING 
TO  HOSPITAL  SHIPS. 


715 


HOSPITAL  SHIPS. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  October  13,  1898. 
Gen.  G.  M.  Dodge, 

President  Board  to  Investigate  War  Department. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a  memorandum  relating  to  hospi- 
tal ships  employed  by  the  Medical  Department  of  the  Army  during  the  war  with 
Spain. 

Very  respectfully,  Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 

Surgeon-General  United  States  Army. 


HOSPITAL  SHIPS. 


THE  HOSPITAL  SHIP  RELIEF. 


About  the  15th  of  April  the  Surgeon-General  applied  for  a  ship  to  be  used  as  a 
hospital  ship,  and  after  an  inspection  had  been  made  of  various  ships  offered 
requested  in  the  following  indorsement  that  the  steamship  John  Englis  should  be 
secured  for  this  purpose: 

"April  23, 1898. 

"  Respectfully  returned  to  the  Quartermaster-General  of  the  Army. 

"  The  steamship  John  Englis  is  well  adapted  for  the  purpose  in  view — a  floating 
hospital  for  use  at  any  Cuban  port  occupied  by  our  troops,  and  entirely  sea- 
worthy. I  am  not  a  competent  judge  as  to  the  reasonableness  of  the  terms  pro- 
posed, but  the  Surgeon-General  of  the  Navy  tells  me  that  in  his  opinion  they  are 
not  unreasonable.  I  should  expect  to  use  the  hospital  ship  also  as  a  depot  of 
reserve  supplies  for  troops  in  the  field.  It  would  be  fitted  out  to  contain  500  beds, 
and  would  be  available  for  the  care  of  the  sick  and  wounded  at  any  point  on  the 
Cuban  coast  and  for  their  transportation  to  any  point  on  our  own  coast.  I 
respectfully  request  that  this  ship  may  be  secured  for  the  purpose  indicated. 

"  Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
"  Surgeon-General  United  States  Army.'" 

This  recommendation  was  not  approved  at  the  time,  and  various  other  ships 
were  inspected,  but  none  found  to  be  suitable.  On  the  18th  of  May,  by  direction 
of  the  President,  the  John  Englis  was  secured  by  purchase,  and  the  Quartermas- 
ter's Department  took  charge  of  her  for  the  purpose  of  preparing  her  for  the  spe- 
cial service  required.  Maj.  George  H.  Torney,  surgeon,  United  States  Army, 
who  was  formerly  a  medical  officer  in  the  United  States  Navy,  was  directed  to 
make  l  ^commendations  with  reference  to  necessary  alterations  and  apparatus, 
and  subsequently  was  placed  in  command  of  the  ship.  The  following  telegram 
was  sent  to  Major  Torney  May  18: 

"Surg.  George  H.  Torney,  United  States  Army , 

"Army  Building,  39  Whitehall  street,  New  York  City: 
"  The  John  Englis  has  been  secured.    Obtain  estimates  from  several  parties,  if 
practicable,  for  satisfactory  ice  machine,  steam  disinfector,  and  steam  launches, 
and  send  to  me  for  approval.     Steam  laundry  and  distilling  apparatus  approved. 

"Sternberg, 
"Surgeon-General  United  States  Army." 

717 


71*         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

The  necessary  work  upon  the  ship  required  more  time  than  was  anticipated.  On 
June  12  T  wrote  to  Major  Torney  as  follows: 

•  •  The  hospital  ship  will  be  required  at  the  earliest  possible  moment  to  go  to 
Santiago,  where  you  are  likely  to  have  plenty  of  sick  and  wounded  men  awaiting 
your  arrival.  I  trust  that  you  will  do  everything  in  your  power  to  have  the  ship 
ready  for  orders  at  the  earliest  possible  moment.  *  *  *  Be  sure  to  get  every- 
thing on  board  as  soon  as  possible,  for  when  you  get  your  orders  we  want  no 
delay  on  the  ground  that  certain  articles  for  which  requisition  has  been  made  are 
not  yet  on  board  ship." 

Again,  on  June  22,  in  a  letter  to  Major  Torney,  I  say: 

"  You  will  do  everything  in  your  power  to  expedite  the  work  upon  the  hospital 
ship  Relief,  and  when  she  is  ready  for  sea  report  to  me  by  telegraph.  Upon  receiv- 
ing telegraphic  orders  to  that  effect  you  will  proceed  directly  to  Santiago  de  Cuba, 
reporting  your  arrival  to  the  commanding  general  at  that  pflint.  Your  ship  should 
be  anchored  in  a  safe  harbor  at  such  point  as  may  be  designated  by  the  proper 
authorities  and  as  near  as  possible  to  the  seat  of  active  operations.  You  will 
receive  on  board,  up  to  the  full  capacity  of  the  ship,  the  sick  and  wounded  of  the 
Army  and  Navy  and  care  for  them  exactly  as  if  they  were  in  a  general  hospital. 
The  Relief  is  regarded  as  a  United  States  general  hospital,  and  you  will  be 
expected  to  make  such  reports  and  returns  as  are  required  by  regulations  for  a 
general  hospital.  Your  attention  is  especially  invited  to  A.  R.  1433,  and  should 
anyone  attempt  to  exercise  unauthorized  authority  over  you  or  your  ship  you 
will  invite  their  attention  to  this  regulation.  When  in  your  judgment,  or  in 
that  of  the  commanding  general  or  the  chief  surgeon  of  the  troops  at  whatever 
point  you  may  be  located,  it  is  desirable  that  you  should  proceed  to  a  home  port 
for  the  purpose  of  landing  the  sick  and  wounded,  you  will,  if  practicable,  com- 
municate with  me  by  telegraph  and  orders  will  be  sent  you  designating  the  port 
for  which  you  should  sail.  If  it  is  not  practicable  to  communicate  with  me  by 
telegraph,  you  should  apply  to  the  commanding  general  of  the  troops  for  orders 
to  proceed  to  such  home  port  as  may  seem  desirable,  and  immediately  upon  your 
arrival  you  should  communicate  with  me  by  telegraph  in  order  that  arrangements 
may  be  made  to  transfer  the  sick  and  wounded  to  a  general  hospital. 

"  You  will  issue  medical  supplies,  upon  properly  approved  requisitions,  to  troops 
in  the  field  and  will  do  everything  in  your  power  to  aid  the  medical  officers  with 
these  troops  in  providing  for  the  comfort  of  the  sick  by  the  issue  of  ice,  hospital 
stores,  and  such  delicacies  as  you  may  have  at  your  disposal. 

"  When  practicable  you  will  send  to  me  once  a  week  a  telegraphic  report  show- 
ing the  number  of  patients  of  the  Army  and  of  the  Navy  on  board  the  hospital 
ship.  You  should  make  timely  requisition  for  necessary  supplies  for  use  on  the 
ship  and  for  issue  to  troops  in  the  field." 

On  June  25  the  following  telegram  was  sent  to  Major  Torney: 

"  The  Secretary  of  War  directs  that  you  proceed  as  soon  as  practicable  to  San- 
tiago in  compliance  with  your  orders.    Do  not  wait  for  steam  launches." 

On  June  27  the  following  additional  instructions  were  sent  to  Major  Torney: 

"  You  should  keep  in  view  the  fact  that  the  Relief  is  a  well-equipped  floating 
hospital  and  a  depot  of  supplies  for  troops  in  the  field.  It  is  important,  therefore, 
that  she  should  not  be  taken  away  from  the  scene  of  active  operations  unless  it  is 
absolutely  necessary  for  the  purpose  of  landing  the  sick  and  wounded  at  a  home 
port.  You  should  avail  yourself  of  every  opportunity  to  send  proper  cases  by  the 
navy  ambulance  ship,  the  Solace,  or  by  army  transports  returning  to  home  ports. 
As  a  rule,  the  more  serious  cases  of  injury  and  sickness  should  be  retained  on  your 
ship,  as  the  disturbance  incident  to  a  sea  voyage  would  be  injurious  to  them. 
Convalescents  and  those  sick  and  wounded  who  can  be  transported  without  injury 
to  themselves,  and  who  are  riot  likely  to  be  fit  for  duty  within  a  short  time,  should 
be  sent  to  a  home  port  whenever  an  opportunity  offers." 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  719 

On  July  2  the  following  telegram  was  received  from  Major  Torney: 

"  The  Relief  will  sail  at  1  o'clock  p.  m." 

The  Relief  arrived  at  Siboney  July  7.  On  July  18  the  following  dispatch  was 
received  from  Major  Torney:  . 

"All  supplies  having  been  landed  and  active  operations  ceased,  chief  surgeon 
recommends  Relief  proceed  north  to  evacuate  severely  wounded,  replenish,  and 
refit  to  accompany  expedition  to  Porto  Rico.  Ship  not  infected.  Request 
instructions." 

The  Relief  left  Siboney  July  19  with  254  sick  and  wounded  and  arrived  at  New 
York  July  23.  She  sailed  for  Ponce,  Porto  Rico,  on  August  3  and  returned  to 
New  York  with  255  sick  and  wounded  from  Porto  Rico,  arriving  August  19.  She 
returned  to  Porto  Rico  for  sick  August  24,  and  in  compliance  with  orders  brought 
a  load  of  sick  to  Philadelphia,  arriving  September  6.  Was  ordered  September  10 
to  proceed  to  Montauk  Point  to  take  a  load  of  sick  to  Boston.  Returned  from 
Boston  to  Montauk  Point  and  took  a  load  of  sick  to  Philadelphia.  September  23 
sailed  again  for  Porto  Rico,  and  arrived  at  Fort  Monroe  with  a  load  of  sick 
October  11. 

HOSPITAL  SHIP  MISSOURI. 

On  July  1  Mr.  B.  N.  Baker,  president  of  the  Atlantic  Transport  Line,  Balti- 
more, Md.,  tendered  the  steamship  Missouri,  with  her  captain  and  crew  to  the 
Government  as  a  hospital  ship.  This  generous  and  patriotic  offer  was  accepted 
by  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  Maj.  W.  H.  Arthur,  surgeon,  U.  S.  Volunteers 
(assistant  surgeon,  United  States  Army) ,  was  ordered  to  take  charge  of  her  prepa- 
ration for  service  and  subsequently  to  command  her.  On  July  15  the  following 
letter  was  written  to  the  Quartermaster-General: 

"  The "  steampship  Missouri  has  been  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Medical 
Department  as  a  hospital  ship.  I  have  conferred  with  the  Secretary  of  War  with 
reference  to  this  ship  and  he  directs  that  she  be  fitted  up  in  a  satisfactory  manner 
to  prepare  her  for  the  service  required.  It  is  reported  to  me  that  she  can  be  made 
available  for  six  or  seven  hundred  sick  or  wounded  men.  She  will,  however, 
require  considerable  refitting.  The  kitchen  will  have  to  be  very  much  enlarged 
to  make  it  possible  to  cook  for  so  many,  temporary  cabins  will  have  to  be  built 
and  other  changes  made. 

"  '  Major  Summerhayes  says  he  can  make  all  the  necessary  changes,  and  put  in 
a  steam  laundry,  steam  sterilizing  apparatus,  ice,  and  carbonating  plants  within 
ten  days  or  two  weeks  after  the  ship  arrives.  The  lower  deck  is  cemented  over 
the  steel  plating  and  it  may  be  necessary  to  remove  the  cement,  as  any  cracks  in 
it  would  make  it  impossible  to  get  rid  of  the  odor  of  cattle  (the  ship  has  been  used 
for  the  transportation  of  cattle).  This  I  am  assured  would  take  very  little  time. 
Major  Summerhayes,  if  authority  is  given  him,  will  at  once  get  bids  for  the  refit- 
ting, including  laundry,  ice  plant,  and  the  general  carpenter  work,  shelving,  etc. 
Mr.  Baker  does  not  propose  to  supply  anything  but  ship  and  crew.' 

"  The  above  quotation  is  from  a  letter  from  Maj.  W.  H.  Arthur,  surgeon,  U.  S. 
Volunteers,  who  is  to  have  charge  of  the  ship.  I  respectfully  request  that  orders 
may  be  given  to  make  the  necessary  improvements  and  put  in  the  necessary 
apparatus  at  the  earliest  practicable  date. 

"George  M.  Sternberg, 
'''Surgeon-General  U,  S.  Army.''' 

My  expectations  with  reference  to  the  time  required  for  preparing  this  ship 
were  not  realized,  and  it  was  not  until  August  23  that  tha  ship  was  ready  to  sail. 
She  returned  to  Montauk  Point  from  Santiago  with  256  sick,  proceeding  from 
there  to  New  York. 

The  Missouri  sailed  from  New  York  for  Porto  Rico  September  21  and  returned 
with  270  patients,  who  were  placed  in  the  Josiah  Simpson  General  Hospital  at 
Fort  Monroe.  Va..  on  October  6. 


720         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAK'    WITH    SPAIN. 
THE  HOSPITAL   STEAMER  OLIVETTE. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Pope,  chief  surgeon  of  the  Fifth  Army  Corps,  gives  the 
following  account  of  the  use  made  of  the  steamer  Olivette,  which  was  selected  by 
him  to  accompany  the  expedition  to  Santiago  as  a  hospital  ship: 

'•As  the  embarkation  took  place  and  reports  of  sickness  on  the  transports  came 
in  it  became  quite  evident  that  a  hospital  steamer  must  be  secured  with  the  least 
possible  delay.  Under  direction  of  the  commanding  general,  I  examined  several 
boats  with  view  to  selection,  but  none  of  them  presented  more  desirable  qualities 
than  the  steamer  Olivette,  which  was  doing  service  as  a  water  carrier  and  distrib- 
uter for  all  the  transports  of  the  fleet.  She  had  large  stateroom  accommodation 
both  on  the  upper  and  lower  deck,  a  large-sized  dining  saloon,  which  was  later 
used  as  a  place  for  surgical  work;  she  carried  plenty  of  ice  and  water;  and  was 
without  cargo  except  some  horses,  I  believe,  and  forage  for  the  same,  which  was 
cleaned  out  later. 

"  The  transfer  of  Major  Appel's  hospital  from  the  Comal  was  quickly  effected, 
and  he  at  once  proceeded  to  gather  up  the  sick  from  the  various  transports,  sig- 
nals being  hoisted  every  morning  when  his  services  were  needed.  These  were 
from  time  to  time  transferred  to  small  hospital  on  shore  in  the  artillery  camp, 
with  view  to  their  early  transportation  to  the  north.  The  removal  of  the  sick 
from  transports  was  often  a  slow  and  difficult  process,  particularly  in  rough 
water,  for  they  first  must  be  lowered  into  a  small  boat,  which  was  at  one  time 
lifted  on  the  crest  of  a  rising  wave  and  the  next  plunged  into  the  gulf  of  a  sink- 
ing one,  and  then  pulled  to  the  side  of  the  hospital  ship,  where  the  same  dangerous 
process  was  to  be  repeated  in  getting  them  on  board;  but  the  work  was  continued, 
and  happily  without  accident,  until  the  fleet  was  cleared  of  its  most  serious  cases. 

"  On  the  afternoon  of  June  13  and  morning  of  the  14th,  the  fleet  of  28  transports 
and  other  craft  sailed  out  from  Tampa  Bay  with  crowded  decks  and  rigging,  and 
bands  playing.  The  weather  was  delightful  and  the  sea  as  smooth  as  glass. 
Indeed,  fair  weather  accompanied  us  the  whole  voyage,  which  occupied  some 
eight  days.  Hatches  and  ports  could  be  kept  wide  open,  and  the  men  lived  vir- 
tually in  the  open  air.  Had  it  been  otherwise,  their  sufferings  from  seasickness 
and  the  foul  air  of  the  unventilated  holds  would  have  been  intolerable. 

* 'After  the  departure  of  the  fleet,  the  Olivette  steamed  to  the  dock  to  take  on 
coal  for  the  voyage.  An  opportunity  was  given  to  unload  the  ship  of  some  cases 
of  measles  and  light  cases  of  fever.  This  was  a  fortunate  circumstance,  as  it 
placed  the  steamer  in  condition  to  relieve  the  transports  of  their  sick  on  arrival 
at  Daiquiri,  many  of  whom  were  later  transferred  to  the  steamer  Iroquois,  so 
that  room  was  made  for  the  wounded  of  the  impending  battle  on  the  24th  of 
June  at  G-uasimas  and  the  1st  and  2d  of  July  at  San  Juan  Hill  and  before  the 
intrenchments  of  Santiago  de  Cuba." 

The  Olivette  left  Santiago  July  9  with  279  wounded  officers  and  men  and  arrived 
at  New  York  July  16.  She  returned  to  Santiago  with  supplies  for  the  Fifth 
Army  Corps,  and  on  August  15  sailed  for  Montauk  Point  with  203  sick  on  board. 
She  was  ordered  to  Boston,  where  her  sick  were  placed  in  hospitals.  Dr.  Brad- 
bury, who  had  charge  of  the  distribution,  telegraphed  August  23: 

"  Olivette  arrived  this  morning;  patients  distributed  without  delay;  ship  arrived 
in  excellent  condition  and  patients  very  well  cared  for." 

On  August  25  the  Olivette  sailed  from  Boston  under  orders  to  proceed  to  Fer- 
nandina,  Fla.,  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  sick  to  the  general  hospital  at  Fort 
Monroe.  On  August  31  she  sank  in  20  feet  of  water  while  coaling  off  quarantine 
in  the  harbor  of  Fernandina.  She  was  raised  a  few  days  later.  No  loss  of  life 
occurred,  and  the  medical  and  hospital  property  on  board  was  nearly  all  recovered. 
September  30  she  sailed  for  Philadelphia  and  now  lies  at  the  wharf  in  that  city. 


MEMORANDA  RELATING  TO  THE  EMPLOYMENT  OF 
FEMALE  NURSES. 


7833— vol  1 46  721 


War  Department.  Surgeon-Generai/s  Office, 

Washington,  October  17,  1898. 
Gen.  G.  M.  Dodge. 

President  of  Board  to  Investigate  the  War  Department. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  documents  relating  to  the  employ- 
ment of  female  nurses  during  the  war  with  Spain,  and  to  my  attitude  toward  the 
American  National  Red  Cross  and  other  relief  organizations. 

It  has  been  repeatedly  charged  in  the  newspapers  that  I  have  refused  to  accept 
the  assistance  of  the  American  National  Red  Cross  in  the  care  of  our  sick  and 
wounded  soldiers,  and  that,  as  a  result  of  this  refusal,  there  has  been  unnecessary 
suffering.  These  charges  are  without  foundation,  except  in  so  far  as  I  have 
objected  to  the  sending  of  female  nurses  with  troops  in  the  field  engaged  in  active 
operations.  We  have  a  Red  Cross  Hospital  Corps  in  the  Army  of  enlisted  men, 
whose  duty  it  is  to  render  first  aid  to  the  wounded  upon  the  field  of  battle  and  to 
care  for  the  sick  in  our  division  field  hospitals,  and  I  have  been  of  the  opinion 
that  female  nurses  would  be  an  incumbrance  to  troops  during  active  operations; 
but  so  soon  as  serious  sickness  developed  in  our  camps,  and  it  became  necessary  to 
treat  typhoid-fever  cases  in  our  field  hospitals,  I  gladly  accepted  the  services  of 
trained  female  nurses  for  the  division  field  hospitals,  and  in  our  general  hospitals 
we  have  employed  them  from  the  first.  The  general  testimony  from  the  surgeons 
in  charge  of  these  hospitals  has  been  that  their  services  have  been  of  great  value. 
Very  many  of  these  trained  nurses  have  been  obtained  through  the  kind  assistance 
of  the  Red  Cross  Society  for  Maintenance  of  Trained  Nurses,  Auxiliary  No.  3,  and 
I  desire  to  express  my  high  appreciation  of  the  valuable  services  rendered  to  the 
Medical  Department  of  the  Army  by  this  organization. 

My  attitude  toward  relief  organizations  is  shown  by  an  indorsement,  dated 
May  5,  upon  a  letter  addressed  by  Rev.  Henry  C.  McCook,  of  Philadelphia,  to  the 
President,  and  referred  to  me  for  remark: 

•'Mayo,  1898. 

•  *  Respectfully  returned  to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army. 

•  •  The  plan  proposed  for  the  organization  of  a  relief  association  appears  to  have 
been  well  considered,  and  the  object  in  view  will  commend  itself  to  every  patri- 
otic citizen.  But  it  is  a  question  whether  the  President  should  give  special  priv- 
ileges to  any  particular  organization.  Other  prominent  individuals  in  different 
parts  of  the  country  may  be  organizing  for  the  same  purpose.  One  such  propo- 
sition has  come  to  me  from  Chicago.  While  I  approve  in  a  general  way  of 
organization  for  the  relief  work  proposed,  it  appears  to  me  that  it  will  be  best 
not  to  give  in  advance  exclusive  privileges  to  any  one  particular  organization. 
In  case  of  need,  assistance  should  be  accepted  from  any  organization  prepared  to 
give  it." 

This  has  been  my  guiding  principle  throughout,  that  relief  when  needed  should 
be  promptly  accepted  without  reference  to  the  source  from  which  it  comes.  The 
relief  afforded  by  the  National  Red  Cross  at  Siboney  was  promptly  accepted  by 
the  surgeons  on  the  spot,  but  it  is  evident  that  it  was  entirely  inadequate  to  meet 
the  emergency. 

A  committee  of  the  American  National  Red  Cross  Association  called  upon  me 
in  my  office  in  Washington,  some  time  in  advance  of  the  landing  of  our  troops  in 
Santiago,  making  an  offer  of  assistance.     I  received  them  most  courteously,  and 

723 


724         INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

advised  thein  to  use  their  resources  in  fitting  up  a  hospital  ship,  telling  them  that 
a  hospital  ship  was  now  being  fitted  up  for  the  use  of  the  Medical  Department, 
but  that  it  was  not  at  all  improbable  that  an  emergency  would  arise  which  would 
overtax  our  resources,  and  that  in  such  an  event  a  hospital  ship  properly  equipped, 
having  on  board  a  corps  of  doctors  and  nurses,  would  be  a  most  valuable  auxil- 
iary. 

Furthermore,  the  American  National  Red  Cross  Association  has  had  full  au- 
thority to  send  agents  and  supplies  to  all  our  camps  since  June  9,  1898,  and  if 
there  has  been  suffering  for  want  of  needed  supplies  they  must  share  the  respon- 
sibility with  the  Medical  Department  of  the  Army  for  such  suffering. 

The  following  letter  was  sent  by  me  to  every  chief  surgeon  of  a  department  or 
independent  army  in  the  field  on  June  9,  1898: 

'  ■  The  Secretary  of  War  has  approved  of  the  following  proposition  made  by  the 
American  National  Red  Cross  Association,  and  the  chief  surgeons  of  army  corps 
and  divisions  will  cooperate  with  the  authorized  agents  of  this  association  for  the 
purposes  indicated. 

"We  can  put  any  desired  amount  of  hospital  supplies,  ice,  malted  milk,  con- 
densed milk,  Mellin's  food,  etc.,  into  any  of  the  volunteer  camps  in  a  few  hours. 
Will  you  be  kind  enough  to  bring  this  letter  to  the  attention  of  Secretary  Alger 
and  ask  him  if  there  is  any  objection  to  our  appointing  a  Red  Cross  representative 
to  report  to  the  commanding  officer  and  the  chief  surgeons  in  every  camp,  confer 
with  them  as  to  their  immediate  needs,  and,  if  anything  of  any  kind  is  wanting, 
open  there  a  Red  Cross  station  and  send  in  the  supplies.  We  can  do  this,  not  in 
a  few  weeks  or  a  few  days,  but  in  a  few  hours,  and  can  furnish  any  quantity  of 
any  desired  luxury  or  delicacy  for  hospital  use.  We  hereby  tender  our  aid  and 
put  our  organization  at  the  War  Department's  service  for  cooperation  in  this 
field." 

To  show  my  cordial  relations  with  the  National  Red  Cross  Relief  Committee,  I 
venture  to  quote  from  a  letter  of  August  11,  received  by  me  from  Mr.  Cleveland 
H.  Dodge,  chairman  of  the  supply  committee.     Mr.  Dodge  says: 

"  I  want  again  to  assure  you  personally,  and  on  behalf  of  our  committee,  of  our 
earnest  desire  to  assist  you  in  every  possible  way,  and  to  thank  you  for  calling 
upon  us  so  frankly." 

In  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Winthrop  Cowdin,  vice-president  of  the  Red  Cross  Society 
for  Maintenance  of  Trained  Nurses,  dated  August  13,  she  says: 

"  We  greatly  appreciate  your  courtesy  to  us  and  feel  most  grateful  to  have  been 
permitted  to  serve  you  in  any  way." 

There  has  been  a  great  deal  of  misapprehension  with  reference  to  the  supplies 
furnished  by  the  Government,  growing  out  of  the  fact  that  medical  officers  in  the 
field  have  been  very  ready  to  accept  supplies  from  relief  associations,  which  were 
freely  offered  and  even  urged  upon  them,  rather  than  to  make  requisition  for 
them.  The  volunteer  medical  officers  especially  appear  to  have  had  a  great 
reluctance  to  assume  any  property  responsibility,  and  as  it  was  necessary  for 
them  to  give  receipts  for  the  supplies  issued  to  them  by  the  Government,  they 
preferred,  as  a  rule,  to  accept  these  supplies  from  relief  societies,  even  when  they 
were  present  in  ample  amounts  at  a  field  supply  depot  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  their  camps.  The  agents  furnishing  these  supplies  frequently  inferred,  from 
the  fact  that  they  were  so  readily  accepted,  that  they  could  not  have  been  obtained 
from  the  Government.  Thus,  sheets,  mosquito  bars,  cotsi  clinical  thermometers, 
and  many  other  articles  which  are  upon  our  supply  table  have  been  very  liberally 
supplied  by  these  relief  associations,  although  it  has  been  the  intention  of  the 
Medical  Department  to  furnish  these  and  all  other  articles  necessary  for  the  care 
of  our  sick,  and  there  has  been  no  time  since  the  commencement  of  the  war  when 
they  could  not  have  been  obtained  upon  a  telegraphic  requisition  sent  to  the 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  725 

Surgeon-General  of  the  Army  if,  for  any  reason,  a  sufficient  supply  was  not  on 
hand  at  the  field  supply  depot. 

Very  respectfully.  Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 

Surgeon-General,  U.  S.  Army. 

Sheets,  cots,   thermometers,   etc..   could  have  been  supplied  on  telegraphic 
requisitions. 

G.  M.  S.,S.  G. 


SELECTION    OF   FEMALE   NURSES. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  nursing  in  the  Army  was  done  entirely  by  the  men 
of  the  Hospital  Corps;  but  the  employment  of  contract  nurses,  regardless  of  sex, 
was  authorized  by  Congress  in  March,  1898.  Before  the  30th  of  April  almost  a 
thousand  applications  had  been  received  from  women  who  wished  to  serve  as 
nurses,  and  a  number  of  organizations  had  offered  to  supply  bodies  of  nurses, 
but  no  examination  of  these  applications  had  been  possible. 

On  April  28  the  National  Society  of  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolution 
offered  its  services  to  the  Surgeon-General  of  the  Army,  in  the  capacity  of  an  exam- 
ining board  for  female  nurses,  and  this  offer  having  been  accepted  the  following 
day,  all  applications  from  women  were  referred  to  it  for  examination.  The  status 
of  this  organization  rendered  it  peculiarly  suitable  to  undertake  this  work.  It 
has  headquarters  in  Washington  City,  and  25,000  members  living  in  every  State 
and  Territory  of  the  Union,  and  as  it  has  no  affiliation  with  any  hospital  or  body 
of  nurses,  it  is  entirely  unprejudiced  in  its  judgments. 

Mrs.  Anita  Newcomb  McGee,  M.  D.,  a  physician  in  good  and  regular  standing, 
and  vice-president-general,  National  Society  of  the  Daughters  of  the  American 
Revolution,  was  designated  as  director  of  the  "Daughters  of  the  American  Revo- 
lution Hospital  Corps  "  and  placed  in  charge  of  this  work.  Her  statement  regard- 
ing the  method  of  selection  is  as  follows: 

"In  accordance  with  directions  from  the  Surgeon-General,  only  graduate 
trained  nurses  were  accepted  by  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolution  as 
eligible,  and  they  were  required  to  fill  out  blanks  like  the  one  appended  hereto. 
In  judging  a  nurse,  three  points  were  considered: 

"First.  Professional  ability;  as  evidence  of  which  indorsements  from  physi- 
cians were  usually  submitted.  In  all  cases  the  superintendent  of  the  training 
school  from  which  the  nurse  graduated  was  asked  for  her  indorsement,  and  when 
this  was  refused  the  nurse  was  not  accepted.  A  few  women  physicians  in  good 
standing  were  also  accepted  as  nurses. 

"Second.  Character;  to  establish  which  the  indorsement  of  a  Daughter  of  the 
American  Revolution  was  requested  (though  never  exacted).  In  lieu  of  this, 
the  signature  of  any  lady  of  known  standing  was  accepted.  Committees  of 
'  daughters '  were  formed  in  all  large  cities  and  in  many  small  ones,  and  rendered 
admirable  service  in  securing  suitable  applicants. 

"Third.  Health;  as  evidence  of  which  a  physician's  certificate  was  required. 
In  certain  cases,  however,  where  the  need  for  the  nurse  was  too  urgent  to  admit 
of  delay,  and  where  there  was  :o  reason  to  doubt  her  health,  this  certificate  was 
not  filed.  Originally  the  nurses  were  required  to  be  between  30  and  50  years  of 
age,  but  the  large  number  of  desirable  trained  nurses  who  were  under  30  caused 
that  limit  to  be  disregarded. 

"  The  evident  necessity  for  and  importance  of  the  limitation  of  appointments 
to  trained  nurses  was  neglected  only  in  the  sending  of  nurses  to  Santiago.  As  it 
was  essential  that  they  should  be  immune,  it  was  impossible  in  all  cases  to  require 
graduation. 


726         [NVE8TI0ATIOK    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

"  The  assistance  of  all  organizations  that  desired  to  recommend  nnrses  was 
gladly  welcomed,  and  applicants  who  conformed  to  the  standard  were  accepted 
without  regard  to  creed. 

"Almost  5,000  applications  were  examined  by  my  associates  and  myself,  and 
about  one-fifth  of  that  number  were  accepted  as  eligible  for  appointment  by  the 
Surgeon-General. ' 

This  arrangement  with  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolution  continued 
until  September  7,  since  which  time  Dr.  McGee,  having  been  appointed  acting 
assistant  surgeon.  United  States  Army,  has  been  on  duty  in  the  War  Department, 
in  charge,  under  my  immediate  direction,  of  matters  pertaining  to  female  nurses. 

In  addition  to  the  contract  nurses,  selected  as  above  stated,  Mrs.  Namah  Curtis 
was,  on  July  13,  sent,  by  direction  of  the  Surgeon-General,  to  New  Orleans  and 
other  cities,  to  secure  the  service  of  colored  immune  women  as  nurses  at  Santiago, 
and  32  were  selected  by  her. 

At  the  camps  at  Montauk  and  Jacksonville  the  chief  surgeons  were  authorized 
to  contract  with  nurses  who  might  apply  to  them,  and  at  each  place  a  number 
were  enrolled  in  this  way. 

The  nursing  at  a  few  of  the  army  hospitals  has  been  done  by  volunteers,  with 
whom  no  contracts  were  made. 

[Question  blank.] 
Name  in  full. 

Address  and  nearest  telegraph  station. 
Do  you  desire  appointment  in  Army  or  Navy? 
How  soon  after  receiving  an  appointment  can  you  leave  home? 
Have  you  had  yellow  fever? 

Are  you  a  graduate  of  a  training  school  for  nurses? 
If  so,  what  school  and  what  year? 
What  other  hospital  experience  have  you  had? 
Have  you  nursed  continuously  since  graduation? 
If  not,  what  has  been  your  occupation? 
What  experience  have  you  had  in  invalid  cookery? 
What  is  your  age?  Date  and  place  of  birth? 

Color?  Height?  Weight? 

Are  you  single,  married,  or  widowed? 
Are  you  strong  and  healthy,  and  have  you  always  been  so? 
Have  you  a  tendency  to  any  disease? 
Have  you  been  successfully  vaccinated,  and  when? 
What  is  your  legal  residence? 


American  National  Red  Cross  Relief  Committee, 

New  York,  August  11,  1898. 
Maj.  Gen.  George  M.  Sternberg. 

Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army,  War  Department,  Washington,  D.  C. 
My  Dear  General  Sternberg:  I  want  to  apologize  for  not  having  replied 
yesterday  to  your  good 'letter  of  the  9th  instant,  but  I  was  kept  at  the  supply  depot 
of  the  Red  Cross  all  the  morning  and  did  not  get  to  my  office  until  afternoon, 
and  I  wished  to  submit  your  letter  to  the  executive  committee  of  the  Red  Cross 
Relief,  which  met  late  in  the  afternoon. 

The  committee  appreciated  most  thoroughly  the  opportunity  which  you  have 
given  us  of  cooperating  with  you  in  such  a  practical  way,  and  there  was  no  hesi- 
tation whatever  in  their  willingness  to  comply  with  your  request. 

As  your  letter  did  not  mention  any  particular  sum  which  was  needed,  we  voted 
to  send  you  $5,000  at  once,  with  the  request  that  you  would  let  us  know  if  this  is 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  727 

not  sufficient  for  your  immediate  wants,  and  to  kindly  let  ns  know  in  the  future 
if  at  any  time  we  could  help  you  by  sending  you  a  further  sum. 

We  thought  it  would  be  better  to  put  this  amount  in  your  hands  for  distribu- 
tion, as  you  can  send  the  money  directly,  without  imnecessary  delay.  It  would, 
however,  be  a  satisfaction  to  us  if  you  would  let  us  know,  in  due  time,  to  what 
general  hospitals  the  money  is  sent. 

1  want  again  to  assure  you  personally,  and  on  behalf  of  our  committee,  of  our 
earnest  desire  to  assist  you  in  every  possible  way,  and  to  thank  you  for  calling 
upon  us  so  frankly. 

I  inclose  check  for  $5,000  to  your  order,  and,  depending  upon  you  to  let  me  know 
if  we  can  help  you  still  further,  believe  me, 

Very  respectfully,  yours.  Cleveland  H.  Dodge, 

Chairman  Supply  Committee. 

P.  S. — If  you  should  happen  to  hear  how  the  chickens,  eggs,  and  ice  cream 
reached  Santiago  on  the  Olivette,  and  whether  they  were  at  all  helpful,  will  you 
kindly  let  me  know,  as  the  experiment  of  sending  these  supplies  interested  me 
very  much. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  October  7,  1898. 
Mr.  A.  E.  Orr, 

Vice-chairman  Red  Cross  Relief  Committee,  New  York  City,  N.  Y. 

My  Dear  Mr.  Orr:  I  have  received  the  copy  of  your  letter  to  the  President. 
In  answer  to  your  question  as  to  "  Why  the  intervention  of  the  Red  Cross  relief 
committee  should  be  longer  needed,  and  why  the  Government  does  not  see  to  it 
that  its  own  sick  are  provided  for,"  I  would  say: 

The  emergencies  of  the  war  made  the  assistance  of  relief  associations  most 
valuable,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  it  is  the  intention  of  the  Government  to 
provide  liberally  for  the  care  of  sick  soldiers.  But,  as  you  know,  with  ample 
means  and  good  intentions,  supplies  can  not  always  be  provided  at  the  proper  place 
and  time  to  meet  an  emergency.  Moreover,  at  the  outset  of  the  war  the  arrange- 
ments made  for  providing  light  diet  for  the  sick,  which  had  proved  satisfactory 
in  time  of  peace  under  the  careful  management  of  experienced  medical  officers, 
were  inadequate  under  the  conditions  which  prevailed  in  our  camps  of  instruction 
and  among  troops  engaged  in  active  operations.  For  this  reason  the  presence  of 
Red  Cross  agents,  with  their  abundant  supplies  of  delicacies  for  the  sick,  has  been 
of  inestimable  value.  But  provision  was  made  by  a  general  order  published 
August  10  (G.O.,116)by  which  surgeons  in  charge  of  hospitals,  general,  division, 
or  regimental,  are  enabled  to  draw  60  cents  per  day  for  each  sick  enlisted  man  of 
the  Army  in  lieu  of  his  regular  ration.  Up  to  that  time  the  commutation  value 
of  a  ration  was  only  30  cents. 

The  Medical  Department  does  not  supply  food  for  the  sick  in  hospital.  This  is 
obtained  from  the  Commissary  Department  or  by  purchase  wherever  it  can  be 
procured.  I  inclose  herewith  a  list  showing  the  articles  which  can  be  purchased 
from  the  commissary,  which  list,  as  you  will  see,  includes  canned  soups,  tapioca, 
crackers,  jellies,  tea,  butter,  etc.  Milk,  chickens  and  eggs,  fresh  vegetables,  etc., 
are  purchased  wherever  they  can  be  obtained.  The  Medical  Department  furnishes 
a  few  articles  under  the  head  of  "Hospital  stores,"  including  condensed  milk, 
sugar,  and  tea;  but  no  other  food  supplies  are  furnished  by  the  Medical  Depart- 
ment or  can  be  properly  paid  for  from  the  medical  and  hospital  appropriation. 
Of  course,  if  the  Commissary  Department  fails  to  provide  these  supplies,  and  they 
can  not  be  purchased  in  the  vicinity  of  a  camp  or  hospital,  the  difficulty  of  pro- 
viding proper  food  for  the  sick  will  be  very  great,  and  under  such  circumstances 


728         [NVESTIGAflON    OF    CONDUCT   OF   WAK    WITH    SPAIN. 

the  supplies  of  relief  associations  have  been  most  welcome.  But  the  amount  now 
allowed  by  the  Government  is  ample  to  provide  everything  necessary  in  the  way 

of  suitable  diet  for  the  sick,  and  when  there  is  any  failure  to  provide  this  it  is  a 
failure  in  administration  by  those  immediately  in  charge  and  not  a  failure  of  the 
Government  to  provide  the  necessary  means. 

You  will  no  doubt  agree  with  me  that  (>0  cents  a  day  for  the  raw  material  from 
which  to  prepare  a  proper  diet  for  the  sick  is  a  most  liberal  provision.  The 
experience  of  medical  officers  shows  that  it  is  not  only  ample  but  excessive,  and 
that  for  sick  men,  living  for  the  most  part  upon  milk,  weak  soups,  and  farina- 
ceous food,  this  amount  is  much  in  excess  of  any  reasonable  requirement. 

Under  these  circumstances,  I  think  that  those  patriotic  and  liberal  citizens 
who  have  contributed  so  freely  of  their  money  and  time  to  aid  in  the  care  of  our 
sick  soldiers  may  now  leave  the  matter  in  the  hands  of  the  Government  without 
any  apprehension  as  to  the  result. 

Very  sincerely,  yours,  Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 

Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  October  15,  1898. 

Mrs.  WlNTHROP  COWDIN, 

451  Madison  Avenue,  Netv  York,  N.  Y. 

My  Dear  Mrs.  Cowdin:  I  have  received  your  kind  letter  of  October  14,  inclos- 
ing a  check  for  $2,000  for  my  special  fund  for  extra  comforts  and  luxuries  for  our 
sick  and  wounded  soldiers.  Accept  my  sincere  thanks  for  this  liberal  contribu- 
tion. 

I  do  not  think  favorably  of  the  establishment  of  a  hospital  in  Cuba  or  in  Porto 
Rico  by  the  Red  Cross  Society,  for  the  reason  that  the  war  is  over  and  the  garri- 
sons which  are  to  be  stationed  in  these  islands  will  require  a  fully  equipped  hos- 
pital, which  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Government  to  provide,  and  which  we  intend  to 
provide.  During  the  rush  incident  to  bringing  large  numbers  of  volunteer  troops 
into  the  field,  and  during  our  active  operations  in  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico,  emergen- 
cies constantly  arose  in  which  there  was  a  failure  to  get  necessary  medical  supplies 
and  proper  light  diet  for  the  sick  to  the  places  where  they  were  most  urgently 
needed.  Such  emergencies  always  arise  under  similar  conditions,  notwithstand- 
ing the  intention  of  the  Government  to  provide  everything  necessary  for  the  com- 
fort of  our  sick  and  wounded  soldiers. 

I  appreciate  very  highly  the  valuable  assistance  which  has  been  rendered  by  the 
Red  Cross  Society;  but  I  think  it  would  be  demoralizing  to  our  medical  officers 
and  to  the  service  generally  if  we  should  continue  to  depend  upon  the  contribu- 
tions and  voluntary  assistance  of  patriotic  citizens  for  the  care  of  our  sick  in  the 
islands  which  have  come  into  our  possession. 

Very  sincerely,  yours,  Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 

Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army. 


Paul  Smiths,  Franklin  County,  N.  Y..  August  17, 1898. 
Dear  General  Sternberg:  Your  telegram  has  just  been  received,  and  I  imme- 
diately forwarded  it  to  Mrs.  Cowdin,  who,  in  my  absence,  is  representing  the  com- 
mittee on  trained  nurses  in  New  York.  We  have  just  sent  Mrs.  Quintard  to  take 
charge  of  our  nurses  at  Montauk,  and  we  stand  ready  to  send  as  many  additional 
men  and  women  as  the  surgeon  may  call  for.  Six  male  nurses  have  gone  to  help 
until  they  are  needed  on  the  Missouri.  They  are  part  of  twelve  carefully  selected 
men  intended  for  that  ship,  and  are  prepared  to  go  whenever  she  is#  ready  to  sail. 
You  must  know,  far  better  than  I  can  tell  you.  how  many  nurses  we  have  sent 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  729 

out,  but  you  may  be  interested  to  know  that  they  are  all  very  enthusiastic.  I  hope 
that  they  are  of  assistance  to  the  Government,  as  our  only  object  is  to  be  of  use. 
I  should  judge  from  the  letters  we  receive  almost  daily  from  the  head  surgeons  of 
the  hospitals,  under  whom  they  are  serving,  that  they  are  doing  good  work,  and 
they  seem  very  proud  and  pleased  to  be  able  to  help.  I  hope  they  will  save  many 
lives.  I  am  glad  that  our  relations  with  Dr.  McGee  are  so  cordial,  for  she  is  a 
capable  woman  and  her  assistance  has  been  invaluable  to  us.  I  am  sure  that  you 
are  as  pleased  as  we  are  that  we  are  now  working  in  perfect  harmony  with  the 
Government,  and  we  shall  do  everything  possible  on  our  part  to  continue  these 
friendly  relations.  I  see  by  the  paper  that  there  is  to  be  a  new  hospital  at  Fort- 
ress Monroe,  and  I  hope  you  will  remember  how  anxious  we  are  to  be  of  use  to  the 
authorities  and  will  call  upon  us  to  supply  nurses  for  this  also. 

Our  nurses  are  very  carefully  selected  at  the  Presbyterian  Hospital  now  by  Mrs. 
Cowdin,  assisted  by  Miss  Pierce,  Miss  Wadley,  and  Miss  Gill,  and  I  am  sure  that 
with  the  great  pains  and  care  we  are  now  giving  to  this  matter  our  nurses  will 
prove  absolutely  reliable  and  satisfactory.  It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  know 
how  much  good  resulted  from  your  visit  to  Bellevue.  I  hear  constantly  from  the 
men,  and  they  tell  me  how  comfortable  they  are.  It  is  very  gratifying  to  me  that 
a  hospital  in  which  I  am  so  deeply  interested  should  have  been  of  so  much  service 
to  the  Government. 

With  kind  regards  to  Mrs.  Sternberg  and  renewed  thanks  for  all  the  courtesy 
you  have  shown  us, 

I  am,  very  sincerely,  yours.  Elizabeth  Mills  Reid. 


Red  Cross  Society  for  Maintenance  of  Trained  Nurses,  etc., 

15  West  Eleventh  Street,  New  York,  September  14,  1898. 
The  Surgeon-General  of  the  Army. 

My  Dear  General:  I  beg  to  acknowledge  with  many  thanks  your  telegram  of 
to-day.  I  have  felt  for  some  time  like  writing  and  telling  you  of  the  admirable 
work  done  by  your  surgeons  at  Fort  Hamilton,  Fort  Wads  worth,  and  Governors 
Island.  I  try  to  visit  those  hospitals  at  least  once  a  week.  My  relations  with 
Major  Rafferty,  Captain  Frick,  and  Major  Kimball  are  exceptionally  pleasant, 
and  they  have  expressed  to  me  a  desire  that  you  would  permit  me  to  continue  a 
supervision  over  the  nurses  at  those  hospitals.  It  is  a  great  pleasure  to  know  that 
I  shall  still  be  associated  in  this  work  during  the  time  that  the  nurses'  services 
are  required.  I  have  striven  to  pick  out  nurses  who  would  be  entirely  satisfac- 
tory to  the  surgeons  and  have  recalled  two  or  three  who  did  not  seem  to  do  well 
under  the  new  conditions.  After  my  visits  on  Sunday  to  Fort  Wadsworth  and 
Fort  Hamilton ,  I  felt  a  strong  desire  to  tell  you  of  the  excellent  work  being  done 
at  those  hospitals,  which,  of  course,  applies  to  Governors  Island,  though  I  was 
prevented  on  Sunday  from  going  there.  The  patients  are  all  improving  in  a  very 
remarkable  degree. 

The  greatest  care  is  shown  by  the  surgeons  and  nurses,  and  the  excellent  dietary 
arrangements  have  done  wonders  for  those  whose  digestions  have  been  affected 
by  the  Cuban  campaign.  It  has  been  my  pleasure  lately  to  testify  in  many  direc- 
tions of  the  highly  encouraging  conditions  existing  at  those  hospitals,  and  I  have 
also  made  three  visits  to  Montauk,  where,  so  far  as  I  can  judge,  everything  that 
human  beings  could  do  is  being  done  there  under  difficult  conditions  of  camp.  It 
has  been  a  great  privilege  to  have  been  associated  with  you  in  the  common  work 
of  caring  for  our  soldiers,  and  I  have  felt  that  at  this  time,  so  full  of  care  and 
anxiety  for  you,  the  cheerful  condition  of  our  neighboring  army  hospitals  should 
be  brought  to  your  notice  especially,  and  to  that  of  our  people  here. 

It  will  be  my  aim  hereafter  to  continue  my  present  supervision  until  you  relieve 
me  of  it,  and  I  do  not  need  to  assure  you  that  I  will  spare  no  effort  to  have  the 


730        INVESTIGATION    0*    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

nurses  render  the  best  possible  service  to  the  surgeons  in  charge  and  the  patients 
in  their  care. 
With  kind  regards  to  Mrs.  Sternberg.  I  am. 

Sincerely,  yours.  Lena  Potter  Cowdin, 

Acting  President. 


Red  Cross  Society  for  Maintenance  of  Trained  Nurses,  etc., 

16  West  Eleventh  Street,  New  York,  August  IS. 

My  Dear  General:  May  I  say  how  sincerely  I  regret  that  you  have  been 
annoyed  by  letters  from  an  agent  of  Miss  Barton's  named  Cobb.  As  I  telegraphed 
Dr.  McGee,  Cobb  has  no  jurisdiction  whatever  over  us,  since  we  are  auxiliary 
to  the  relief  committee,  of  which  my  father,  Bishop  Potter,  is  chairman;  and  I 
have  been  authorized  by  this  committee  to  make  such  an  arrangement  with  you 
as  would  be  of  real  service  to  you,  in  placing  nurses  where  they  are  needed.  I 
have  deposited  with  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolution  Hospital  Corps  a 
sum  of  money  to  be  used  for  prompt  transportation,  and  it  will  be  my  great  pleas- 
ure and  privilege  to  see  that  the  nurses  now  at  Fort  Wadsworth  and  Governors 
Island  do  for  your  surgeons  the  best  possible  service. 

We  greatly  appreciate  your  courtesy  to  us,  and  feel  most  grateful  to  have  been 
permitted  to  serve  you  in  any  way. 

Believe  me,  sincerely,  yours,  Lena  P.  Cowdin. 


Red  Cross  Society  for  Maintenance  of  Trained  Nurses,  etc., 

15  West  Eleventh  Street,  August  16. 
My  Dear  General:  I  regret  to  learn  that  Mr.  Stephen  Barton  has  made  some 
unauthorized  use  of  my  name  to  you.    Please  believe  that  I  am  in  daily  commu- 
nication with  Dr.  McGee,  and  carry  out  her  instructions  to  the  letter.    I  have 
nothing  whatever  to  do  with  Mr.  Stephen  Barton  or  a  man  named  Cobb. 
Sincerely,  yours, 

L.  P.  Cowdin. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington.  August  26 ',  1898. 
Mr.  Stephen  E.  Barton, 

Chairman  Executive  Committee,  American  National  Red  Cross, 

58  William  Street,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Sir:  Your  letter  of  August  22,  inclosing  a  letter  from  Rev.  Alex.  Kent,  has 
been  referred  to  me.  I  shall  refer  it  to  the  chief  surgeon  at  Jacksonville  for 
report,  and  a  copy  of  his  report  will  be  sent  you  when  received. 

The  closing  paragraph  of  Mr.  Kent's  letter,  to  which  you  call  special  attention, 
is  as  follows: 

"  Reports  this  morning  reveal  a  startling  mortality  among  the  typhoids— thir- 
teen in  the  last  twenty-four  hours  in  the  Second  Division  alone.  Most  of  this,  in 
my  judgment,  is  due  to  the  want  of  proper  nursing.  In  the  first  place,  the  num- 
ber of  nurses  is  insufficient  and  their  hours  too  long.  In  the  second  place,  most 
of  them  are  not  skilled  nurses;  they  are  having  their  first  experience  in  the  care 
of  typhoids.  Effort  has  been  made  to  remedy  this,  but  the  only  way  in  which  it 
can  be  remedied  is  one  contrary  to  the  view  of  the  Surgeon-General,  and  one, 
therefore,  which  his  subordinates  do  not  feel  at  liberty  to  take.  The  Red  Cross 
has  on  several  occasions  offered  to  furnish  skilled  nurses  at  its  own  expense,  but 
has  uniformly  met  with  the  reply,  '  We  are  abundantly  supplied  with  such  nurses 
now.'    Since  that  reply  was  made  to  Mr.  Cobb,  however,  the  surgeon  in  chief  has 


REPLY    OF    SURGEON-GENERAL.  731 

dispatched  a  gentleman  to  New  York  to  secure  150  nurses,  but  the  opposition  to 
female  nurses  continues,  and  as  no  adequate  supply  of  trained  male  nurses  can 
be  found,  our  boys  must  continue  to  die  for  want  of  intelligent,  skillful  nursing." 

Mr.  Kent  is  laboring  under  a  misapprehension  with  reference  to  my  views.  I 
have  never  objected  to  sending  trained  female  nurses  to  our  general  hospitals  or 
to  field  hospitals  in  which  typhoid  fever  cases  are  treated.  We  have  now  in  serv- 
ice more  than  500  trained  female  nurses.  The  health  of  the  command  at  Jack- 
sonville had  been  reported  to  me  as  excellent  until  very  recently,  when,  as  I 
understand,  a  considerable  number  of  cases  of  typhoid  fever  have  developed.  On 
August  20  the  chief  surgeon  applied  to  me  for  50  trained  female  nurses.  Imme- 
diately upon  receipt  of  this  application  I  requested  the  committee,  through  which 
I  obtained  trained  female  nurses,  and  of  which  Dr.  Anita  Newcomb  McGee  is 
chairman,  to  send,  as  soon  as  possible,  50  trained  female  nurses  to  Jacksonville, 
to  report  to  the  chief  surgeon  at  that  point. 

We  have  already  many  Red  Cross  nurses  in  service  at  our  various  hospitals  and 
camps.  These  have  been  obtained  through  the  cooperation  of  a  committee  of 
ladies  in  this  city  of  which  Dr.  McGee  is  chairman,  and  the  Red  Cross  Society 
for  maintenance  of  trained  nurses,  auxiliary  to  the  American  National  Red  Cross 
relief  committee.  The  arrangements  made  have  been  entirely  satisfactory  to 
me,  as  they  insure  a  supply  of  properly  trained  nurses  of  good  character;  and  all 
applications  from  Jacksonville  or  elsewhere  for  assistance  of  this  kind  have 
received  prompt  attention. 
Very  respectfully, 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army. 


[Telegram.] 

Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  August  IS,  1898. 
Colonel  Forwood, 

Chief  Surgeon,  Montauk  Point,  Long  Island,  N.  Y. : 

Accept  services  of  20  trained  female  nurses  offered  by  Mr.  Howard  Townsend. 

Sternberg,  Surgeon-General. 


[Telegram.] 

Surgeon-General's  Office, 
Washington,  August  16,  1898. 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Mills  Reid, 

Paul  Smith's,  New  York: 
Have  authorized  Colonel  Forwood,  Montauk  Point,  to  accept  as  many  Red 
Cross  trained  nurses  as  he  requires  from  you  or  your  authorized  agents. 

Sternberg,  Surgeon-General. 


[Telegram.] 

Surgeon-General's  Office, 
Washington,  August  16,  1898. 
Colonel  Forwood, 

Assistant  Surgeon-General, 

Camp  Wikoff,  Montauk  Point,  Long  Island,  N.  Y.  : 
You  are  authorized  to  accept  as  many  Red  Cross  trained  nurses  as  you  require 
from  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Mills  Reid  or  her  authorized  agents. 

Sternberg,  Surgeon-General. 


INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

Massachusetts  Volunteer  Aid  Association, 

Boston,  June  16,  1898. 
Gen.  George  M.  Sternberg, 

Surgeon-General,  U.  S.  Army. 
My  Dear  Sir:  I  am  requested  by  medical  committee,  Drs.  H.  P.  Walcott,  Samuel 
A.  Green,  and  Herbert  L.  Burrell,  to  ask  you  whether  you  would  be  willing  to 
authorize  a  medical  man,  coming  out  from  Massachusetts,  to  visit  camps,  to  ascer- 
tain the  comfort  needs  of  the  Massachusetts  troops.  There  is  a  ladies'  auxiliary 
aid  of  the  Massachusetts  Volunteer  Aid  Association,  and  they  are  very  anxious 
indeed  to  supply  such  needs  as  will  be  to  the  material  comfort  of  our  volunteers, 
but  naturally  this  should  be  done  under  medical  advice. 

Will  you  give  permission  for  a  discreet  medical  man  to  visit  the  camps  as  may 
be  necessary,  and  that  medical  man  to  report  to  us  as  a  medical  committee,  and 
we  to  tell  the  ladies'  aid,  what  things  are  necessary,  if  any,  to  be  forwarded? 

There  is  a  tremendous  amount  of  enthusiasm  in  that  part  of  the  community, 
especially  among  women,  and  this  should  be  utilized  to  the  highest  point  that  is 
practicable. 

Very  truly,  yours,  Herbert  L,  Burrell, 

Secretary  of  Medical  Committee. 


Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  June  17,  1898. 

Dr.  Herbert  L.  Burrell, 

Secretary  Medical  Committee,  22  Newbury  street,  Boston,  Mass. 
My  Dear  Dr.  Burrell:  Your  letter  of  June  16  is  at  hand  and  I  have  already 
had  an  interview  with  Dr.  Brice  and  given  him  a  card  of  introduction  to  the  chief 
surgeon  at  Camp  Alger.     He  will  have  no  difficulty  in  seeing  the  division  hos- 
pitals, etc. 

Very  trulv,  yours.  Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 

Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army. 


War  Department,  Washington,  July  22,  1898. 
Sir:  The  hospital  ship  Bay  State  has  been  fitted  out  by  the  Massachusetts  Vol- 
unteer Aid  Association  and  has  been  commissioned  by  the  United  States  Govern- 
ment under  the  International  Red  Cross  Convention.  The  purpose  of  the  ship, 
under  the  direction  of  its  surgeon-superintendent,  Dr.  H.  L.  Burrell,  is  to  aid  the 
medical  authorities  of  the  Army  and  Navy  of  the  United  States  in  caring  for 
the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  and  sailors.  You  are  directed  to  aid  and  assist 
the  authorities  of  the  Bay  State  as  far  as  practicable. 

Very  respectfully,  R.  A.  Alger, 

Secretary  of  War. 
To  the  Officers  Commanding  United  States  Troops. 


Massachusetts  Volunteer  Aid  Association, 

Boston,  July  25,  1898. 
Gen.  George  M.  Sternberg, 

Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 
My  Dear  General:  Equipment  and  circumstances  permitting,  the  Massa- 
chusetts hospital  ship  Bay  State,  equipped  by  the  Massachusetts  Volunteer  Aid 
Association,  will  sail  August  1,  and  I  have  been  asked  to  serve  as  surgeon- 


BEPLY    OF    SUKGEON-UENERAL.  733 

superintendent.  I  shall  esteem  it  a  great  .favor  if  you  will  do  what  you  can  to 
enable  me  to  make  the  ship  as  useful  as  possible  as  a  supplementary  aid  to  the 
medical  departments  of  the  United  States  Army  and  the  United  States  Navy. 
If  there  are  any  letters  of  introduction  that  you  may  feel  that  you  could  give  me 
I  should  naturally  be  very  glad  to  receive  them. 

The  destination  of  the  ship  at  the  present  moment  has  not  been  decided,  but  if 
it  is  left  in  my  hands  I  shall  telegraph  to  you  at  the  last  moment,  asking  for 
directions  from  you  as  Surgeon-General  of  the  Army.  Naturally,  the  ship  hav- 
ing been  equipped  by  the  Massachusetts  Volunteer  Aid  Association,  everyone 
here  is  especially  desirous  that  we  should  afford  aid  first  to  Massachusetts  troops, 
and  naturally  this  would  be  my  own  wish,  but  I  believe  that  I  thoroughly  under- 
stand the  necessity  for  the  ship  going  as  a  supplementary  aid  to  the  medical 
departments  of  the  Army  and  Navy,  as  they  may  desire.  However,  my  dear 
General,  I  think  you  know  me  well  enough  to  know  that  it  will  be  my  desire  to 
assist  in  any  way  I  find  is  for  the  best  interests  of  all  concerned.  Begging  for  an 
early  and,  I  trust,  a  favorable  reply. 
Believe  me,  very  truly,  yours, 

Herbert  L.  Burrell. 


War  Department.  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  July  27,  1898. 
Dr.  Herbert  L.  Burrell, 

Commonwealth  Building,  11  Mount  Vernon  Street,  Boston,  Mass. 
My  Dear  Dr.  Burrell:  I  have  received  your  letter  of  July  25  and  thank  you 
for  the  kind  offer  made.  I  think  the  best  thing  you  can  do  when  you  are  ready 
to  sail  will  be  to  proceed  directly  to  such  seaport  in  Porto  Rico  as  may  serve  as 
the  base  of  operations  for  our  troops,  reporting  upon  your  arrival  to  the  chief  sur- 
geon of  the  army  in  the  field,  and  receiving  from  him  instructions  with  reference 
to  the  care  of  such  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  as  may  be  intrusted  to  your  charge. 
Very  truly,  yours, 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army. 


Massachusetts  Volunteer  Aid  Association, 

Boston,  August  3,  1898. 
Gen.  George  M.  Sternberg, 

Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army.  Washington,  D.  C. 

Dear  Sir:  The  hospital  ship  Bay  State  will.  I  believe  at  the  present  moment, 
sail  on  Saturday,  August  6.  Will  you  have  the  kindness  to  forward  to  me  by 
post  or  wire,  so  that  it  will  reach  me  before  6  a.  m.  on  Saturday,  August  6,  any 
directions  or  suggestions  that  you  desire  to  make  to  me. 

It  is  my  desire  to  be  of  as  efficient  supplementary  aid  to  the  medical  depart- 
ments of  the  United  States  Army  and  Navy  as  is  practicable.  The  ship  having 
been  equipped  by  volunteer  subscriptions  from  the  people  of  Massachusetts, 
naturally  it  is  their  wish  and  most  certainly  it  is  my  own  desire  to  render  as 
much  aid  as  is  practicable  to  Massachusetts  soldiers  and  sailors. 

However,  the  ship  is  entirely  for  the  purpose  of  doing  as  much  good  as  is  pos- 
sible in  following  suggestions  or  directions  from  the  Surgeon-General  of  the 
Army  and  the  Surgeon-General  of  the  Navy.  The  practical  point  is  that  the 
conditions  may  change  between  now  and  the  time  of  sailing,  and  consequently  I 
shall  esteem  it  a  favor  if  you  will  wire  me  where  to  go  to  do  the  most  good. 
Post  will  reach  me  at  22  Newbury  street,  Boston,  up  to  Friday,  August  5,  at  5 


7o4        INVESTIGATION    OF    CONDUCT    OF    WAR    WITH    SPAIN. 

p.  111.     Wire  will  reach  me  at  fche  saint'  place  until  7  a.  in.  on  Saturday,  August  6, 
L888. 

Very  respectfully.  Herbert  L.  Burrell, 

SurgeoHrSuperintendent  Massachusetts  Hospital  Ship  Bay  Stu(< . 


Massachusetts  Volunteer  Aid  Association, 

Boston,  August  1,  1898. 
Gen.  George  M.  Sternberg. 

Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Dear  Sir:  Inquiries  have  been  made  of  the  hospitals  in  this  immediate  com- 
munity who  would  be  willing  to  take  patients  of  the  United  States  Army,  if  they 
wTere  brought  by  the  ship  Bay  State,  and  it  gives  me  a  great  deal  of  pleasure  to  say 
to  you  that  the  Boston  City  Hospital  will  take  30;  the  Massachusetts  General  Hos- 
pital will  take  30  to  50,  and  the  Marine  Hospital  will  take  from  50  to  75,  which 
would  unquestionably  cover  any  exigency  that  might  arise.  Further  accommoda- 
tions could  be  arranged  for,  and  I  am  positive  that  any  troops  that  are  brought 
here  will  not  alone  be  welcomed,  but  w^ll  be  very  efficiently  cared  for. 
Very  respectfully,  yours,    . 

Herbert  L.  Burrell, 
Surgeon-Superintendent  Massachusetts  Hospital  Ship  Bay  State. 


War  Department,  Surgeon-General's  Office, 

Washington,  August  3,  1898. 
Dr.  Herbert  L.  Burrell, 

Surgeon-Superintendent  Massachusetts  Hospital  Ship  Bay  State, 

11  Mount  Vernon  street,  Boston,  Mass. 
Dear  Sir:  Please  convey  my  thanks  to  the  officers  in  charge  of  the  Boston  City 
Hospital,  the  Massachusetts  General  Hospital,  and  the  Marine  Hospital  for  their 
kind  offer  to  take  care  of  any  of  our  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  who  may  be 
brought  to  Boston  on  the  ship  Bay  State.  I  gladly  accept  this  offer,  and  leave  it 
for  you  to  place  any  soldiers  you  may  bring  home  in  these  hospitals. 
.  Very  respectfully, 

Geo.  M.  Sternberg, 
Surgeon-General  U.  S.  Army. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 
BERKELEY 

Return  to  desk  from  which  borrowed. 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


DEC 


15  A947 


; 


AM 


«AR8    1.954 


ecEivFn    .':rr- 


VJ     vJ 


A4.<-4W 


LD  21-100m-9,'47(A5702sl6)476 


w 


Ens 
M±0£293-;       u 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


% 


*&  * 


*v 


iT4 


ZTi* 


V 


